Too often car enthusiasts sell a car only to wish they hadn’t. It’s sort of a reverse of “buyer’s remorse.” This happened to Ed U. with a silver and charcoal ‘58 Chevy Impala he once owned. He sold it years ago and then found he missed it. 1958 was the first year for the Impala, then as a trim package on the top-of-the-line Bel Air, and a “one-off” year for this body style.

In 1957 Chevy had vertical tail fins and 1959 had horizontal tail fins, but the 1958 had tail curves and the Impala was the only model with six tail lights. A friend, knowing he was looking, told him of one for sale in Hollywood in 2004. It was in rough condition, both inside and out, with half of the glass missing and the fenders off. It had once been fitted with hydraulics (used by low riders to bounce the front end of their cars off the ground), but it was the year and model he wanted, so he bought it anyway. After trailering it home, he did much of the body work and painted the silver on the top himself. Although the running gear is basically stock, he did get the 283 CID engine rebuilt with more horsepower. He nosed the front (removed the chrome), shaved the chrome in the back, and lowered the whole car to give a sleeker look. Now he has a car much like the one he sold years ago and he plans to keep it. At least until the next car whim hits him.

The chrome Lake pipes between the wheels are for looks, with the exhaust going through the chrome Bellflower pipes behind the rear wheels. The wheels are chrome reverse rims with baby moon hubcaps. The antenna was sunk into the body.

The silver and charcoal color is almost identical to the ‘58 Impala Ed had years ago. Although he does not take it for long trips, Ed does like cruising around locally.

Fellow Roamin Angel Eric at Sierra Custom Upholstery re-did the Lincoln Continental 6-way seats in gray tweed. The steering wheel is by Eagle. Tunes come from a stock AM radio.

Story & photos by Ron C. © 2007