SOLD! LOT 118 – 1960 RHD CHEVY IMPALA CONVERTIBLE
1960 RHD CHEVY IMPALA CONVERTIBLE
HIGHLIGHTS: – Rare factory convertible – Body off restoration in the 90s – Right hand drive converted – Rebuilt 283ci V8 – Rebuilt Powerglide automatic – Power convertible top – Power seats – Power steering – Power disc brake front end
This 1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible was imported to Australia back in early 1961. The car spent the early part of its life in regional Victoria. It was purchased in 1979 and stored in Kallangur, QLD until mid 1986. The Impala underwent an extensive, body off chassis restoration over 5 years, from 1989 until 1994.
During this time, the factory 283ci V8 engine which still lives in the engine bay was fully rebuilt. The engine is paired to an aluminium Powerglide automatic transmission which was recently overhauled in 2019. Other upgrades from factory include the power steering being upgraded to a Saginaw power box rather than the old ram assisted item and the front brakes were upgraded to discs rather than drums with power assistance and dual circuit master cylinder.
The body of the Impala was fully repainted in white with a baby blue highlight and new matching baby blue convertible top. The chrome and trim around the car was all refurbished during the resto and despite being an older job, has held up well. The convertible top frame was all restored with a new baby blue canvas added in 2016 to match the impala side flash. The top is power operated from a switch on the dash and functions well. The wiring for the front headlights has been brought up to late model standards for brighter lighting and the tail lights are LED replacement items. The factory look is completed with a set of new steel wheels with 60 Impala hubcaps and wide white wall tyres.
Inside the interior was also give the full treatment during the resto with new seat covers front and rear and a fully restored dash. The first thing you will notice is that the car has been converted over to right hand drive. The dashboard on these 60 Impalas is one of the coolest every to be put into a car and the conversion of the dash has been executed well. The factory steering wheel is nicely restored and just looks right on these cars. There is a non-standard heater fitted with controls neatly mounted under the dash as well as a Wonderbar style GM radio. The carpets were refreshed in 2016 in the correct factory style blue. The seat is also power operated which is a nice option.
These early Impalas are certainly very collectible cars today and the convertible is the ultimate, rarest and most sought after of the body styles. This car being fully restored and converted to right hand drive with some great driveability upgrades would make for the perfect family cruiser.
PLEASE CALL LOCKY MCCANN WITH SALES ENQUIRIES ON 0403 935 488
IMPORTANT: Vehicle information is provided to us by the consignee. We do everything we can to qualify the best cars in the Australian market to represent on consignment for private sellers however, they are still old cars and we can’t capture everything in the photos, we don’t drive them any significant distance and can’t know everything about them. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied themselves as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgement solely. Vehicles may have been sitting for some time and it is suggested that to protect your investment, you allow to change fuel, oil, fluids, filters and inspect brakes prior to use. All vehicles are sold under standard auction conditions, consignment and auction vehicles are sold as is, without registration unless otherwise stated and there is no cooling off period or warranty expressed, written or implied. All sales are final. Independent inspections are welcome and strongly encouraged to help with your decision making.
Located at 2 Palings Court, Nerang on the Gold Coast. Inspections by appointment during auction and public openings/viewing as advertised.
