283 cid V-8 engine with 230 HP, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with coil-spring trailing arm suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 119”


When the fin wars of the 1950s began to wane, it was anyone’s guess where the design for the U.S. automobile was headed. After all, how could one even think of topping the huge fins and sparkling jewelry that defined the Decade of Innocence? As the 1960s dawned, Detroit entered a time of sophistication that took the American car from pinball game status to a stylish ride that was tasteful and streamlined. Cadillac’s fins were now more subtle, and Ford’s cars were downright docile as the new decade emerged. It would take Chrysler a few more years to catch on, but eventually the jet-inspired cruisers of the 1950s were modernized into the sleek designs of the 1960s. As Chevrolet entered the decade, their cars now carried a more streamlined style with a more discriminating use of chrome to complement its long and low look. The most dazzling car in Chevy’s line-up for 1960 was the gorgeous Impala. The beauty of Chevy’s Impala for 1960 was found at the rear with an attractively styled “gullwing” theme that saw the fin laid over on its side into the body for a smooth and stylish look. It was a natural progression from the fin wars of the 1950s and it gave Chevrolet’s cars a look of sophistication.

These dazzling styling cues are eveident on this 1960 Impala Convertible that’s finished in Chevrolet’s attractive Roman Red with a white rear quarter trim spear. This is an original car with just 62,000 miles on it and today presents as an excellent car. This Impala has just emerged from a single 30-year ownership and has had just one repaint some 40 years ago. Chevrolet’s grille up front for 1960 ran the entire lateral length of the car and twin headlamps were all the rage for 1960. Twin aircraft-styled vertical stabilizers rode at the front of the fenders giving just a slight hint that the age of the jet-inspired car was not quite over yet. A panoramic wraparound windshield offered excellent visibility on the open road. All these fine styling cues came together at the rear with the gullwing design and a triple taillight theme that was simple and uncluttered. The interior of this Impala is original to the car and is everything one would expect from a fine boulevard cruiser with jet-like pods housing the gauges and a two-spoke “boomerang” styled steering wheel that’s both sporty and functional. Bucket seats were still a few years away and the front bench seat in this example was the standard of the day when a car easily held six passengers. The upholstery is finished in red and white and it also carries Chevrolet script rubber floor mats. It’s also equipped with a padded dashboard, deluxe heater, and radio. Power for this Impala comes from one of Chevrolet’s best engines ever built in the way of a 283 V-8 with 230 horsepower, which gives it more than enough muscle to maintain modern highway speeds. This Impala rides on wide whitewall tires with deluxe Chevrolet hubcaps for the perfect cruiser look. This is a car that has been superbly maintained to the highest standards and comes with all its books and records.

In a time when bigger was better, the 1960 Chevrolet was a car that ruled the road. This Impala has all the right characteristics and it has been driven only 62,000 miles. This is a car that can be driven and enjoyed as well as attending an occasional show. For the very best in a full-size Chevrolet that offers top down fun on a sunny day, this Impala is ready for the open road.