Tempting Tri-Power: 1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible – Flagged For Removal

February 9, 2022 Update – a check of the listing used for this post revealed Craigslist flagged it for removal. We’re not sure what their rationale was, but we’ve removed the contact information out of an abundance of caution.

Initiated by Cadillac in 1949, the tail fin design element became a staple of most late 1950s car designs. Many consider the 1959 model year to be the pinnacle of tail fin design.  Chevrolet’s horizontal fin design was only of the more radical layouts that emphasized the optimism of jet-age styling. The wild Chevrolet tailfin design would last just one more model year when the brand incorporated the two- and three-round taillight design for its full-size line.  This 1960 Chevrolet Impala convertible originally listed in February 2022 on Craigslist in the Manhattan borough of New York appears to be a 25K original mile survivor optioned with Chevy’s 348 cubic inch V8 topped with Tri-Power carburetion.

Currently offered at $39,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Impala priced nearly nineteen thousand less than this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $57,800.  More realistically, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $38,500 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $52,700 before factoring in a twenty-five percent premium for the rare 348 cubic inches, Tri-Power V8.

Like all full-size “B” and “C” body GM products that year, Chevrolet stylists completely revamped the 1959 Chevrolet Impala.  Sharing bodyshells with lower-end Buicks, Oldsmobiles, and Pontiacs, the Chevrolet’s wheelbase was 1-1/2 inches longer than the 1958 model it replaced. Using a new X-frame chassis, the roofline was 3 inches lower, bodies were 2 inches wider, and curb weight increased. Its tailfins protruded outward, rather than upward. The taillights were a large “teardrop” design at each side, and two slim-wide, nonfunctional front air intake scoops were added just above the grille,

The Impala became a separate series, adding a four-door hardtop and four-door sedan, to the two-door Sport Coupe and convertible. Sport Coupes featured a shortened roof line and wrap-over back window. The standard engine was an I6, while the base V8 was the carryover 185 horsepower 283 cubic inch. Optional were a 290 horsepower version of the 283 and several versions of the larger 348 cubic inch V8 making up to 335 horsepower. Standard were front and rear armrests, an electric clock, dual sliding sun visors, and crank-operated front vent windows. A contoured hooded instrument panel held deep-set gauges. A six-way power seat was a new option, as was “Speedminder”, for the driver to set a needle at a specific speed and a buzzer would sound if the preset were exceeded.  The 1960 Impala models reinstated three round taillights on each side, and a white band running along the rear fenders.

The Saturday’s World YouTube Channel features this lengthy 1960 Chevrolet commercial:

We love the color combination, the subtle light silver front stripe, the wire wheels, and the documented restoration.  Most of all, rather than mess with sourcing and installing an original electric overdrive unit, the restorer went with an arguably more reliable Toyota five-speed overdrive conversion.  This is a great-looking sports car that will likely get you compliments and more awards every time you enter it in a classic British car show.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible, stunning Ermine white paint, black convertible top, excellent chrome, and trim, immaculate Red and White interior, 348 cu in 335 HP V8 with Tri-Power, automatic transmission, power steering, dual exhaust, wide whitewall radial tires, spinner wheel covers, runs and drives beautifully, super nice!
Let me know if you are willing to purchase, write me directly at my office:“

Show or go: what would you do with this 1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible?  Comment below and let us know!