1960 Chevrolet Impala

Probably hands down one of the most beautiful Chevrolet’s that ever rolled off the assembly line, the 1960 Chevrolet Impala’s direction went for  a more conservative look than was seen on the redesigned 1959 model.

Even though in the eyes of today's collectors and enthusiasts, those scoffed at tailfins were a major part of the car's appeal if you follow the  “bigger the better” way of thinking.  GM stylists however, realized that the fin and chrome fashion had about run its course.  So, they decided to shift direction a little.

Now, the sweeping horizontal fins didn't disappear. For 1960, they were just toned down a bit, giving them a more tasteful and tempered rear that blended neatly into the quarter panels, and was also helped by the installation of three round taillights on each side of the top of the line Impala.

The former ferocious snorting-nostril air intakes above the headlights of the prior year’s model disappeared completely.  The 1960 redesign went for more of a spaceship vibe.

Decked out with more chrome than Bel Air or Biscayne models, Impalas gained buyers more easily.  About 490,000 produced proves that.  These Impalas displayed such goodies as nonfunctional air-intake scoops, plus a white band running along the rear fender. Four body styles were made available for customers: The Hardtop Sport Sedan featuring a panoramic back window within slim rear pillars, a Sport Coupe, a Convertible , and a four-door sedan for the family types. Impala hosted Chevy's only full-size convertible, leading the line at $2,847  ($2,954 if equipped with a V-8).

Drivetrain choices varied, with seven V-8 engines ratings to pick from, either in 283 or 348 cubic inches.  At the top of the list was the 348 cubic inch Super Turbo Thrust Special, breathing air through triple two-barrel carburetors, and using 11.25:1 compression and dual exhausts to produce 335 horsepower.  Other more modest choices of the 348 yielded 250 to 320 horses.  The carbureted Turbo Fire 283 cubic inch V-8 could have either 170 or 230 horsepower, but fuel injection was no longer an option under full-size Chevrolet hoods.

Whether you restore them, customize or street rod them, the 1960 Chevrolet Impalas lend themselves well to whatever your preference may be.  They are a treat for the eyes, and when equipped with the 348 Super Turbo Thrust…a treat for the street as well. ‘Nuff said.

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