Cruising and rock and roll are two of the more memorable cultural touchstones to come out of the 1950s. Few artists of the era embody the spirit of ’50s rock and roll as well as Buddy Holly - opens in new window or tab.. It would be hard to pick a better choice for cruising than a Chevrolet Impala.
This stunning 1958 Chevrolet Impala two-door hardtop combines the best of both, as it was once Buddy Holly’s personal car. It’s recently listed on eBay and could be your next ride.
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The Impala was originally purchased from Meadows-Stewart Chevrolet of Clovis, New Mexico, by Holly’s manager as a gift for the young rock and roller. It remained in the family for years after Buddy gifted it to them one Christmas. The statuesque Chevrolet remained a southern car but eventually fell into disrepair and ended up in a Texas salvage yard.
It languished for years before undergoing a complete restoration to its current condition. The odometer reading of fewer than 4,000 miles is said to be inaccurate but is believable, given the overall condition of the car.
Yep, That Peggy Sue
The restoration included a repaint in the original and rarely seen Cay Coral, an oh-so-1950s pinkish shade offered by General Motors in limited numbers to commemorate its 50th anniversary.
Holly is said to have personally chosen the shade, along with the matching coral interior. Other options include a pushbutton AM radio - opens in new window or tab. and rear seat speaker, perfect for blasting Holly’s hit Peggy Sue while cruising to the drive-in. Remarkably, the actual Peggy Sue Gerron - opens in new window or tab. who inspired the song also owned this Impala for a while after its restoration. She autographed both rear fender skirts.
Three, Not Two
Chevrolet introduced the Impala as the flagship model in the completely redesigned 1958 lineup. Lower, wider, and some nine inches longer overall than a 1957 Chevy Bel Air - opens in new window or tab., the new models looked so dramatically different and more modern that it’s hard to believe both came from the same manufacturer.
As the top-of-the-line model, the Impala pulled out all the stops on the new look. Where lower trims presented a more conservative appearance, the Impala was designed to be bold and in your face.
From the full-length chrome side spear to the fake brake ducts and dual-angled rear radio antennas - opens in new window or tab., this was not a car for those who preferred to blend into the woodwork. What really set the Impala apart were its three taillights on each side, where lower trims got by with two.
New quad headlights emphasized the low, wide look and the previous model’s tail fins - opens in new window or tab. were replaced with a more sculpted appearance. Underneath, a new frame added structural rigidity while also enabling the lower stance.
Yet, in spite of all the effort and expense that went into the redesign, the look of the 1958 Chevrolet lasted only one year. Another redo came along for 1959, as carmakers scrambled to keep up during a period of fierce competition.
Combining a one-year-only design in a limited production color with a documented history of Buddy Holly’s ownership makes this a unique and desirable Impala. But what really puts it over the top is that Peggy Sue owned it, too.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.