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Most Wanted Classic Cars: Chevrolet Impala (Part 2)

1965 was a big year for the Chevrolet Impala. It was no longer the boxy car it used to be. It was given a more streamlined body, with curved side windows and a more sharply angled windshield. This new design caught the fancy of many automobile enthusiasts, and it sold more than 1 million units, which is an all-time record for an American car model.

The Impala became the biggest full-size car that was ever sold by General Motors in 1971. It offered engines options that ranged from the 250 inline 6-cyclinder to the 454 engine. The following year, the overall sales of the Impala exceeded the 10-million mark, which further established its status as the best-selling American full-size car. Its closest full-size competitor, the Ford Galaxie, did not even sell half as many. However, the popularity of the Impala began to slip in 1973 with the coming of the energy crisis. It sold only 176, 376 units in 1975, which was the worst sales recorded since it was introduced in 1958.

In 1977, the Impala underwent major redesigning again, and it became shorter and narrower. Despite the downsizing, it offered better legroom and a more spacious trunk. This new Impala was named Car of the Year by Motor Trend. Little changes were done to the car in the years that followed, and it was discontinued in the year 1985. However, it was reintroduced in 1994.

The Chevrolet Impala remains the most successful car that was offered by General Motors, and it holds a special place in the hearts of American car enthusiasts. For classic car lovers, there are few cars in history that can match up to the appeal of the Impalas of 1958 to 1967.