The Impala became its own model in 1959 with both two and four-door versions. Chevy's radically restyled 1959 passenger models were a big surprise rendering the all-new 1958?s obsolete. According to press materials of the day mechanical advancements of improved brakes new suspension and easier handling point to a luxury liner that is marked for top popularity. As with all 1959 Chevy's the new Impalas were longer lower wider and curvier. Chevy?s bold new face dropped the headlights seven inches from 1958 to the minimum height allowable. Interiors gained nearly five inches in width. They also had the wildest tailfins besides Cadillac. The rear end sported "bat wing" rear fenders "cat's eye" tail lamps and a huge deck lid. The drive train stayed the same with some increases in horsepower and sales remained good. Of particular interest to enthusiasts were the availability of fuel injected 283 V8's although these were rare. Starting prices were $2592 for the I-6 sedan up to $2967 for the convertible coupe. Weights were approximately 3570-3665 lbs. The theory worked and Impala production reached 473000 units in 1959 - Chevy's top-selling car nameplate. Impala became America's best seller just one year later
