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THIS MODEL WILL BE DISCONTINUED ON JUNE 30, 2000. Introduced in 1958, this was Chevrolet's very first car bearing the Impala name. In a year when gobs of chrome was fashionable (to GM anyway) the Impala was stylish and its chrome was tastefully done, not really gaudy.
The Danbury Mint replicated this car in 1993 and although it's technologically dated, this Impala still stands up well. The beautiful Tropic Turquoise paint is very smooth and the door, hood and trunk gaps are minimal. The chrome trim pieces, and there are plenty, are carefully applied. Overall, the proportions look good but the thin trim that follows the upper rear fender contour appears too flat. The rocker panel moldings are too wide and too thick. A boo-boo are the skirts which are part of the body casting and look it. The Connie-kit is a take-it-or-leave-it option.
The unwired "Turbo Thrust" 348 c.i. engine sits in a nicely detailed engine bay. The trunk is black plastic with a spare in it. DM did a good job of replicating the multi-colored upholstery; the front seats don't fold but do 'give' to the touch. Door panels, steering wheel, carpeting and a very nice dashboard have been given plenty of attention. The legendary '58 Impala will always stand out, especially in a one-off year and should be in any decent collection, despite its aged qualities. The issue price is $109 + $5.80 S&H. (03/25/2000)
(06/02/2000)
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