The Diecast Zone · Model Car Club Since 1997
Diecast Collector Forums
Eight forums, every scale, and thirty years of shop talk — new arrivals, restorations, reviews, and the finds you won’t see posted anywhere else, with the full archive back to 2002 restored and searchable. Free to Register.
8Forums
195,000+Topics
1,276,000+Posts
10,000+Members
1997Research From
Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
28/09/2026 10:19 am
1958 saw the birth of the Impala nameplate that came on a new one year only body that finally ended the reign of the "Tri-5s" (not soon enough for me). The Impala was debuted to celebrate GM's 50th anniversary of production. And, the top V8 became the 348 W-block brought over from their truck division. With the tri-power option, it produced a whopping 315 HP. Now cleared by Federal law, it was the first Chevy with quad headlamps to go with Impala's triple taillamps. Its distinctive styling included flattened tail fins, side spears, large rocker trim, quadruple faux gills on front and rear fenders, and what was to become the iconic crossed flags with a leaping impala. DM released this '58 Impala convertible in 1992 and 34 years later, it still looks pretty nice in Tropic Turquoise. It's modeled fully accessorized with fender skirts, a continental kit and the optional 348 V8.
28/09/2026 1:39 pm
Great as always Rich. I didn't get any of the DM 58's. I was hoping they'd fix the rear on subsequent releases.😟
28/09/2026 1:52 pm
Rich your write up and pictures are always spot on. Thanks again.
28/09/2026 4:04 pm
I love your post as usual Rich, lots of cool info and fantastic photos. I hope you don’t mind if I interject some parallel facts about Chevy’s 1958 pickup that actually showed up mid-year. First year for the ‘Apache’ moniker, first year for the Fleetside bed, and first year for quad headlights. Seems like Chevy was pretty busy in ‘58!
PS I took me years to find and obtain this model, it NEVER shows up anywhere for sale! When I was finished posting this I went to eBay to look around and saw one that listed a half hour ago if anyone is interested. I absolutely recommend it!
This post was modified 2 days ago by kevins
28/09/2026 6:10 pm
When the Impala came out in 1958 it seemed people either loved them or hated them. I was in the loved it corner and couldn't believe it became a one year only design. My love for the car took until 1992 for me to find the right one. Mine was an all white hardtop with the turquoise interior, 348 four barrel with power glide, power steering, factory continental kit, dual antennas, skirts, spinner wheel covers and tissue dispenser. I loved that car but didn't have room to keep it inside and had lost the storage building I was renting. I would buy the car back today but the guy I sold it to will not let it go. I was a fan of the 55 and 56 Chevies but by 1957 I was ready for a change and the 58 was the answer for me. Great writeup and pictures Rich.
28/09/2026 7:08 pm
I like the interior color but not with that exterior color…yuck.
Geoff Jowett and Geno reacted
29/09/2026 9:46 pm
Great write-up and pics. Have it, love it. It's displayed in one of my bow tie cases.
John Bono
North Jersey
Steve Jacobs and Geno reacted