Chassis No.
F58K113947
Introduced for the 1958 model year, the Chevrolet Impala signaled a bold new direction in styling, luxury, and performance for the brand. Chevrolet had long been known for producing dependable, affordable automobiles for the American public, but the Impala elevated the marque into a more refined and aspirational category. Named after the graceful African antelope, the model was designed to convey both elegance and speed, qualities reflected in its sweeping lines and confident presence on the road. Built on Chevrolets new Safety-Girder X-frame chassis for 1958, the Impala Coupe featured dramatic styling that perfectly captured the spirit of late-1950s American design. Its low roofline sculpted rear fenders, distinctive triple taillights, and tasteful chrome accents set it apart from other models in the Chevrolet range. Inside, the Impala offered a noticeably more upscale environment than its Bel Air counterparts, featuring patterned upholstery, bright trim, and a stylish dashboard layout. Buyers could also select from a range of powerful V-8 engines, adding to its sporty appeal. The Impala quickly became a symbol of success and style in postwar America. Its combination of bold design, strong performance, and comfortable luxury made it a favorite among entertainers, musicians, and Hollywood personalities of the era. Seen parked outside nightclubs, film studios, and fashionable restaurants, the 1958 Impala Coupe represented the glamour and optimism of the late 1950s, firmly establishing itself as one of Chevrolets most celebrated and iconic automobiles. One of those famed musicians to embrace and fully enjoy all the 1958 Impala had to offer was Buddy Holly. The pioneering American rock and roll singer-songwriter from Lubbock, Texas, who was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, Holly was best known for his chart-topping hits like Thatll Be the Day and Peggy Sue. In the case of this example, chassis F58K113947 was purchased new at Meadows-Stewart Chevrolet of Clovis, New Mexico for Buddy Holly by his manager Norman Petty as Buddy's first major purchase following his hit song. It is said that Buddy Holly chose the Cay Coral paint in part to coordinate with his connection to Coral Records of New York. Buddy later gifted this Impala as a belated Christmas gift, to his family and it was titled in his fathers name, L.O. Holley. A copy of this title is on file. History of this Impala is said to then be acquired by one of Norman Pettys staff musicians, still titled in L.O.s name, before it was abandoned at an Amarillo Texas body shop. Stored there for a number of years, it was then purchased by Bill Clement of Chevy Craft in Lubbock, Texas, who was best known as, The Chevy Guy. Getting in contact with Buddy Hollys brother, who still retained the title in his fathers name, they were able to authenticate this Impala as the one Buddy and the Holley family enjoyed and used. To ensure its legacy was kept alive, Bill Clement commenced a comprehensive restoration, with the interior being updated by Can Am Resto of Canada and the brightwork replated and polished by Plains Electroplating. Beautifully presented in its original color of Cay Coral with a white top, it features its numbers-matching 283-cubic-inch 230-horsepower four-barrel carburetor V-8 engine that is paired with a Powerglide automatic transmission. During the restoration, tasteful updates were made, such as installing an exhaust by A\&B Muffler, a radiator by Wilkinson Radiator, and, in a nod to Buddy, a new sound system by R\&R Radio. The restoration is documented by photos and was featured in various magazines such as *Rod & Custom.* Eventually this lovely Impala was purchased by the real Peggy Sue Gerron in 2010, for whom the hit 1957 Buddy Holly song Peggy Sue was written. A fitting owner for this Impala, Peggy had been involved with the restoration and helped identify the car with Buddys brother when Bill Clement had the car at his shop. Accompanying the sale of this Impala is a wide range of documentation that includes copies of previous titles, previous ownership notes, restoration photos, and fender skirts autographed by Peggy Sue. Owning this remarkable 1958 Chevrolet Impala Coupe offers far more than simply possessing a beautifully restored example of one of Chevrolets most iconic designs, it provides a tangible connection to the golden age of American rock and roll and the legendary story of Buddy Holly. Combining celebrity provenance and striking late-1950s styling, this Impala represents an opportunity to acquire a truly distinctive piece of automotive and musical history that will stand out within a collection. * Formerly owned by the central and pioneering figure of rock and roll, Grammy Hall of Famer Buddy Holly * Buddy Holly's first major purchase following his first hit single * Eventually purchased by the real Peggy Sue in 2010, the namesake of the 1957 Buddy Holly hit song * Numbers-matching 283/230-HP V-8 engine * Comprehensively restored by Chevy Craft of Texas * Well-documented and accompanied by various records From the Kruse Auctions
For the complete description or to view additional photos, click here: https://listings.kruseauctions.com/listings/AS26-000058
