The 1959 Chevy Impala is a classic American muscle car that has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts for generations. This iconic car has been featured in movies, music videos, and TV shows, and is known for its sleek design, powerful engine, and impressive performance on the road. In this article, we will take a closer look at the 1959 Chevy Impala 409 Four Speed, exploring its history, features, and impact on American culture.
History of the 1959 Chevy Impala
The Chevy Impala was first introduced in 1958 as a top-of-the-line luxury car. It quickly became popular among car buyers, with sales reaching over 440,000 in its first year of production. The 1959 model year saw some significant changes to the Impala, including a longer and wider body, redesigned front and rear ends, and a more powerful engine lineup.
One of the most sought-after engine options in the 1959 Chevy Impala was the 409 V8. This engine was first introduced in 1961 and quickly gained a reputation as a high-performance powerhouse. With its 4-barrel carburetor and Tri-Power setup, the 409 was capable of producing up to 425 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque [5].
Features of the 1959 Chevy Impala 409 Four Speed
The 1959 Chevy Impala 409 Four Speed was a true American muscle car, known for its impressive power and speed on the road. This car was equipped with a 409 V8 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission, making it a favorite among drag racers and car enthusiasts alike.
Other notable features of the 1959 Chevy Impala included power steering, power brakes, and a redesigned dashboard with a speedometer that could display speeds up to 120 mph. The car also had a distinctive design, with its long, sleek body and signature “bubble top” roof.
Impact on American Culture
The 1959 Chevy Impala 409 Four Speed had a significant impact on American culture, especially during the heyday of the muscle car era in the 1960s and 1970s. This car was often featured in popular music, movies, and TV shows, cementing its status as an American icon.
One of the most famous appearances of the 1959 Chevy Impala was in the 1964 Beach Boys song “409,” which celebrated the car’s powerful engine and speed on the road. The song became a hit among car enthusiasts and helped to popularize the 409 V8 engine among drag racers and hot rodders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1959 Chevy Impala 409 Four Speed is a classic American muscle car that has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts for generations. With its powerful engine, sleek design, and impact on American culture, this car has become a true icon of the automotive world. Whether you are a collector, a drag racer, or simply a fan of classic cars, the 1959 Chevy Impala 409 Four Speed is a car that is sure to impress.
[1] “For $147 you could get the 283 with a 4-barrel carburetor which gave a further 45 horsepower. However, the original owner of this Impala opted to get the most powerful engine Chevrolet had on offer that year – a 280 horsepower, 348 cubic inch V8 with Tri-Power (3 x 2-barrel carburetors). Pair with a 4-speed manual transmission it was a …”
URL: https://www.carsandstripes.com/chevrolet/1959-impala/
[2] “or $809/mo. 1959 Chevrolet Impala in very nice condition all the toy s 350 v 8, 700r 4 trans 605 steering power disc up front,air condition, nice as they come. Please Note The Following Vehicle Location…. Classic Car Deals (844) 676-0714. Cadillac, MI 49601.”
URL: https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars-for-sale/1959-chevrolet-impala-for-sale
[3] “With a 283. 283s use 6 cyl bellhousings 327s use 409 style. I took measurements for the shifter hole off my original 63 409 4 speed impala. Not only does the shifter on the t10 bolt up in a different spot. But 4 speed cars have a higher trans hump so the measurement was way off. Luckily show cars out of New ulm mn. Sells a repro 4 speed weld in …”
URL: https://www.southeastchevyparts.com/Finally-Proven-Steps-to-Convert-Your-Chevy-Into-a-4-speed-_b_50.html
[4] “This Impala SS has a fun powertrain – a 409 engine and 4-speed manual transmission. The current owner thinks this car originally came with a 348 engine, with a year-correct 409 swapped in later. It should be making 360 hp and 409 lb-ft of torque. Car and Driver tested it back in the day and reported a 0-60mph time of 6.7 seconds.”
URL: https://barnfinds.com/409-4-speed-1961-chevy-impala-ss-bubble-top/
[5] “The next best thing was an Impala with the 409 with dual four-barrel carbs, 11.0:1 compression and a 4-speed, just like this project has here on craigslist in Los Angeles for $27K. The seller claims this is a “factory race ready” car for the street, largely because it is the hotted-up version of the more commonplace 409 that spit out 340 b.h.p.”
URL: https://barnfinds.com/425hp-v8-4-speed-1963-chevy-impala-409/