Features Friday 13 Black H.A.M.B. Friendly Cars...

Hello,

What is black, weighed 3400 lbs and was one of the fastest cars in 1958-63 in Bixby Knolls? I have to thank my brother for his choice of purchasing the new 1958 black Impala in late 1957. He wanted an instant teenage cruising car that was also fast in the quarter mile. There were oodles of 58 Impalas at Lion’s Dragstrip from all over So Cal. He felt that he could get one and perhaps become a coveted, trophy winner in the A/Stock factory stock class. At the time, it was ruled by several bronze and beige 58 impalas with the same motor that all had from the factory, a 348 with 280 hp.

The idea of a fast sedan to take his friends on various road trips all over So Cal was in his plans. He also wanted a car that could be competitive with his friend that had a 34 Ford 5 window coupe with a big, modified Oldsmobile motor and multiple carbs on it. That 34 coupe ran in A/Gas and had already won a trophy or two. It was fast, too. (but, for some reason over their teenage years of hot rod ownerships, they never raced each other.)

Jnaki

When it was my time to drive/own/modify the 58 Impala, I was obviously overjoyed. My brother was now in his burn recovery time and got into revitalizing his surfing lifestyle. That was good for me as I was now the owner of a cool 1958 pristine black Impala. (which I had been the caretaker of since 1957, doing detailing, washing, mechanical maintenance/upgrades, etc.)

But, all along, this is the look that I wanted as soon as the American Racing Equipment 5 spoke mag wheels came out on the market. The depressing thing was that they were too expensive for a teenager back then.

It would have looked as fast as it was, but with a definite drag racing look. VERY CLASSY…

In 1963, I did come across some infusion of cash, so I bought a 5 wheel set of Buick Skylark wire wheels that were in pristine condition. I had Henry’s Machine Shop convert the Chevy hubs-axles to a Buick bolt pattern. The chrome Skylark wires were the nicest looking addition that I was able to put on my 58 Impala. Now, it was a mild custom, as well as a fast car.

As the So Cal scene is populated with plenty of mild customs and fast hot rods, those Buick Skylark wire wheels did not last long, as they got stolen in the summer of 64. Then black Buick rims were the look until the 58 Impala was sold to a friend in late 64. The Skylark wire wheels gave the Impala a different look, but were less expensive than buying a set of American Racing Equipment 5 spoke mag wheels.

 

Both mine are black

 

Hard To Beat A Straight Black Car...

 

NOT BLACK!----DEEP ROOT BEER!

 

Just about EVERY hot rod I build ends up being black primer or semi-flat black. The 36 Cabriolet (avatar) is getting the same treatment (photoshopped)

 

Never Enough Shiny Black...

 

Is it Friday yet?

Right there with ya Lou!

 

Black Is Beautiful!

 

Beyond Cool...Thank You...

 

I'll play ! Waiting for the salt to go away.

 

Black Friday The 15th...

 

My 34 and she who must be obeyed,s 32 truck

 

Black enough?

 

Black As A Bowling Ball...

 

My 29

 

Vic’s A V8 is definitely a favorite for sure!


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sure was a nice one,owner was very polite

 

Definitely! Vic gave me a lot of advice when I was porting my 8BA. Great guy!



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Black is Beautiful!!