Interestingly about the 348 with 4bbl...they either screamed and burnt rubber for a quarter mile or were dogs. Mine has tri-power with a lame Powerglide automatic tranny, but no guts. Still, love her dearly...my favorite Chevy design of all time. They can keep there iconic 1957 which I thought was an awkward design. Actually preferred the boxy look of the 55 and 56 Bel Airs.
Imagine the above 1958 with all its trim in Cashmire (light) Blue with duel front fender mirrors; duel rear antennas, fender skirts, and best - continental package on the rear. That alone gets many looks. 1958 Impalas were not known for Continental kits. It's in great shape, but just what's called a "survivor". Not show material, although I keep replaceing stuff as I can afford.
Also, had an interesting conversation here about the first "muscle cars". So many say it was Mopar with the early sixties Charger or the same era Olds 442 and such. Yes, they would put you back in the seat, but they are ALL wrong. THE very first muscle car was the 1961 Chevy with the 409. There's a reason the Beach Boys wrote a song about, "409".
Some day I will put either a 427 or 454 under the hood just to move that tank along quicker. Of course, I will have to upgrade the tranny and suspension - just a dream for now. Still, she is so beautiful and I love every moment I work on her and/or polish her.
I owned a ‘64 442 with bad brakes, graduated to a ‘66 Chevy L-78 (solid lifter motor.) I took a detour and owned a series of Jaguars from the 50s and 60s.
All fun.