Todays car is a 1958 Chevrolet Impala 2 door hard top finished in Arctic White. It was owned by Bob Schoolcraft and they have a couple of stories to tell. Besides being a beautiful car this is the first 1958 Impala 2 door hardtop made. The serial number of the car is: F58S200001 and is factory validated. This car is powered by a 348 cu in with three Rochester two-barrel carburetors. If it was the “Super Turbo-Thrust” it produced 280 HP or it could be the “Special Super Turbo-Thrust” with mechanical lifters and produced 315 HP. Transferring that power through a 3-speed manual transmission and delivering that power to the rear wheels through 3.55 t0 1 gear ratio with positraction. Top speed was 112 or 120 mph and the 0 to 60 times where in 8’s or 8.4’s depending on which 348 engines were selected. Curb weight was approximately 3750 lbs.
My friend Bob Shankwitz living Alabama shared this story with me and verifies its validity. His friend and fellow car enthusiast the late Bob Schoolcraft was a Air Force veteran and suffered severe agent orange exposure. My friend Bob, after reading Sandy’s story of “Their first new car”, said that reminds me of a story. Here it is.
Their car club, Gear Jammer Car Club of Baldwin County, was doing a benefit car show at an elderly and hospice facility. The staff would drive the residents out in golf carts and escorted them from car to car. The looks from the residents was a wonder to behold. His friend Bob Schoolcraft had his 1958 Chevrolet Impala there.
An elderly woman walked up to the car and began crying while clutching her hands to her chest. When she was asked by the staff if she was alright she responded “Yes, yes, it’s just…that…that…I lost my virginity in that very backseat!” Bob, the owner of the 58 was at a loss for words just stood there spitting and sputtering. While the club and everyone at ear shot was rolling with laughter. I guess you had to be there! LOL
Thanks Bob for sharing that great story and thanks to Gear Jammer Car Club of Baldwin County for the photos from their Car / Parts for Sale web page. The 58 sold for 6 figures.
It is a beautiful car and has some great memories.
Frank
