This ’59 Impala Combines Original Drivetrain With Modern Components

Definition of a “clean” upgrade: One in which the original body-lines and interior have been maintained, while some of the most central components have been improved. By “central,” of course, we mean things like 4-piston disc brakes and coil-over suspension. At the same time, we’ll always maintain that there’s just something cool about an original drivetrain; we know that they’re not the smoothest or the most efficient, but they still have a very original touch that sets them apart from the electronically-governed units that we know today.

This, of course, is mostly applicable to the elements of body-style and power-train, but when discussing suspension components, air-conditioning and things of this nature, it becomes a different story.

In this instance, the only “cool” one should ever be concerned with is the kind that comes from such modern amenities as Vintage Air’s retrofitted air-conditioning units, made specifically for those classic cars that might not have featured air originally. Disc brakes have also been added to make this sweet ’59 a ride that is as safe as it is sweet, something that would’ve been space-age by 1959 construction standards.

But what makes the car so awesome as to be worthy of the street-rodding press is the way in which it brings together these contemporary upgrades with an original tri-powered 348 and 4-speed, establishing the balance between new and classic.

It also makes for a driving experience that maintains as much comfort as it does the classic look and feel of the era, because anyone who has ever read their motor-enthusiast books in the past knows that the development of suspension and creature-comforts in cars have come a long way over the last 45 years.

All-in-all, this ’59 Chevy is a clean piece of history that embraces a whole new generation of American motor enthusiasts, and we’re glad to see that someone was willing to take the time to treat it to the rotisserie/frame-off restoration that lead to the clean iron seen here.

By: Salvatore Alaimo

Thanks to: www.rodauthority.com