Man Tries to Sell His 1959 Chevrolet Impala for a Tesla, Battle Already Fierce

1959 was the year that Chevrolet promoted the Impala to an independent series, after launching it in 1958 as part of the Bel Air line.

The car's immediate success left GM no choice but to let the Impala go its own way, although this strategy did make the Bel Air the backup model for many full-size buyers.

The two continued to share most of their parts, styling, and engines, but the Impala was the new flagship that everyone wanted if they didn't mind paying more for the complete package. The car was available with both six-cylinder and V8 engines, with the best choice still being the 348-ci unit that had debuted a year earlier alongside the Impala.

The base V8 was the 283, but the 348 was available in several configurations, being considered by many collectors the only “true” power choice for an Impala.

The 1959 Impala in these photos ended up online after its owner decided to let it go and use the money to buy a Tesla. eBay seller warehouse650 says he’s too old to drive and wants a Tesla specifically for Autopilot, so the Impala is looking for a new home where it can get a little TLC and get back on the road regularly.

The car isn't perfect, but it's still an attention-grabbing machine, so much so that the owner says that wherever he parks it, everyone gathers around it.

The Impala needs some minor repairs, including paint, but rust is not a major issue. The engine under the hood starts, runs and drives, so it is already a normal driver. However, the engine in this Impala is no longer the original unit, as it features a 427ci unit rated at 390 horsepower. This makes more power than the most powerful 348 available in 1959, although it is unknown which engine was installed from the factory.

The Impala still has the original radio, which still works, and sports several other gadgets, but you should contact the seller and arrange for an in-person inspection to examine everything thoroughly. It sounds intriguing, but considering this Impala will likely become an expensive purchase, a full inspection before purchasing is highly recommended.

The bidding is already fierce on eBay, with 7 people trying to secure the car. The highest bid is $40,000, and considering the owner hasn't set a reserve, the highest bidder will take home the Impala. The auction ends in five days, and anyone can see the car in person in San Bruno, California.

The auction site says 30 people have added the car to their watchlist, so it could only be a matter of time before they enter the bidding.