The Chevrolet Impala car got its name thanks to the African antelope, and the word itself is of Zulu origin. It was introduced in 1958 as a very prestigious and expensive version of the Chevrolet Bel Air. Potential buyers could purchase either a two-door hardtop or convertible. The car sold out so well that it was decided to release it as a separate model. And in 1959, the Chevrolet Impala came out, having a four-door version, and became at that time the best-selling model in the Chevrolet lineup. And a year later, she became the most popular car in the United States and remained so for the next 10 years. During this time, more than 13 million Impalas were bought. Well, in 1965, a record was set, which to this day remains unbroken - about one million Chevrolet cars were sold in one year.
What is the reason for such an unprecedented success? Firstly, the engine of the machine, which varied depending on volume or power. Secondly, an acceptable price for such a car, which amounted to 2780 dollars. And most importantly - the appearance of the car, which even overshadowed the Chrysler Imperial. Chevrolet Impala is the latest work of the legendary car designer Harley Earle. Bill Mitchell, who replaced him, retained a unique body shape that resembles a Coca-Cola bottle, but saved the car from some floridness, since clean and strict lines were fashionable at that time.
However, the energy crisis, which erupted in 1973 and caused a shortage of fuel, significantly reduced the demand for the Impala, who absorbed gas in huge quantities. But, nevertheless, the Chevrolet Impala still slowly regained its former greatness and in 1977 received the title "Car of the Year." Although the previous popularity, of course, was far away.
..
To date, the 1967 Chevrolet Impala can be considered the most popular model. This is primarily due to the fact that it is on such a car that the main characters of the nowadays popular Supernatural series drive around. According to the director and scriptwriter of this series, Eric Kripke, for a long time he could not decide on the choice of a car suitable for the heroes, until his neighbor advised him on this particular model, explaining this by the fact that in the trunk of such a car, you can easily hide the corpse.
The appearance of the 1967 Chevrolet Impala was slightly changed. The "bottle of cola" in the body stands out more than in previous models. In addition, the car received characteristic bends that were never used in the future. Another difference is the large amount of chrome, which can not be said about other Chevrolet models.
The 1967 version was produced in six different variations: a two-door coupe, a two-door convertible, a two-door hardtop, a four-door hardtop, a four-door station wagon and a four-door sedan. Of these, 2-hardtops and 2-coupes were the most bought, although four-door models sold out pretty well, as they belonged to the family car class.
In short, the Chevrolet Impala is a "muscular" general-purpose car, which marked the beginning of the muscle car era.