1958 is when Chevrolet Bel Air officially introduced the Impala nameplate, first offered as the top-of-the-range configuration and later evolving to become a standalone series.
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And while the Impala itself grew so much that it managed to make history all by itself (for example, the 1965 model became the first car in the U.S. to sell more than 1 million units in a single year), the Bel Air remained a popular designation in Chevrolet’s home market.And a look at the example that we have here proves it all happened for a good reason.The 1958 Bel Air was a handsome car, there’s no doubt about that, though the one sold online by eBay user tpkas has clearly seen better days. Unfortunately, this Bel Air looks like it’s this close to becoming a rust bucket, and at first glance, it seems the car has been parked for way too long under the clear sky.But if you’re the kind who likes to see the glass half full, it’s worth emphasizing that the patina gives an iconic car quite a special look. Considering that the frame is still said to be in good condition, a total restoration should definitely help give this Bel Air the head-turning charm that it deserves.There’s no word on the engine under the hood, though we know it’s a six-cylinder unit. The seller, however, says they didn’t try to start it as the keys are no longer around.Overall, however, the Bel Air would require a ton of work, not necessarily to get back to mind condition but actually to become drivable. A closer inspection should help determine how much damage the rust managed to do during all these years, and the seller says anyone can see it in person in Massachusetts.