Impala 1958-2000 (American Classics) [Paperback]

Dan Burger (Author), Robert Genat (Photographer)

Book Description

Series: American Classics | Publication Date: November 10, 2000

The Impala was introduced in 1958 as Chevrolet's top-of-the-line, full-size sedan. Through the 1960s, the Impala consistently posted impressive sales figures and was even made available in a high-performance Super Sport edition, introduced in 1961. This photographic history traces the design and production histories of all Impala model years from 1958 through two discontinuations and subsequent re-introductions. A selection of archival images and modern color photography depicting restored and factory-original models focus on the 1960s, the car's most prolific era.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert Genat is an accomplished author and photographer who has written 25 books for MBI Publishing. A self-proclaimed “gearhead,” Robert has restored two classic cars in the last 10 years (one of which was featured in a nationally syndicated television show), and has recently completed a chopped ’32 five-window coupe. He and his wife Robin own and operate ZoneFive Photo. Genat lives in Encinitas, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks; 1st edition (November 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760308055
• ISBN-13: 978-0760308059
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,579,286 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good place to start, March 2, 2001

By 

Rick (Fort Lauderdale, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Impala 1958-2000 (American Classics) (Paperback)

This book is great for the beginner like me who is new to the history of the Impala. It seems to cover all aspects from the beginning of the brand up to the present, however I found in somewhat incomplete when it came to the models 1967 - 1976. I would have liked more photos, front and back and at least one interior shot of what these models look like. Over all the book was quite informative and the photos of the early 58-66 were stunning. I just wish there was more for the 67-76 models.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars good history, poor detail, February 8, 2001

By 

Sam Broyles (Dallas, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Impala 1958-2000 (American Classics) (Paperback)

If your looking for a colerful history of the Impala, this is it. However, if you want detailed information on the '94-'96 Impala, keep on looking. The author gives enthusiastic reviews that I have to agree with completely, but if you want detailed information such as the total number of Impala's manufatured or overall vehicle performance, this book just won't do.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good book that could have been better, January 21, 2009

By 

Mr. John Evans (Pasadena, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Impala 1958-2000 (American Classics) (Paperback)

I purchased this book to get an overview of the Impala, which during the 1960s sold in numbers car manufacturers today can only dream about. I was especially interested in the earlier cars from 1958-1970. It seems as though the authors did a great job covering the first seven years, then ran out of interest.

The strengths of this book are the quality of the pictures and details in the text of the cars up until 1966. It's well laid out, easy to read and gives some hint of the market that allowed Chevvy to sell these cars in their millions during the 1960s. Quite a few of the pictures are contemporary GM file pictures; others show restored or preserved cars and the color rendition is excellent.

But there are weaknesses too. We get no impression of what any of these cars are like to drive. Some quotes from contemporary road tests, or impressions of driving restored survivors today, would have given the whole book a more objective feel. It reads too much like a set of the GM press releases.

The book is very short on interior views, even though we are continuously told how the Impala brought Cadillac style motoring to the masses. The newer cars are dealt with in a summary fashion. I'd look elsewhere for a more objective and complete story - this book has whetted my appetite to know more about this car's amazing sales, but you won't find it here.