In 1959 Chevrolet offered new radical designs with the '59 Bel Air, Impala and Biscayne. The "batwing fins" and "cats-eye" taillights were just a few of the new designs. The new '59s rode a 119-inch wheelbase and stretched about 2 inches wider and longer, and 150 pounds heavier than the previous year '58. The Impala was offered as a full series for '59 and included a 4 door Sedan, Sport Hardtop Coupe and Sedan, and Convertible. The Impala ascended to the top of the line and the Bel Air became mid-range with the Biscayne behind. Production Numbers for the '59 Impala included around 473,000 cars built.
With much popularity and a successful year of sales the Chevrolet Impala became its own model in 1959 instead of an option
off of the Bel Air line up of '58. The new '59 Impala was longer and wider and is best known for its wild tailfins as the
rear end sported "bat wing" rear fenders,"cat's eye" taillamps, and a huge decklid. The 1959 Impala also gained an
increase in horsepower with the availability of a fuel injected 283 V8 with 335hp.
1959 Chevrolet Impala Production Numbers
Model Number
Body/Style Number
Body Type & Seating
Factory Price
Shipping Weight
Total Production
Impala Series 1700 - Six-Cyl
17
19
4 dr Sedan - 6P
$2,592
3,625 lbs
Note 1
17
39
4 dr Hardtop Sport Sedan - 6P
$2,664
3,665 lbs
17
37
2 dr Hardtop Sport Coupe - 6P
$2,599
3,570 lbs
17
67
2 dr Convertible - 5P
$2,849
3,660 lbs
Nomad Station Wagon Series 1700 - Six-Cyl
17
35
4 dr Nomad- 6P
$2,891
3,980 lbs
Note 1
Impala Series 1800 - V-8
18
69
4 dr Sedan - 6P
$2,710
3,620 lbs
Note 1
18
39
4 dr Hardtop Sport Sedan - 6P
$2,782
3,670 lbs
18
37
2 dr Hardtop Sport Coupe - 6P
$2,717
3,580 lbs
18
67
2 dr Convertible - 5P
$2,967
3,650 lbs
Nomad Station Wagon Series 1800 - V-8
18
35
4 dr Nomad - 6P
$3,009
3,975 lbs
Note 1
Notes:
Production was recorded by body style only: 4dr Sedan = 525,461 ; 2dr Sedan = 281,924; Sport Coupe = 164,901; Sport Sedan = 182,520 ; 2dr Station Wagon = 20,760; 4dr Station Wagon = 188,623 ; Convertible = 72,765.
Chassis Data
Model
Wheelbase
Overall Length
Width
Height
Front Tread
Rear Tread
Tires
Chevrolet
119 in
210.9 in
79.9 in
54-56 in
60 in
60 in
7.50 x 14
Chevrolet Station Wagon
119 in
210.9 in
79.9 in
56.3 in
60 in
60 in
8.00 x 14
VIN Numbers
Serial Numbers were stamped on a plate on the left front door hinge pillar (center pillar on Corvair and on the driver-side door post on Corvette). The Fisher Body number plate on the right-hand side of the cowl gives additional information such as the body style number, the production sequence number, the trim (upholstery) number code and the paint number code.
First Symbol - Model & Series
A - Biscayne/Brookwood 1100 Series (6-Cyl.)
F - Impala/Nomad 1800 Series (V-8)
B - Biscayne/Brookwood 1200 Series (V-8)
G - Sedan Delivery or El Camino (6-Cyl.)
C - Bel Air/Parkwood/Kingswood 1500 Series (6-Cyl.)
H - Sedan Delivery or El Camino (V-8)
D - Bel Air/Parkwood/Kingswood 1600 Series (V-8)
J - Corvette
E - Impala/Nomad 1700 Series (6-Cyl.)
Second & Third Symbol - Model Year
59 - 1959
Fourth Symbol - Assembly Plant
(A) Atlanta, Georgia
(L) Los Angeles, California
(B) Baltimore, Maryland
(N) Norwood, Ohio
(F) Flint, Michigan
(O) Oakland, California
(G) Pontiac, Michigan
(S) St. Louis, Missouri
(J) Janesville, Wisconsin
(T) Tarrytown, New York
(K) Kansas City, Missouri
(W) Willow Run, Michigan
Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence
Started at 100001
1959 Chevrolet Impala Options
Code
Description
Price
313
Powerglide Transmission
$199.10
-
Turboglide Transmission
-
-
Overdrive
-
-
Super Turbo-Fire V-8
-
573
Turbo-Thrust Tri-Power V-8
$150.65
-
Super Turbo-Thrust V-8
-
324
Power Steering
$75.35
412
Power Brakes
$43.05
-
Power Windows
-
-
Power Seat
-
-
Oil Filter
-
-
Oil Bath Air Cleaner
-
-
Dual Exhaust
-
-
Body Sill Moldings
$10.50
-
Deluxe Heater
$75.00
-
Recirculating Heater
$48.50
-
Whitewall Tires
-
-
Rear Radio Speaker
$12.25
-
Outside Mount Mirrors
$8.90
-
Tissue Dispenser
$5.70
-
Door Handle Shields
$1.95
-
Insect Screens
$1.35
-
E-Z-I Tinted Glass
-
-
Front Air Foam Cushion
-
-
Deluxe Group (sun visor, armrest, fender ornaments, cigarette lighter)
-
-
Cigarette Lighter
$3.50
-
Fender Ornaments
$5.50
-
Sun Visor
$2.40
-
Heavy-Duty 35-Amp Generator
-
-
Manual Radio
$58.25
-
Push-Button Radio
$75.00
-
Air Conditioner w/ Heater
$449.90
-
Air Suspension
$7.80
-
Positraction
-
-
Two-Tone Paint
-
-
Power Tailgate Window
-
-
Deluxe Steering Wheel
-
-
4-Speed Manual Transmission (close-ratio)
-
-
Wheel Covers
$23.00
-
Wheel Spinners
$16.75
-
Two-Speed Wipers
$16.15
-
Shaded Rear Window
-
-
Windshield Washer
$12.35
-
Rear Dummy Antenna
$6.25
-
Front Grill Guard
$29.50
-
Deluxe Contour Mats
$6.95
-
Accelerator Pedal Cover
$1.50
-
Continental Wheel Carrier
$172.00
-
Padded Dash
-
NOTES:
- Not Available
Engine Codes
Location Of Engine Code: 6-Cyl - stamped on a pad behind the distributor on right side of block. V-8 - stamped on the block in front of the right hand cylinder head.
Letter Code
Engine
Horsepower
Torque
Transmission
Carburetor
A
6-235
135
217
3-Speed Manual
2 BC
AE
6-235
135
217
3-Speed Manual
2 BC
B
6-235
135
217
Powerglide
2 BC
C
8-283
185
275
3-Speed Manual
2 BC
CD
8-283
185
275
Overdrive
2 BC
CQ
8-283
230
300
3-Speed Manual
2 - 4 BC
CR
8-283
250
305
3-Speed Manual
Fuel Injected
CS
8-283
290
290
3-Speed Manual
Fuel Injected
CT
8-283
230
300
3-Speed Manual
2 - 4 BC
CU
8-283
230
300
3-Speed Manual
2 - 4 BC
D
8-283
185
275
Powerglide
2 BC
DH
8-283
250
305
Powerglide
Fuel Injected
DJ
8-283
230
300
Powerglide
2 - 4 BC
F
8-348
250
355
3-Speed Manual
4 BC
FA
8-348
280
355
3-Speed Manual
3 - 2 BC
FB
8-348
335
362
3-Speed Manual
3 - 2 BC
FD
8-348
320
358
3-Speed Manual
4 BC
FG
8-348
300
350
Not Available
4 BC
G
8-348
250
355
Powerglide
4 BC
GB
8-348
280
355
Powerglide
3 - 2 BC
GD
8-348
350
350
Powerglide
4 BC
H
8-348
250
355
Turboglide
4 BC
HA
8-348
280
355
Turboglide
3 - 2 BC
Transmission Codes
Transmission
Location
3-Speed Manual
Stamped on rear face of upper right corner
3-Speed Manual (close-ratio)
Stamped on rear face of upper right corner
4-Speed
Stamped on boss on lower left side of case just below side cover.
Powerglide
Stamped on the bottom of oil pan
Corvette 2-Speed Powerglide
Not Available
Turboglide
Not Available
Plant and Type Designation Prefix
Plant
Transmission Type
W
Warner Gear
4-Speed
S
Saginaw
3-Speed, Overdrive*
C
Cleveland
Powerglide
B
Toledo
Powerglide (Corvair)
*Overdrive distinguished from 3-Speed by physical appearance only. The above transmissions will carry a production code number such as: S304 (S = Saginaw 3-Speed, 3 = March, 04 = 4th.)
Axle Codes
Location Of Axle Codes: The axles for Chevrolet will be built by Chevrolet Buffalo, Chevrolet Gear and Axle, Buick, Oldsmobile, and McKinnon. Divisional Manufacturer code letters will be metal stamped on the axle tube adjacent to the carrier for identification. Metal stamp on left rear axle tube on the rear side, letters and numerals 3/16 in. high, 3 in. outboard of carrier.
NOTES: Color Combination Numbers are on a plate on the right side of the dash panel, under the hood, immediately below the heater water control valve (Ranco Valve).
Paint Codes - Two-Tone Combinations of the RPO-B, C, and D Series Cars are as Follows:
Series
U (Upper Area)
L (Lower Area)
B (11-1200 exc. 11-1270-1300-1400)
Roof-Only
Lower Body
C (17-1800 exc. 17-1867)
Roof & Side Molding Insert Areas
Lower Body
D (15-1600)
Roof & Back Panel Cove Area
Lower Body exc. Back Panel Cove Area
Paint Code
Color Name
Lucite® Code
Paint Code
Color Name
Lucite® Code
990
(Upper) Aspen Green Metallic
(Lower) Classic Cream
2933L
2924L
973
(Upper) Snowcrest White
(Lower) Roman Red
2697L
2931LH
953
(Upper) Snowcrest White
(Lower) Highland Green Metallic
2697L
2932L
987
(Upper) Harbor Blue Metallic
(Lower) Frost Blue Metallic
2927L
2925L
962
(Upper) Frost Blue Metallic
(Lower) Harbor Blue Metallic
2925L
2927L
988
(Upper) Snowcrest White
(Lower) Grecian Gray Metallic
2697L
2934L
963
(Upper) Crown Sapphire Metallic
(Lower) Snowcrest White
