The Chevy Impala debuted for the 1958 model year as GM celebrated its fiftieth year of vehicle production. The top trim in the Bel Air line, the Impala was Chevy’s prestige passenger car, and could be had in either hardtop or convertible guise. The full-size Chevrolet lineup was built on the Safety-Girder Frame introduced by Cadillac the previous year. A longer wheelbase and lower roofline distinguished the Impala from the rest of the Bel Air line, as did its iconic triple taillights.