jaunty75

Not Oldsmobile-related, but this is neat.

Who would have thought that this car was purchased from George Lucas by a 17-year-old for "only" $285 (equivalent to about $1500 in 2016) after the movie was made? Of course, in 1973, a '58 Impala was just a 15-year-old used car, and no one was thinking about what interest there might be in it nor what it might be worth 43 years later.

I remember when I saw this movie for the first time in 1973 as a 16-year-old. I thought it was amazing. I loved the cars, too.


Evernham to restore American Graffiti Impala

http://www.oldcarsweekly.com/news/ev...m_medium=email

Jamesbo

Cool, I spent alot of time in a 58 drop top kinda an Exorcist pea soup green

oldcutlass

I would put the 348 or a 409 back in it to keep it period correct. But that's just me.

Oldsmaniac

I bet he had to pony up big time to purchase the car, very sweet it will make the show circuit.

jaunty75

The first year for the 409 was 1961.

MDchanic

If you look at the article, the guy is doing a 100% complete perfectly accurate museum restoration... except he is putting a 327 in it.

- Eric

oldcutlass

I know that but it looks pretty much like a 348 and would have been an engine that hotrodders transplanted in the 60's. A 348 can easily be built with 409 specs also. Much more impressive to look at than a 327.

redoldsman

He is going to be looking a " long time for a 1960 327.

Ancient Iron

How does a 348 and a 327 look the same??????

jharsh

According to the article he already has one. "Evernham found a 1960 327 Chevy engine with six-barrel Stromberg carburetor to power the classic machine."

seansolds

I've seen a small block in that year 58 impala, it reminds me of an ertl model I have to to wear my bifocal glasses to see it!
Sean

MDchanic

Maybe he'll trade it for that solid main web 403 I've got...

- Eric

Ancient Iron

First 327 was 1962

oldsmobiledave

Would love to own it. Thanks for sharing.

Koda

I wouldn't own it. While the 68 model change was a good one, the 73 and 58 GM model changes were pretty bad.

jaunty75

You don't own it because of what it looks like. You own it because of the history.

scottv442

In the movie Toad says the car has a 327 with triple Stromberg.

cherokeepeople

what gets me is they are going thru it and keeping everything in "original" movie condition.yet using a piece of crap small block.barf me out.if it ain't got a 348 it ain;t $hit.

Koda

Fair point. May I choose the 55 Chevy from the movie and two lane blacktop instead?

MDchanic

Ah. Thank you. It's been a while.

- Eric

Jamesbo

I like this one too

tru-blue 442

Dig those baby moons. 58 Impalas are prudy tuff looking.
American Graffiti, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, Two of my favorite movies.

oldcutlass

My HS days were a combination of American Graffiti and Animal House. Kids today have nothing to compare to our youth. Maybe a good thing... Nah!

tru-blue 442

AND Animal House for sure! A good thing no doubt.

cjsdad

I'm just glad my youth predates the internet!

bw1339

I was 17 the first time I saw a computer connected the internet. I remember thinking "what possible use could this thing have?"