Stock# 16670
Collector# 517

CB's Die Cast Review:  September 1997

1997 First Editions #5 
`59 Chevy Impala

When the new First Editions for 1997 were announced, the `59 Chevy Impala was one of the most anticipated models, so much so that four months after its release, it is still difficult to find.  The reason is that this Hot Wheels model has exceeded everyone's expectations.  It is the most detailed 1950s representative that Mattel has ever produced, and will probably supplant the `57 Chevy as the most popular.

This well-detailed cast metal body is painted in a light magenta pearl with violet highlights.  The body sits on a chrome-plated plastic chassis that is designed to allow the car to sit low to the ground.  The chassis detail includes an intricate grill, recessed headlights, full drive train and dual side and dual rear exhaust pipes.  The white plastic interior is of similar design to those of the original California Customs of 1968, with dashboard detail and twin speakers molded onto the rear deck.  The orange, gray and black side tampos are pleasing, and do not detract from the car.  The atypical gold lace wheels also add to the attractiveness of the vehicle.  The rear wheels are mounted inward to clear the rear fender skirts. The HW logo sits in gray on the rear passenger-side fender cover.

The `59 Chevy Impala is a sleek-looking vehicle, partially due to the fact that the car sits 1/16 of an inch above the ground.  This gives the car just enough clearance to travel through the stunt loop.  Most of us, however, will be content to let it sit on the desk.