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1979 Chevrolet Impala: A Testament to Classic American Engineering

The 1979 Chevrolet Impala stands as a beacon of American automotive history, a car that encapsulates the era's spirit and technological ambition. Born from the assembly lines of General Motors, this model marked the end of an era for the full-sized Chevy before it underwent downsizing in response to a changing market. With its robust design and reliable performance, the '79 Impala carved its niche in the hearts of car enthusiasts and families alike. One unique fact that might pique your interest: despite its size, the '79 Impala was praised for its fuel efficiency during a time when fuel economy began to take center stage.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1979 Chevrolet Impala was a blend of straight lines and subtle curves, exuding a sense of strength and durability. The rectangular headlamps and chrome grille were iconic features, giving it a distinguished road presence. Inside, passengers were greeted with a spacious cabin, plush seating, and an array of color-coordinated fabrics that spoke volumes about the quality of materials used. Technologically, the Impala featured advancements such as an optional AM/FM stereo radio with a cassette player, reflecting the era's shift towards more in-car entertainment options. Color options ranged from classic whites and blacks to more vibrant hues like Carmine Red and Light Green, with Dark Blue Metallic being among the popular choices. Body styles included the two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and station wagon. However, it was the four-door sedan that became synonymous with reliability and comfort, making it an iconic representation of this model year.

Historical Significance

The 1979 Chevrolet Impala played a pivotal role in transitioning American car design from sheer size to more efficient dimensions without compromising on comfort or performance. It stood out from its contemporaries by offering a balanced package that catered to both family needs and driving enthusiasts' expectations. Its legacy is evident in how it influenced subsequent models to prioritize efficiency alongside traditional values of power and comfort.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood lay a range of engine options, but it was the 5.7-liter V8 that provided an admirable blend of power and efficiency. While top speeds were not record-breaking by today's standards, they were more than adequate for the cruising highways of America. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was measured in double-digit seconds—a reminder of different performance expectations at the time. Handling was surprisingly nimble for such a large vehicle; it absorbed bumps with ease while maintaining composure on windy roads. Driving an '79 Impala was an experience characterized by the V8's rumble, a smooth ride, and an intuitive connection between car and driver.

Ownership Experience

The 1979 Impala found its place as a dependable daily driver but also shone as a show car thanks to its classic lines. Its maintenance was straightforward enough for average owners to handle minor repairs themselves. Despite some criticisms over time regarding rust susceptibility or less-than-sporty handling compared to smaller cars, owners cherished their Impalas for their robustness and simplicity.

Fun Facts

Did you know that certain '79 Impalas were outfitted as police cars? Their reliability made them favorites among law enforcement agencies. While not known for breaking speed records, these vehicles were often at the forefront during pursuits on America's streets. As for celebrity ownerships or rare editions—keep your eyes peeled at auctions; you might just spot one with an interesting backstory.

Collector's Information

Today's collector market sees the 1979 Chevrolet Impala as an accessible piece of Americana. While production numbers were high—with hundreds of thousands rolling off assembly lines—the survival rate varies greatly depending on climate and care over the years. Values can range significantly based on condition, mileage, and originality; however, well-preserved models can fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. The market trend shows appreciation for well-maintained examples as enthusiasts seek out these icons of American motoring history.

Conclusion

The 1979 Chevrolet Impala is more than just metal, glass, and rubber—it's a narrative of American resilience and adaptability in automotive design. It represents a turning point where efficiency began to take precedence without sacrificing traditional values like space and comfort. For those who own one today or aspire to have one in their garage—it's not just about owning a piece of history; it's about keeping alive the spirit of an era that shaped today’s automotive landscape.

1979 Chevrolet Impala Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110Front coil-spring insulator. Fits '41-'60 Oldsmobile and '50-'83 GM passenger models. 5-3/8 in. OD x 3-3/4 in. ID x 3/4 in. high with 13/16 in. wide bottom flange 1/4" thick, 12 flutes. Each.

1979 Chevrolet Impala Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores-IS-MW00101Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores. 1-3/8" X 3/4" X 17'. Each

1979 Chevrolet Impala Rear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door sedan-LM 18-L/RRear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door sedan. Each is 125-1/4" long. Pair R&L

1979 Chevrolet Impala Rear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door wagon only, with RWD-LM 18-L/WRear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door wagon only, with RWD. Pair R&L

1979 Chevrolet Impala Front Molded Door Seals with White Clips-LM 18-L/WCFront Molded Door Seals with White Clips. For 4-door sedan and wagon with RWD. Pair R&L

1979 Chevrolet Impala Molded Door Seals. For 2-door sedans with RWD. Pair R&L-LM 18-OMolded Door Seals. For 2-door sedans with RWD. Pair R&L

1979 Chevrolet Impala Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1979 Chevrolet Impala Trunk seal-MW00101Trunk seal. Also replaces '75-'79 Buick Skylark hatchback seal. Made with steel cores. 1-3/8 in. x 3/4 in. x 17 ft. L. Each.

1979 Chevrolet Impala Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1979 Chevrolet Impala Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel-WF 205Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel. 1-3/8" X 11/16". Each

1979 Chevrolet Impala Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons-WF 208Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons. Made of steel. 5/8" x 3/4". Each

1979 Chevrolet Impala Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1"-WF 209Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1". Each

1979 Chevrolet Impala Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1979 Chevrolet Impala Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 213Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 7/8" X 5/8". Each

1979 Chevrolet Impala Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon-WF 214Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon. 1-1/4" x 3/4". Each