Andy Southard's 1958 Chevrolet

A construction photo of Andy's Impala taken outside Gary's Auto Body. The car is sitting in front of Herb Gary's 1949 Plymouth in the photo.

The front end of Andy's Impala was restyled by molding the grille opening with two-inch tubing. A floating bar grille made from a chromed 2-inch bar was installed and bordered with a 1/2-inch solid rod. Photo from The Ray Soff Photo Collection.

Andy`s Impala on the cover of Car Speed and Style March 1960

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1958 Chevrolet Impala restyled by Herb Gary of Gary's Auto Body in Sea Cliff, New York for Andy Southard of New York. Herb changed the front end to Andy's design. He molded the grille opening with two-inch tubing and fitted it with a floating bar grille made from a chromed 2-inch bar bordered with a 1/2-inch solid rod. All body seams were filled and most of the chrome removed. The taillights were made from 2-inch molding and rounded off with grease retainers. The long horizontal openings were built up and molded with round rod before plexiglass lenses were fitted. The taillights were reworked to match the grille. Herb also fitted a screw jack in the trunk. Ken Fisherman punched louvers on the car. Herb applied the black lacquer and the candy silver blue scallops, while Andy applied the finishing stripes. The car was lowered several inches by heating the springs. After completing the car, Andy packed his bags and took the Impala to California for a vacation. During this trip finishing touches were added to the Impala. Andy bought a pair of Appleton spotlights at Eastern Auto on Western Avenue. George Barris himself of Barris Kustoms installed the spotlights on the car. With the spots installed George liked the car so much that he asked if he could shoot a feature on the car. George shot the car at the famous Lynwood City Hall parking lot. The ensuing feature appeared in Motor Life Magazine. A black and white interior was made for the car in Tijuana in July 1958. The upholstery job took 9 hours to complete. Chromed reversed wheels were purchased from Don Hentzell of the Western Wheel and Rim Company and fit on the car. The trunk was electrically operated and chromed side winder exhaust was added.

Magazine Features

Car Speed and Style March 1960
Custom Cars June 1960
Street Rodder January 1976