Joseph Caruso's 1958 Chevrolet

The Impala as it sat when Joseph Caruso bought it in 1959. When he got it, it was black, and it featured a nosed and louvered hood, a tube grille, and cruiser skirts. Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

Another photo of the Impala from 1959. Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

The Ala Impala version of Joseph's Impala at an indoor car show. Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

The engine compartment of the Ala Impala was heavily chromed. Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

The trunk was also upholstered. Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

A sign and the trophies that Joseph displayed with the Impala. Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

The Ala Impala as it sat in 2011, when Andy Lodi bought it. Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

Photo courtesy of Andy Lodi - Adex.

1958 Chevrolet Impala owned by Joseph Caruso of Brookfield, Illinois. Joseph bought the Impala as a mild custom in 1959. When he got it, a previous owner had already shaved and louvered the hood, and installed a tube grille and cruiser skirts. This version was black with red pinstriping. Around 1961 Joseph decided to restyle it further. The door handles, and the chrome strips on the front fenders were shaved, along with the chrome trim around the fake air scoops in the quarter panels. Up front, the upper grille opening was reworked and molded to the fenders and hood before a 1958 Pontiac bumper and grille were installed. The headlights were frenched and molded to the body. The deck lid was shaved as well, and the original taillight lenses were replaced with rocket type 1959 Cadillac lenses. This version, named the "Ala Impala", was given a Candy Red paint job. Inside, the car was fit with a custom interior. The trunk was upholstered to match the interior of the car. The entire engine compartment was fully chromed. It was dressed up featuring chromed and reversed wheels, knock off spinner and US Royal Masters tires. Once completed, the Ala Impala version of Joseph's Impala was shown at the World of Wheels in 1963 and 1964.

In 1987 Joseph repainted and redid the interior. Andy Lodi of Altadena, California bought the old custom in 2011. It had stayed most of it's life in a heated garage, so it was in an impeccable condition when Andy got it. When Andy bought the Impala, it featured a 1954 Chevrolet grille.