The Chevrolet Impala was all-new for 1958, and so was the marketing campaign. Here’s the pitch.
Several months ago we told the story of the 1958 Chevrolet Impala, a car that represented a significant change of direction for General Motors’ most popular brand (“Chevrolet Moves Uptown,” Nov. 1, 2018). Now we’ve circled back with an interesting insight into the marketing strategy Chevrolet crafted to promote its new model, thanks to this two-minute theatrical commercial.
The clip includes a co-star, if you will: the Bensen Gyrocopter. These clever little rotary-wing aircraft were widely featured in the workbench magazines of the period, and here one is used to signal the audience that the Impala owner is not just a practical family man; he’s got a sense of daring and adventure, too.
There was a lot to talk about with the 1958 Impala: an all-new X-frame chassis, longer and lower sheet metal, a new 348 CID V8 engine family. But here the story-telling is focused on the joys of family travel, as Dad takes Mom, Junior, and Sis on an enjoyable tour through the countryside. Although the famous Chevy jingle is not included here, the message is a familiar one: See the USA in your Chevrolet. Video follows.
Coupe pronounced as cooPAY – I decided to check the pronunciation of this word using an online dictionary. I was surprised to see this pronunciation listed first, with the more-familiar-to-me “coop” in second.
Pretty easy to tell I’m a son of the South, ain’t it? I enjoyed the post.
I wish they showed the interior. That’s the best part of the ’58 Impala.
Glad to see the 58 Chevy’s and Pontiacs starting to get the love they deserve in recent years. A one year only car.
My least favorite Chev shape. Though It has grown enough on me to not hate it any more!!