1959 Impala Resto Mod – A Silver Stunner
A 1959 Impala Resto Mod is at the top of nearly every car guy’s list, especially those of the ‘Boomer generation. One of America’s most iconic cars, the Chevy Impala withstands the test of time to be a car of true excellence with it’s rear “bat wing” lid, cat-eye/teardrop tail lights, and long sleek frame.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee’s Geary Trussell certainly understood this when he added this beauty to his collection of classic cars. Of course, it didn’t quite look like this when he first purchased it in 1996. A car this spectacular certainly requires a little extra blood, sweat and elbow grease.
Locally built in the Middle Tennessee area, this 1959 Impala Resto Mod caught Geary’s eye, and with a little bit of luck and perseverance he was finally able to buy her. The purchase made him the second owner of an original Impala with only 79,000 miles on the clock. Once in his own garage, Geary immediately began turning the wrenches to build the car of his dreams. Being that the car was in such incredible condition, he didn’t want to deviate too much from its original bones. In keeping major modifications to a minimum, he was able to keep its rare original parts and factory appearance while building a smooth resto mod.
What’s truly remarkable about this car is that the majority of the work was done by Geary and his son, Bryan, over an extended period of time. A lot of patience, dedication, and hard work on their part!
While holding a steady full time job and being a family man, Geary spent his weekends and holidays putting in the work. A real test of his devotion came one winter after the body came back from media blasting. Still on the trailer, Geary set up a tarp for shelter from the cold and snow, as he did some work on the dash then the exhaust system to get it perfectly tucked under the frame.
A long process to be sure but 15 years later Geary has an incredible work of automotive art. Keeping the original 409c.i. V8 engine and drivetrain, and rare 1959 fuel injection kit, he gave it a little upgrade with a RideTech air suspension for show and go. He also added tubular control arms, air bags, and Wilwood brakes. Keeping the stock dash, he enhanced it by adding Classic Instruments gauges, Retro sound audio, and Vintage Air system to give it some creature comforts.
A new interior from Ciadella Interiors was installed locally Bennet Upholstery, keeping the original 1959 Impala interior pattern, of course. Paul Herman from Gallatin, TN laid down some fresh paint to finish things off and give it that stellar classic style.
It’s no surprise it’s gotten the attention it deserves from some of the biggest car shows in the region. It got in the Top 25 at Pigeon Forge Rod Run, Top 25 at Chevy Showcase Show, and a Top Ten Builder’s Choice at Goodguys’ Nashville Nationals – just to name a few.
A father and son project became more than just a bonding experience here. While it offered the kind of journey many of us are familiar with, they put together this exceptional car presenting the best America had to offer back in the good ol’ days.
