Marty Bettis 1959 Impala

Owner-Built Beauty – Marty Bettis’ ’59 Impala

If you want proof that a mostly owner-built car can still vie for a Goodguys Top 12 award, check out this beautiful ’59 Impala belonging to Marty Bettis. Starting with a rusty relic from Texas, Marty crafted the Chevy into a stunning showpiece, tackling the chassis assembly, exhaust, wiring, most sheet metal work, plus design and construction tasks himself.

Marty Bettis 1959 Impala

Marty Bettis 1959 Impala


The build started with a Scott’s Hotrods chassis with air springs and AccuAir management, plus Wilwood disc brakes and 19×8- and 20×12-inch Schott wheels. To that, Marty added an LS3 crate engine with plenty of detail, including custom paint and coil covers to match the body. The engine was backed by a 4L70E overdrive automatic.

Marty Bettis 1959 Impala
Marty Bettis 1959 Impala

Plenty of metalwork went into the body, which not only needed rust repair, but also got subtle mods like deleted wipers, a filled cowl, stretched inner fenders to cover the A-arms, and a custom fuel tank. Marty handed things over to Gary’s Rods & Restorations for bodywork and paint, where they prepped an applied the beautiful House of Kolor Whiskey Brown finish.

Marty Bettis 1959 Impala
Marty Bettis 1959 Impala

Inside, Marty modified the dash, designed the double-hump package tray and custom console, and incorporated Dakota Digital gauges, an Ididit column, and Vintage Air. Finish Line Interiors stitched the supple leather over WiseGuys seats.

Marty Bettis 1959 Impala

It’s refreshing to see enthusiasts tackling custom builds themselves like Gary did, especially when the results are Top Five caliber for the Goodguys 2021 BASF America’s Most Beautiful title like this stunning ’59 Impala!

Marty Bettis 1959 Impala

Photos by Marc Gewertz & John Drummond

Editor, Goodguys Gazette

Damon Lee began snapping photos at car shows when he was 10, tagging along with his father to events throughout the Midwest. He has combined his passion for cars and knack for writing and imagery into a 20-year career in the automotive aftermarket, writing for titles like Super Chevy and Rod & Custom and, more recently, working for respected industry leaders Speedway Motors and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.