here are two for sure iconic Chevy body styles: the “bat wing” cars of 1959 and 1960 and the “bubbletop” cars introduced in 1961. In fact, at first glance, one might think a ’60 Chevy might be the revered bubbletop but, alas, it isn’t. The ’59 and ’60 body will continue to be one of the most sought-after body styles in our world of hot rodding. Dave Jacobsen of Naples, Florida, is one such hot rodder who truly is keen on the ’60 Chevy Impala and he shows us just what can be done (not overdone) to a ’60 Chevy Impala to come away with an amazing-looking hot rod.
In an interesting twist of “how did you come by your project?”, Dave found the ’60 Chevy Impala he thought would make a good starting point after stopping by a Mecum Auction. From here he brought home a pristine ’60 Chevy Impala and turned it over to Thom Speed at SaltWorks Fabrication in Sarasota, Florida.
The 6.2L LT5 appeared only in the ’19 Corvette ZR1 but was offered as a Chevrolet Performance crate engine in 2018. (Today Chevrolet Performance offers an LT1, LT4, and an L8T, none of which have the output of the LT5.) The LT5 is the most potent V-8 offered in a Chevy production vehicle (at the time), producing a whopping 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque. Built with a forged steel crankshaft, 14-psi maximum boost to the R2650 supercharger makes for a potent powerplant. A set of 1-3/4-inch primary tubes from Ultimate Headers are used along with a full stainless steel exhaust system that runs through a pair of stainless Borla mufflers. Forward on the V-8 is a serpentine belt system that is a compilation of parts that SaltWorks engineered. From here the LT5 is matched to a GM eight-speed overdrive transmission to really improve performance and highway cruise capabilities.
The body is essentially stock except for the SaltWorks custom hood. During the Impala’s stay at SaltWorks all the body- and paintwork was handled sourcing PPG black. Note the distinctive red accent paint between the stainless spear trim mounted on the rear quarter-panel. We did say the bodywork is basically stock, but it should be noted that SaltWorks conjured up a set of 4-inch-wider rear tubs to handle the massive rubber.
It was Dave’s goal all along to come up with a hot rod that is a pleasure to drive and enjoy. From what we can see we would have to say he has met his goals … and then some.