The Chevrolet Impala entered the American car market in 1958 as a stylish evolution of the Bel Air, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable full-size models of its era. By the mid-1960s, it was a dominant presence on U.S. roads, combining accessible luxury with strong performance options. The progression continued into 1970, a year that marked the final chapter before the full-size Chevrolet lineup shifted toward heavier styling and a more comfort-focused direction.
Production for 1970 included more than 612,000 Impalas, though only about 7,300 of those were convertibles, making drop-tops a comparatively scarce find even when new. Buyers could choose from a wide range of engines, starting with a 250-cubic-inch six-cylinder and stretching to the 454-cubic-inch V8, with outputs spanning from 155 horsepower to nearly 390 horsepower. Transmission choices included manual and automatic setups, while pricing ranged from around $3,200 at the base level to close to $4,000 when fully equipped. Period road tests praised the 350-cubic-inch V8 for delivering solid acceleration and a balanced driving experience despite the car’s considerable size.
Today, well-kept Impala convertibles from that model year typically sell between $35,000 and $65,000, with exceptional examples reaching higher. Surviving cars with original equipment and documented history remain especially sought after, though many owe their value as much to nostalgia as to rarity.
That connection to memory is central to why Canadian collector Steve Plunkett keeps a green 1970 Impala convertible among a large collection better known for Cadillacs. Plunkett encountered the same car for years after owning an identical one at age 18. When the long-time owners finally decided to part with it, they contacted him, closing a personal loop that stretched across decades.
His Impala features the 350-cubic-inch V8, factory air conditioning, power windows, a tilt steering wheel and an AM/FM radio. Rally wheels, a sport mirror and later bucket-seat additions give the convertible a sportier tone. With 300 horsepower and a reputation for durability, the small-block engine suits the car’s relaxed character.
The Impala’s dark green paint and black soft top evoke the era’s design priorities, while its long hood and subtle rear styling reflect the final years of classic full-size proportions. For Plunkett, the restored convertible represents more than a collectible. It embodies the early experiences that shaped his passion for cars — a reminder that even within an extensive lineup of Cadillacs, the most meaningful vehicle can be the one tied to youth and memory.
