The 1958 Impala was restored in a coral paint scheme with fender skirts and twin antennas. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)
A brilliantly restored 1958 Chevrolet Impala originally purchased by rock 'n' roll phenom Buddy Holly will be sold at no reserve during the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale on Jan. 18-24.
Holly purchased the coral colored classic in 1957. The Chevy was fully restored in Holly's hometown of Lubbock, Texas, in 1997.
Nicknamed Peggy Sue, the Impala will be at the WestWorld site during the weeklong event inside the Showcase Pavilion. The Scottsdale event features six days of auctioning a diverse mix of desirable collector vehicles along with lavish lifestyle events throughout the week. SPEED will broadcast 39 hours of live, high-definition coverage of all six auction days.
"This is a great example of cars and rock 'n roll crossing paths again at Barrett-Jackson," said Craig Jackson, chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. "In this instance, we have one of the most influential young musicians of his time in Buddy Holly, who purchased this amazing symbol of Americana during Detroit's 'Golden Age.'"
Not long after graduating from a Lubbock high school in 1955, Charles Hardin Holley (Buddy Holly) and his band, The Crickets, became household names. Produced by the legendary Norman Petty, the group helped spearhead the mid-century rock 'n roll movement that would forever change American music.
Around that time, Chevrolet's sporty new full-sized vehicle, the Impala, hit the streets. According to several accounts, Buddy took a liking to the Impala after his father and brother became enamored with the new design. When his record sales provided enough cash, 20-year-old Buddy purchased his first car from Meadors-Stewart Company in Clovis, N.M.
"Buddy asked his producer and close friend, Norman Petty, to arrange the purchase," says Bill Clement, current owner of the Buddy Holly Impala. "Norman was very popular throughout Clovis and contacted his friends at the Meadors-Stewart Chevy store to discuss options and then reviewed the details with Buddy. One bit of genius on Petty's part was recommending the 50th anniversary coral color scheme being offered on GM vehicles in 1958."
When the first Coral Impala arrived at the dealership, Buddy fell in love and made the order, opting for the V8 engine, automatic transmission, fender skirts, twin antennas, mirrors and to have it lowered 3-inches all around. The experts at Meadors-Stewart also recommended a set of gold 50th anniversary wheel spinners and white-wall tires to match the roof and body stripe. Additional modifications included painting the skirts to match the coral body color and an upgraded coral interior dress up kit.
