Axalta Coating Systems announced it has brought the classic ’58 Impala from the movie American Graffiti back to its original glamour with its ChromaPremier paint. The solventborne basecoat is formulated to make coverage fast and easy with a smooth finish.
Axalta revealed the recently restored car at its Engineered for Speed booth at the 2016 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Ray Evernham, TV show host and three-time NASCAR champion crew chief, along with Candy Clark, award-winning actress from the American Graffiti film, helped Axalta executives unveil the car during a press conference.
“This project was a labor of love. I wanted that car from the moment I saw the film as a teenage boy,” said Evernham. “As luck would have it, not only was I able to acquire the Impala, but my long-standing relationship with Axalta allowed me to call on the industry’s best paint experts to evaluate the car, get recommendations and, subsequently, restore a vehicle that was originally coated in obsolete lacquer material. I’m amazed at Axalta’s color match ability.”
Added Mike Carr, Axalta president – North America, “Ultimately, this car represents our commitment to the automotive industry. We have been serving customers for 150 years and the automotive industry since day one. We were there to coat the first automobiles that were built more than 90 years ago, and we have continued to innovate to meet the needs of our customers. We were pleased to bring this iconic vehicle back to its original glory.”
Evernham also discussed the meticulous restoration process from preparation to paint job and shared why the vehicle sparked a lifelong passion for cars. Candy Clark, who played Debbie Dunham, discussed her role in the movie and her affinity for the Impala.
To watch a video of the press conference and reveal, click here.