Legendary NASCAR crew chief Ray Evernham now owns this 1958 Chevrolet Impala featured in the film “American Graffiti.” It will be on display in Louisville in August.
Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, is partnering with three-time NASCAR Cup champion crew chief and 2018 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Ray Evernham to display the beloved 1958 Chevrolet Impala from the movie “American Graffiti” at select automotive shows this summer.
The Impala is featured in Axalta’s exhibit space during the NSRA Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky on August 3-6.
After pursuing this iconic car for most of his adult life, Evernham finally acquired it from the gentleman who purchased the car directly from Lucasfilm after the movie was produced in 1972.
The vehicle’s finish was completely restored to its original paint scheme, including the iconic handpainted red striping.
“ The paint was more than 40 years old and hadn’t been maintained. If it was left unprotected for much longer, the car would have just been bare metal,” said Evernham.
“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. Axalta’s color match ability played a primary role in making the car look just as it did in the movie,” he added.
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