Nipsey Hussle’s legacy could drive the price of a custom 1959 Chevrolet Impala past $200,000 when the famous lowrider hits the auction block this week.
The Baby Blue Impala appeared in DJ Khaled’s 2019 “Higher” video featuring Nipsey and John Legend. According to Mecum Auctions, the car carries a presale estimate between $175,000 and $225,000.
The car appeared alongside Nipsey and John Legend in DJ Khaled’s 2019 video for “Higher.” The footage was shot just before Nipsey was killed outside his Marathon Clothing store that March. It gives the car a deeper layer of meaning beyond its build alone. Mecum Auctions will bring the Impala across the block Friday as part of its Monterey sale in California. It’s listed as Lot F120, with bidding open to any collector attending or participating remotely. Under the hood sits a 283 cubic-inch V8 paired with a Turbo Hydramatic 350 transmission, along with power steering, power brakes, and an aluminum radiator.
Also the real standout is the custom hydraulic suspension. Finally it’s powered by a trunk-mounted battery setup that lets the car lift and bounce on command, true to a classic lowrider culture.
“Higher” became one of the most emotional releases of Nipsey’s career. Khaled put the song out just weeks after Nipsey’s death. He dedicated proceeds to his children and turning the video into something closer to a tribute than a typical rollout. The track went on to win Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 2020 Grammys. It was one of two posthumous wins Nipsey earned that night alongside his win for “Racks In The Middle.”
Further beyond the engine and hydraulics, the Impala’s details lean fully into lowrider culture. Dayton wire wheels, whitewall tires, and a Tri-Tone Blue interior round out the car, along with a Public Enemy LA Car Club plate inside the interior.
