The 1965 model year was a banner one for Chevrolet. They became the first automobile manufacturer to build more than three million cars and trucks in a single 12-month period. The Impala contributed greatly to that performance, accounting for more than one million cars – the first and last time that happened. This ’65 Impala looks tired, but rust seems to be mostly the surface variety. And – although the 396 V8 wasn’t a rare installation – it has a 4-speed and both are said to be numbers matching. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this Bow-Tie find is available here on craigslist for $17,000. Eagle eye Pat L. discovered this find for us!
Chevy’s Impala would enter its fourth generation of production in 1965 and run through 1970, with the typical styling changes every other year. Curved side glass would appear for the first time thanks to a new process developed within GM (although hadn’t American Motors already done this in 1963?). The 396 cubic inch V8 would replace the 409 mid-year and find its way into more than 55,000 full-size Chevrolets. Impala output would include 1,046,500 autos, of which the Super Sport (as a separate series) would be nearly 25% of those assemblies.
In those days, you could get any Chevy drivetrain combination in any full-size Chevrolet, so the fact that this car has a big-block 396 isn’t surprising. But that it’s paired with a factory 4-speed in a non-SS model might be a bit unusual. We get the impression the seller’s car has been idle for some time and it’s rather dirty and weather-worn. Some of this may have been outdoors, but if in the humid sunbaked climate in Florida, it could be worse.
The photos provided aren’t particularly revealing, but we can see what appears to be solid floorboards and trunk pan. As a result, rust may not be a huge issue in restoring this car. The interior will certainly need a makeover, but the seat covers and dashboard are about all that we see. The mileage of this old Chevy may be 85,000 with no indication when the engine last ran, so a rebuild is probably in the cards. The seller makes a point of saying that “you will not find another 396 four-speed 65 Impala” and he might be right. If you’ve been out looking for one, how did your search turn out?
Indeed a solid project at an astronomical price. A piece of advice: clean it up before asking that kind of cash.
This might be a peach, but you can’t really tell from the seller’s photos or the ad text.
The firewall data plate says it’s a Mist Blue Impala built in Janesville, Wisconsin with a blue cloth interior, an M20 4-speed, the Comfort and Convenience Group, and a padded dash. Not exactly a full-pimp ride.
It would be much easier to sell at that price with a more complete description and better photos.
Better check the underbelly and frame, notorious for rotten frames, could be a diamond in the rough. 396 4 speed whats not to love?? Good luck and happy motoring!
Cheers
GPC
I sold one of these 3 or 4 years ago that was almost a twin to this one except for buckets and console. Same color, drivetrain, etc. Motor and trans were missing but it had the original 12 bolt still installed and a nice console. It was a struggle to get $3k out of it. Realyl should’ve parted it out but it was a good builder… Even with matching numbers I can’t see this being more than a $10k project.
Oh the factory color of that brings back memories, granddad had one and promised it to me when I turned 16…… When I was 15 he was pulling out onto the highway and didn’t see the pup the dump truck was pulling he survived with bumps and bruises but I cried over the loss of the car
When you mentioned that you cried it triggered a memory when I was 17 years old I test drove a used car identical to this one was not an SS but a four-speed impala 396 after driving it my dad said no figured on a better deal and I ended up with a 66 four-speed Malibu but it was a small block car I so wanted that big block
Growing up, dad bought a ’66 Impala convertible as a daily driver (this was around ’89). It was this same blue with matching interior. Unfortunately the Earl Scheib-touchup paint bottle in the glovebox should’ve been a warning sign. The body was mostly bondo and cardboard, and the frame literally collapsed one day in the driveway. But what a pretty car it was!
$17,000 for something that does not run. From the looks of it and NO under carriage pictures. No thanks. This is like trying to guess what,s behind door 1. If the frame is in bad shape and location. You might be loading pieces on the trailer. Been through that. Who ever buys it. Better check the frame out good. These cars were know for frames rusting out bad. plus he drop his price way down. BIG BLOCK PARTS DON,T COME CHEAP EITHER. This car could have been close to the beach–where alot of salty air is. Alot of parts will need to be replaced on this one.
I almost bought one of these with a console when I found my 70 SS 454 Monte instead. Could be a beautiful car when restored but it will cost you a fortune to do that. Would love to try but my pockets aren’t deep enough to make the attempt when you are starting out at $17,000 sight unseen and Ft. Lauderdale is too far of a drive for me.
I’ve been watching the 65’s for a few years now and this is really a decent price for it. I’ve seen them sell for upwards of 80 G’s so at this price it’s not bad.
Kman, scoring a sale at above $80,000 (which would be an incredible success) you would still be underwater with what it would cost to bring this car back to show condition. And if you aren’t going to restore it to that grade, I don’t know why you would buy it. Really nice show quality 65’s like this (minus the 4 speed) can be bought for less than $40,000, even in this market.
My 1st car was a 1965 Impala SS
I had a 65 Impala from 1991 to 2001. Every panel rotted including around the top of the windshield. Very reliable car though.
Maybe offered from Florida but check the plate!
I live in Iowa
I know Iowa winters
I know how we treat the roads
SALT
Be careful
I agree with SG, $10k max. Numbers-matching, 396 and 4-speed is the big plus. With a little elbow grease on the engine and DIY paint this could be on the road quickly. The ’65’s are the best looking of the mid ’60’s IMO and this one checks all the boxes. The seller should drop the asking price a few thousand and post better pictures if he needs to sell it. Wish I had it!
For 17 grand, the seller had better include a baggie of whatever drugs he’s using. I have a ’65 Impala 4-door hardtop with a 283 and Powerglide, same colour, same cloth-and-vinyl upholstery. But mine looks new from 20 feet away (except for the ’66 hubcaps), and Hagerty says it’s only worth $8200. Granted, with a 396, 4-speed and only two doors, it would be worth considerably more, but not $17K. In the condition this one is in, $5000 would be a gift. And still the cost of bringing this car back to like-new condition would cost far more than it would be worth in the end. I’ll give this guy a hundred for the hubcaps. The rest of the car he can keep!