327/4-Speed: 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS

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Hiding in this garage is an American classic that will set a few pulses racing. This 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS is a stunning vehicle that is more than a mere looker. Its gorgeous exterior hides a pretty potent drivetrain, and the seller makes life easy for the new owner by including the parts required to address its interior shortcomings. They have lost interest in the Impala and want it to head to a new home where an enthusiast can enjoy this beautiful vehicle. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting a classic that can’t help but turn heads.

The history of this classic is typically vague, so it is unclear whether this Chevrolet rolled off the line wearing the Tuxedo Black paint that currently graces its panels. I am not generally a fan of Black paint, despite previously owning a Jet Black race car. However, the color beautifully accentuates the low and sleek lines of the Fourth Generation Impala. The flawless Black vinyl top and the dazzling bright trim increase the visual appeal. This shade is excellent for revealing panel imperfections, but the SS is as straight as an arrow. The seller doesn’t mention existing or previous rust issues, and the lack of surface corrosion across various areas suggests the car should be rock-solid. The glass is excellent for its age, but it is worth noting that the Cragar wheels visible in some shots aren’t included in the deal. The seller fitted a set of tidy factory Rally wheels that perfectly suit this classic’s character.

Buyers faced a wide range of engine choices when ordering a 1965 Impala SS. The first owner strode the middle ground when ordering this Impala, slotting the L74 version of the 327ci V8 under the hood. It originally sent 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The seller swapped out the Powerglide for a four-speed M21 manual transmission but includes the original Powerglide and associated hardware if the buyer craves authenticity. Performance should be impressive for a car tipping the scales at 3,776 lbs, with the ¼-mile journey taking 15.7 seconds. They confirm that the numbers-matching V8 runs well and drives nicely. Potential buyers could fly in and build their relationship with this Impala as they drive it home.

This Impala’s interior could be its weakest point, but things aren’t as bad as they might first seem. The first owner’s decision to order the car with White vinyl trim helped to maximize the visual impact against the dark exterior. It would have looked stunning in its prime, but time hasn’t been kind. The vinyl sports the typical stains and discoloring that plague this trim shade, but the first slice of good news is that it remains serviceable for those focused on instant gratification. It requires a retrim to recapture its former glory, and I would usually mention a trim kit at this point. However, the seller has the parts needed to refresh the interior and is throwing them in as part of the deal. Therefore, whipping the interior into shape will take more time than money, which some enthusiasts on a budget will undoubtedly appreciate.

Even without the Cragar wheels, this 1965 Impala SS is stunning. Its existing drivetrain combination will provide excellent performance, but the parts required to address its interior needs and return it to its original mechanical specifications are there for potential buyers preferring authenticity. The seller listed the SS here on Craigslist in Washington, Pennsylvania. The seller’s price of $33,000 is consistent with market expectations, and with values climbing, it could be an excellent long-term investment. Many readers will be more interested in the enjoyment it provides than the financial windfall that may become available in the future. I feel the same way, but are your feelings strong enough to pursue this beauty further?

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Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    Nice 4sp swap w 4.10s ⚙️
    This 327 should be a fun runner 🏁

    Like 6
  2. Big_FunMember

    I like the car, a fun manual transmission conversion that can be reversed if one gets “Gear Rower’s Remorse”. Then, keep the 4:10’s and add in a 700R4.
    I had to raise an eyebrow when I saw the tires on the higher shelf. What could go wrong? I guess the camera mounted above them will show us the evidence when it does…

    Like 2
  3. Danno

    If I could pick only one old car car to drive, it’d be a ’65 Impala SS, they are beautiful machines.

    Like 13
  4. 427Turbojet 427TurbojetMember

    While in high school, one of my best buddies had a 65 Impala SS, factory 327 4 speed. His was dark green with a black interior. Often while double dating, I’d be in the back seat casually resting a foot on the console. I’d gently pop it out of 4th while cruising. My buddy would cuss the transmission and comment on how it needed a rebuild. Before that could happen, the SS met it’s end one night when after a few adult beverages (we weren’t adults but thought we were) he missed their driveway and sideswiped a power pole. His Dad was NOT impressed.

    Like 8
  5. Gary G Quinn

    When I was 17 I got a ’65 Impala SS. White with the blue interior. I loved that car. It had a 283 with a power glide trans. The large back seat worked great on Friday night at the drive in. Found memories.

    Like 6
  6. little_shoesMember

    I love these 65s.

    Like 3
  7. ken

    1st pic rally wheels?

    Like 3
    • LMK

      Yep, my preference if I owned it…Rally wheels all the way..

      Like 3
  8. Jackie R. Hollingsworth

    Very Nice.

    Like 2
  9. Charles JenkinsMember

    Absolutely stunning car! (For the record, I have looked through this article numerous times and I still have not seen a reference to 4:10 gears) The 327/300 is one of my all time favorite motors. They were realitivally fast and super low maintenance. The price seems optimistic, but nearly all of the prices that I see on this forum don’t really jive with my reality. (Anybody willing to give me $30,000 for my 2000 FRC Vette?) Now do you get my point?

    Like 2
  10. ken

    nice car. fence post exhaust should replaced. kills the rear look

    Like 0
  11. ClassicP

    Love the big round gauges on each side of speedometer. My Dad had a 65’ super sport with automatic with console it was new and I still remember that new car smell. Getting in when it was raining smelled so good.

    Like 0
  12. z1rider

    I love everything about this ………… except the vinyl top. I’d have to lose that.

    Like 1
  13. Mike Maue

    My first car: 65 Impala SS w/327 and powerglide. Baby blue with baby blue interior.

    I gotta go now….

    Like 1

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