There were at least two record-setting automobiles built in 1965. One was the new Mustang, which Ford no doubt sold many more than they anticipated. Another was the Chevrolet Impala, which saw sales exceed one million units for the first and only time. The seller’s convertible is one of about 27,000 Impala SS drop-tops estimated to have been produced that year. It’s not complete and needs a lot of cosmetic work after being idle for ages. Located in Mound, Minnesota, this Chevy classic is available here on craigslist for $6,500. Another capable tip from T.J.!
Chevrolet’s Super Sport debuted in 1961 to limited sales as it was initially a muscle car. For 1962, it went more in the direction of a stylish “halo” automobile for which any Chevy engine available to the Impala could be had. As a result, demand became incredibly brisk and by 1964 the Impala SS would be promoted to a series of its own. Chevy built nearly 58,000 full-size convertibles that year with nearly half wearing SS badging and having interiors with bucket seats.
When this Chevy was new, it should have been quite impressive. With a 396 cubic inch V8 (presumably original) and a manual transmission (4-speed?), it should have been powerful as well as good-looking. A 12-bolt rear end was also part of the package, needed with all the torque the engine should have produced. The Impala is said to have originated out west, but that didn’t do much to help protect the machine from rust, which there is plenty of. The floorboards would appeal to Fred Flintstone as they are of the see-through variety.
The light blue paint is said to be original, though we wonder about the hood and the passenger side front fender. The convertible top is toast, and we wonder what the undercarriage looks like beyond the floors. The VIN and cowl tags are intact and the former decodes the car properly as being a real-deal SS with a V8 powerplant. The odometer reads 67,000 miles, but who knows if that’s accurate. You’ll have to be okay with a bill of sale because there is no title to go with the deal. Who’s ready to dive heavily (and financially) into restoring an SS 396 Impala drop-top?
Mr. Flintstone your car is ready.
FAMILY had a 66 Olds 88 convert, much better looking to me than 65 and 66 Chevy. Putting my 2 cents in, this is a DOA case. Can’t begin to imagine how much money, time and effort to bring it back to life. Good luck to seller AND any buyer.
I’m with you Rick. This is a great parts car. Tons of work and no title.
65 Conv drop top, and a 396….price is on par for the market…you can find those parts for this car fairly reasonable, piece it together as you can, drive and enjoy!
It wouldn’t even be a good parts car….most of the parts are gone. Body looks OK….
It’s already been a parts car. Most of the good pieces, which will be expensive and hard to find were already removed.
Steve R
I disagree Steve, those parts are VERY available and putting this car back together is a NO BRAINER, with the SS options and a drop top…Try again!
Still love those ’65 impala drop tops whose looks I put on par with ’58 ’59 and ’61. Worth it especially if numbers match.
I had a 66 Impala SS Hard top, The thing was a beast, even in 1973 it was still tearing up some of newer Muscle cars. Unfortunately it met its end to a driver in the wrong lane.