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396 V8/4-Speed! 1965 Chevrolet Impala

This 1965 Impala has the 396 cubic-inch big-block V8 that would debut during that model year. And it’s paired with a 4-speed manual, which would likely make it a somewhat rare combination. The car looks to have been sitting outside for several years, so it’s not in running condition and needs a complete cosmetic restoration. The seller describes this as a Super Sport, but the VIN does not, even though the car is wearing SS wheel covers. Located in San Fernando Valley California, this auto is available here on craigslist for $12,500.

1965 would be a record year in terms of production and sales for full-size Chevrolets. The Impala would see 803,000 copies made plus another 243,00 Super Sports. And that doesn’t include the number of Biscayne’s and Bel Airs that were also built. This Chevy was likely painted in Mist Blue when it left the factory, but surface rust has left it weather-beaten and rather sad. There is no visual evidence of any corrosion through the sheet metal and all the chrome pieces seem to be present, though some are dinged.

Though located in California, the car is wearing Iowa license plates from 1972, which may suggest that’s the last time this car was on the road. We’re told the odometer has rolled over and no mention is made regarding the health of the drivetrain. You’ll have to assume the engine and transmission will require some repair work after having been inactive. The interior looks about like the exterior, matching in color and showing extreme signs of distress. A bench seat is present, another indicator this was not an SS model.

Hagerty estimates the value of the ’65 Impala to be in the mid-$20,000s and the presence of both the 396 and 4-speed should add a premium on top of that. The seller’s asking price seems a bit rich considering the upside potential of the car once restored.

Comments

  1. Avatar stillrunners

    Yep….that Cali guy is shying away from that Iowa car…………..

    Like 4
  2. Avatar Steve R

    As the author of this feature says, it’s not an SS, regardless of what the seller says.

    Better pictures and a little more honesty/research from the seller and he might get his price. Depending on the amount of rust any mid-60’s big block 4spd Chevrolet has the potential to sell for the asking price.

    Steve R

    Like 7
    • Avatar Kman

      I don’t know where Haggerty gets there figures. They seem low. Fully restored 65 Impalas we’re going in the eighties in 2019

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Kurt Member

    Too many zeroes, pass

    Like 2
    • Avatar Steve R

      A running 396 and Muncie transmission will sell for $1,250 by themselves all day, every day. The seller might not get his asking price, but it’s the more realistic valuation.

      Steve R

      Like 4
  4. Avatar Miguelito Loveless

    Low rider.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Kurt Member

      Absolutely.

      Like 4
      • Avatar Kurt Member

        Now I want it! Just not anywhere near his asking price. The paint alone to create a decent low rider is thousands of dollars.

        Like 5
  5. Avatar victor Sanchez

    There are to many things on this car that says it’s an Impala and NOT an Impala SS. I had a friend who had a 65 Impala SS so I got to know the car. The trim below the tail lights on an SS is supposed to be black and Says SS, on the dash there should be a vacuum gage, the Impala emblem on the front fenders if an SS should have Super Sport. Nice car but, Not and SS

    Like 3
  6. Avatar RoughDiamond

    Rare car for sure, but sort of like comparing the ’66 Nova “SS” L-79 vs. the ’66 Nova non-“SS” L-79 sport coupe which is much rarer, but not as valuable.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar stillrunners

    Lots of left side pictures of the interior……sure would like to see the right side of that steering column.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bill McCoskey Member

      I was thinking the same thing, there is a good chance this car started out with only 2-pedals.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Kman

        283 and a 3 on the tree.

        Like 0
  8. Avatar Slickimp

    Yes its sad that people call Belairs impalas. So why not say this is a ss when it is ovisley not

    Like 0

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