72k Original Miles: 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS

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If you are an enthusiast with a growing family, classics like this 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS are instantly appealing. Not only do they offer enough interior space to accommodate growing teenagers, but this one is a gem. It presents beautifully, while its numbers-matching drivetrain will attract purists preferring originality. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the SS listed here on Craigslist in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Arizona. The seller set their price at $29,500, although it appears there is room to move on that figure.

The 1960s produced its share of motoring successes, and the introduction of the Fourth Generation Impala range was no exception upon its 1965 release. Chevrolet sold over one million of these classics across all variants that year, creating a new industry sales record. This first-year example is a Super Sport that was ordered by its first owner in subtle Ermine Ivory. The seller is sparing with information about its history, creating the impression that it is a genuine survivor. They appear approachable, so confirmation may only be a phone call away. The paint glows nicely, there are no visible panel imperfections, and the dry Arizona climate has done a sterling job of protecting the steel from the ravages of rust. With the trim and glass flawless and the Rally wheels adding to its visual appeal, this Impala makes a positive first impression.

The first slice of news that purists will welcome is that this SS is said to be numbers-matching. From there, we strike a slight mystery. Chevrolet offered buyers two versions of the 327ci V8 in 1965, and it is unclear which this is. If it is the L30 version, it would generate 250hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque. However, if the first owner ticked the box beside L74 on their Order Form, those figures climb to 300hp and 360 ft/lbs. Both engines provide respectable performance, although the more potent version will comfortably eclipse its more sedate sibling. The rest of this car’s drivetrain includes a two-speed Powerglide transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller states that the odometer reading of 72,000 miles is verifiable and that this classic runs and drives perfectly. If you fancy a dry-climate vacation at this cold time of the year, flying in and driving this Imala home is a viable option.

The first owner contrasted this Impala’s White exterior with an interior trimmed in Black vinyl. They also specified a console with a shifter for the Powerglide, adding a radio for tunes on the move. The wheel wrap, mats, and dash cover are the only visible aftermarket components. The interior isn’t perfect, but the overall condition is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage. I spotted a seam separation on the upper driver’s seat, but a competent upholsterer may be able to repair this without the buyer being forced to source replacement covers. The remaining vinyl is in good order, as are the dash, console, and carpet on the floors. However, the carpeted area on the lower door trims is faded, and it is unclear whether the cover is hiding a cracked pad. It is certainly serviceable, and there is plenty of room for growing children.

While I enjoy and appreciate classics from all eras, I am always drawn to vehicles featuring Coke-Bottle styling. There is something elegant about their appearance, whether you are focused on the First Generation Camaro, the original Buick Riviera, or this beautiful 1965 Impala SS. It appears to need nothing and is ideal for anyone unable to tackle a project build. Although the seller’s price is hardly chicken feed, it is justified at a time when values for these classics are climbing steadily. If you have previously owned one of these Impalas, would you consider repeating the experience by making a play for this one? I wish you luck if you do.

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Comments

  1. Henry DavisMember

    If it had Factory A/C it’d be in my garage by now!

    Like 6
  2. Gary G Quinn

    I owned a ’65 SS with a 283. It was white, blue interior. I loved that car.

    Like 5
    • MoparDoug

      I owned the same color ’65 Impala SS with the same engine in the late 80s.

      Like 2
    • ClassicP

      My Dad had a white one with blue interior it was like a slate blue I was 5 years old but I remember the smell of the car new and when rained it was awesome smell.

      Like 1
  3. Jim C

    The Super Sport script call outs is wrong on the fenders. The script was chrome and located lower on the fender call out. It wasn’t painted on ?

    Like 3
    • Al camino

      There is no script writing on these fenders the only thing on them is the emblems on the front,you must be thinking of another car.I have one so I should know!

      Like 2
      • Ron

        You probably should do a little research, because Jim C is correct, the Super Sport script does belong down lower on the fender behind the wheel opening.

        Like 4
      • Al camino

        Sorry, someone before me took them off!

        Like 2
  4. Jeff

    I had a maroon SS with 283 plus four speed back in the day.

    Like 3
  5. Jonathan M Gibson

    Henry, it does have factory A/C, it is stated that it needs to be serviced.

    Like 1
    • ccrvtt

      CL ad I saw does not mention A/C. There is no compressor visible in the engine shot nor are there any ‘chrome ball’ air vents at the ends of the dash.

      Like 1
    • William Stephan

      Heater core box cover is absolutely for a NON AC firewall. The cut outs are both very different on both as well. Those SS badges on the front fenders look badly placed as well. I think there shouldve been an SS badge on the glove box door too??

      Like 1
      • Zak

        No SS badging on glove box door. I had one back in the day and still have photo of dash and glove box door somewhere.

        Like 2
    • Henry DavisMember

      Jonathan, I don’t believe it has air. No controls or vents on the dashboard, no compressor, bracket or hoses in the engine compartment, non A/C suitcase for the heater core, and…peaking through the grille…I see no condenser.

      Like 0
    • Al camino

      There are no vents or anything under the hood showing ac!

      Like 0
  6. Mark

    This is a very nice Chevy unmolested with no weird add ons. A very nice cruiser!!

    Like 1
  7. Faroutfreak

    I had the 66 SS in willow Green , the 396 was a powerhouse that would burn your tires off the Rims if not careful !

    Like 3
  8. Frog

    Another clean rust free?rust free example. It appears to me that the in reach sweet spot for cars of this condition and caliber are hovering around in the $20s k range. Glad to see and know clean dream cars are out there.

    Like 3
    • Mark

      I agree with Frogs comment that there are clean cars out there you just have to look and wait for the right one!

      Like 1
  9. hat of pork

    There’s just something about six tail lights…..

    Like 4
  10. CarbobMember

    Sharp eyed BFers miss nothing. The car is beautiful but I agree with others that the SS fender badges don’t seem properly placed. And the only A/C this car has is the clear crank down kind. If the magic car fairy was to drop this beauty in my driveway some night you wouldn’t hear me complaining. I have always liked the 65-66 Chevrolet full size cars. I would have a difficult time picking one over the other. GLWTS.

    Like 1
    • ClassicP

      lol like that crank down ac. Especially cools nice after swimming all day

      Like 0
  11. Skip

    Don’t believe this is an s s impala

    Like 1
    • Henry DavisMember

      Maybe a lousy repaint? Should say “Super Sport” behind the front wheel well, the emblems are not only in the wrong place, but are wrong emblems. Also should have a manifold vacuum gauge in the instrument panel right side large bezel. I’d still buy it if it had A/C, that cosmetic stuff is easy to fix.

      Like 2
  12. Richard

    I don’t believe I have ever seen that type of SS emblems on any car. Can anyone help and give me some clarification what car they may have come from? Nice car, but I also question if it’s a Super Sport model.

    Like 0
    • Al camino

      This is a real ss by the black molding below the trunk,gauge in middle of dash board,silver moulding on dash board plus other things.those are probably new fenders and that’s when he put other emblems on instead of drilling all those original holes!

      Like 0
  13. Mike K

    Adam, those “double hump” heads say it’s the 300 hp, as was my 65 Malibu SS.

    Like 0

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