Some classics are so achingly beautiful that it’s easy to forgive their modifications. Those are the feelings that I harbor for this 1965 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport. Its appearance is breathtaking, but the seller’s mechanical changes give it the power to match its looks. This SS needs nothing and would look great parked in your driveway. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Impala listed here on eBay in Eugene, Oregon. The seller set their BIN at $32,000 OBO.
Chevrolet hit the ground running when it released its Fourth Generation Impala range for the 1965 model year. It found itself in an enviable position in which it couldn’t build cars fast enough to meet buyer demand. To gauge the scope of the impact of Chevrolet’s latest offering, it is incredible that, sixty years later, the ’65 Impala remains the best-selling passenger car in American motoring history. Over one million people drove away in an Impala, a figure that almost beggars belief. The original owner ordered this first-year Impala Super Sport in Sierra Tan, and to say it presents beautifully is an understatement. The paint looks rich and deep, the panels show no evidence of bumps or bruises, and it appears that this classic is rust-free. The positive vibes continue with the sparkling trim, the spotless glass, and the steel wheels with their spinner covers and narrow whitewalls.
It is fair to say that this Impala hides its light under a bushel…or at least under its hood. It is unclear which motor the first owner selected to power this gem, but that is largely irrelevant. The engine bay houses a 350ci Crate Motor, teamed with a four-speed Muncie manual transmission. The small-block specifications haven’t been revealed, but I’d put money on the power being around 300hp. That is a respectable figure if correct, and should allow the SS to get up and running if poked with a sharp stick. Potential buyers will welcome the news that the drivetrain hasn’t clocked many miles since installation. The Impala runs and drives well, and is ready for the open road with a new owner behind the wheel.
The seller supplies limited interior shots, but states that the only thing this classic requires is a radio. Otherwise, the presentation appears first-rate. Trimmed in Black vinyl, the interior features bucket seats, a console, and a sports tilt wheel. I can’t spot any issues or shortcomings, with the back seat seemingly unused. It would take an in-person inspection to confirm it, but I think that the overall presentation of this Impala would allow it to hold its own at any Cars & Coffee and not cause its new owner embarrassment at a show.
Regular readers know the drill. I was raised in a household where classic Fords occupied the garage. Therefore, I will always admit a weakness for any car wearing a Blue Oval badge. I also prefer my classics unmolested. However, I am a passionate enthusiast who appreciates all vehicles, regardless of their marque. Therefore, I will happily admit that finding this 1965 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport in my garage would be a wonderful Christmas surprise. I know that it won’t happen for me, but with the seller’s price looking very competitive, that could be the perfect reason for you to make a move. I will fully understand if you do.
It’s a looker, that’s for sure. Not shy with the price but I guess it is what it is. The 350 is at least a first cousin to whatever it was born with so I’m good with that. And I would imagine with the 4 speed it gets down the road quite smartly. I also stare in amazement at an engine compartment where you can actually see the engine. Those were the days…
Great looking car! However looking at that single-pot drum brake master cylinder under the hood that appears not to even have a power booster I would have wished for some brake upgrades to go along with high-power engine. (Then again if you really want the authentic 1960s experience, lousy brakes are part of the deal!)
My mother had a ’65 Bel Air, the first family car that I can remember riding in. Bought new in 1966 and right about ten years later the frame rusted through above the rear axle both sides. When you closed the trunk lid the entire back of the car slowly bobbed down and up. I drove it to the junk yard with my older brother driving his car to give me a ride back. Salt is still a problem today
My first car was a 66 Impala coupe, not an SS, same colors as this one. Mine had a 283 2bbl w/ powerglide, power steering, AM radio and brocade seats, no other options. The paint was badly faded by7 the time I got in in the 1980s, but it’s nice to see what it would’ve looked like new.
I wish the original engine survived but that was common back in the day.
In the late 70s in my youth I helped part out a 1965 Maroon SS four speed , with black interior buckets. with a tilt steering wheel.
It was considered a parts car as the engine was burning oil and the paint was worn down.
Those were sadly 200 dollar cars and parts were more valuable. The four speed brought 100 by itself .
This one looks well maintained and a sweet looking big lead sled 🛷
GLWS!
My two older brothers did the same thing with a light blue with blue bucket seat interior. Pulled the 327 and 4 speed and sent the rest to the shredder. I know it had the 4 speed console still in it when it got loaded up, the seats must have been ripped up some as they were still in it also. Not sure if it had a tilt wheel but the 64 chevelle wagon they sent off had a tilt column in it.
I don’t think the 4 speed was as rare as it may seem. In the mid 60s, 4 speeds were all the rage, and with as many Impalas sold, there were bound to be more than a few. Normally, in a full size car, I wouldn’t care for a 4 speed, but the ’65 Chevy was such an iconic car, a 4 speed would only make it more desirable. Price is equal to the lunacy of today, but if money is no object, and clearly isn’t, wouldn’t you go with this over that ’61 Bubbletop heap, for only a paltry $10 grand more? Very nice car, quite possibly the nicest Chevy ever. Grandpa Sam ( the Packard one) ,who I take after a lot, was no dummy and was one of the million folks that happily bought a ’65 Chevy.
Love it. When cars were not prone to break often. No electronics to worry about other than the alternator and the radio.
My favorite Impalas will always be the ‘69-‘70s, but the ‘65 is a close second. This one is done very nicely, even with the non-numbers matching 350.
There is an original white 2 door 327 Impala that lives down the street in a very nice barn. It is owned by a lady who bought it new and has loved it ever since driving it off the lot. No rust and original paint and interior that looks like brand new. It gets driven 2 or thee times a year. Back when Nevada had no speed limit. She claims many 100 mph runs from Utah to Las Vegas. It has never even had a valve cover gasket replaced and still no leaks. (I didn’t think that was possible on the original style heads/valve covers.) I drool every time I see it in the driveway.
Years ago in Chippewa Falls, WI., lived an Ermine White ’63 Impala Sport Sedan. Under its bonnet was a 409 of L33 [340-horse] flavor. Though that ’09 was behind a power glide, THIS example was pristine! I was fund-less @ the time & it slipped away only to give its life 3 weeks later in an encounter w/a telephone pole, piloted by its new teenage female owner. It traumatized me to hear of its demise.
Well Wayne, maybe flowers, Sees candy, a tennis bracelet, some very good tequila…
You never know!
And her name is PAT!
Just thought you would find that intetesting!
robj said it all in three words
Its a looker
It’s a great looking car, the price doesn’t seem far out of line. Non-matching numbers aren’t going to be a big deal for a majority of people, the 4spd will more than offset that. A mild crate 350 was a good choice as a replacement, making it a good cruiser with the ability to push you back into the seat. A disc brake conversion would be wise, they are a good upgrade at a reasonable cost if the next owner can do the work at home. The biggest strike against it, is they have it listed just before Christmas, that reduces the pool of buyers for all but the best deals.
Steve R
I was just a youngster but remember our neighbor, Jean, having one that looked just like this. Hers was an automatic with gold interior and maybe a 327 as it could really take off. I was usually the monkey in the middle of the back seat and swear I wore the imprint of that speaker grille in the back of my head. This one or today’s red one? This one.
This one looks lots better than the red one today if for no other reason it does not have those ugly fender skirts.
I drove a 65 327 with a 4 speed for awhile back in the day and I believe I enjoyed that car as much as any other.
The price on this one doesn’t seem out of line. Nice ride.
She’s a beauty! I’m an old school Cragars and raked kinda guy but I wouldn’t touch this one!
nice piece but not a fan of the under-hood chrome and those tail pipes. good colors
Agree with hairyolds68 about the chrome and exhaust tips get rid of that nonsense. Other than that a nice car and it’s a 4 speed.
All this talk about lousy brakes on 60s cars. I DAILY drove my 65 Impala, 283, PG, for almost 10 years on the PA Turnpike and other horrible roads. Never had an issue stopping. Most people have no idea if a car’s system works as designed, it will be fine. My 65 had non power drums all around. I properly maintain all my cars. Always made sure and used good parts, flushed brake fluid every 3 years, didn’t drive like a idiot or put myself in a situation where hard braking was needed. Drums cool faster than discs, of course most people don’t know that. There is far more swept area. I drove that great car from 1991 to 2000. It was plenty old then. Never let me sit. Put 100,000 miles on it. Yeah, the floors rotted out, but fixed it myself. No car payment. Now, happily retired with a 53 year- old Corvette and others. I paid $500 for mine from my great aunt, who won the car in a church raffle. Today’s prices are just ridiculous.
Very sharp Impala, always loved the 65 taillights