Looking every bit like a turn-key driver, this shiny red Chevy needs some work before heading toward the horizon under its own power. The 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible in Saint Petersburg, Florida, a claimed-original 42,000 mile classic, comes with a crumpled left rear quarter panel, a clean title, and a dirty engine bay. Despite the lack of keys, the motor turns, according to the seller. The lack of a carburetor precludes further analysis. Thanks to Mitchell G. for the tip on this red ragtop.

Let’s just get this picture out of the way, which suggests tree fall damage. Rear quarter damage often results in a total loss on newer vehicles. Welded in place rather than bolted on, the panels require considerable labor to remove and replace. Though no easier on a ’60s car, that work is bread and butter in the classic car world.

The body tag decoder at tpocr describes a R-1 Regal Red SS convertible with white top and an 815 all black bucket seat interior, though I approve the later addition of a two-tone black and white interior.

A nondescript Chevy small-block looks a little rough. Stock iron exhaust manifolds and what looks like an aftermarket spread-bore intake suggest a low-budget bolt-on attempt at power-boosting with a four-barrel carburetor that’s since been poached for other projects. A single-pot non-boosted brake master cylinder the size of a pop can seems slightly frightening for a full-sized ’60s Chevy, but that was par for the course and worked fine as long as everything was sound and properly adjusted. In case it’s not obvious, a generous shop-vacuum application or disassembly should be used to verify that years of rodent houses or other debris haven’t filled the intake manifold and contaminated the combustion chambers. The VIN and body tag describe a V8 Impala SS with two-speed Powerglide transmission, but there’s no documentation or promise that either remain with this long-neglected ride.

The Chevy triple circular lights on this first-year 4th-generation Impala carried over from the outgoing ’64 for continuity.

The leaping Impala in the steering wheel was jokingly referred to as a “Donkey” in west-coast car culture, earning the classic Impala the nickname “Donk,” sometimes applied to similar rides. Say, aren’t we missing a brake pedal? I can only imagine the re-plating bill for all that trim, but it will look great if someone takes it on or replaces everything. While a two-speed automatic seems ridiculous today when cars come with eight or more forward gears, I’ve driven a couple and decent torque makes for a normal driving experience in most conditions. In the drag racing world, built-up Powerglides have won countless races over the years. My late father’s stock ’53 Buick Roadmaster wouldn’t have won many, but it did fine with two forward gears. Check out more pictures and a cursory description here on eBay where at least 18 bidders have the market value on this Florida classic in the low five digits. Hopefully the recent hurricane has not troubled the seller or this red Chevy. How high would you bid to restore this non-running SS?