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Needs Completion: 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS

The 1965 model year would be a big one for Chevrolet. It was the first time that a U.S. auto manufacturer would build more than three million cars and trucks in a single year and Chevy had that honor. About a third of it would be full-size cars like the Impala, a record that still stands today. Nearly a quarter-million Impala Super Sports left the building, including the seller’s unfinished running project. With a big block under the hood, this Chevy is in Hazlet, New Jersey, and available here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $22,500.

Chevrolet’s full-size cars got redesigned in 1965, with curvier looks that extended to the side glass and rear window. A full perimeter frame replaced the old “X” frame design. For those buyers interested in muscle, the legendary 409 cubic inch V8 did a swan song in 1965, being replaced by the equally popular 396. To keep pace with Ford and its new luxurious LTD, Chevy added the Caprice as an Impala option, but it would become its own series the following year.

This Impala is a restoration that the seller was not been able to complete, though it appears mostly finished. We’re told it was a rotisserie job that stalled after the front disc brakes and frame were done. The blue paint appears to be a mat base coat and the trim has not been reinstalled but comes with the sale. The interior has been refreshed, though the upholstery and such come across as original materials.

We’re not sure about the engine, which could have been one of four that were available in 1965: RPO L35 (396 325 hp), RPO L78 (396 425 hp), RPO L33 (409 340 hp), or RPO L31 (409 400 hp). The photo provided shows the motor in the car, but the seller says it’s not in the Impala but finished, so perhaps it’s a “before” pic. Yet we’re told the car runs great and is fun to drive, so we suggest getting some clarification from the seller. Without much more work needed, maybe this Super Sport is ready to rock your world.

Comments

  1. Avatar 8banger Member

    Nice, but get rid of that inferno of an air cleaner…

    Like 7
  2. Avatar Rw

    A picture of the whole car would be nice.

    Like 7
  3. Avatar CCFisher

    It’s likely an L35 396/325. The L78 would have chromed valve covers, and the 409s had a different appearance altogether, as did the 283 and 327 small-blocks.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Kman

      It looks like the 409 by the valve covers

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Rw

    If they haven’t changed the design of that air breather since mid 70s , they had Plastic frame my brother had one on 283 60 over in a 56 Bel air post,it popped back though carb melted plastic in his Holley.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Dan Rodgers

    I am still looking for my 1965 impala SS with 409 and 4sp. Serial # 166375L120907

    Like 2
  6. Avatar joenywf64

    They don’t reproduce blue carpet for this car either?
    Nice to see the proper safe METAL fuel line to the carb instead of a rubber hose,
    when the big block was installed.
    With today’s gas prices tho, maybe a 250 6 cyl would be a much better idea here, espec with the reach you would have for those v8 pts & condenser.
    lol

    Like 0
  7. Avatar jeff51 Member

    409 valve covers are shaped like a “W”

    Like 3
  8. Avatar Chris Correa

    There is a guy who has been looking for this car, he said his wife wreaked it back when he was in Vietnam.. Same vin number and has been looking for his car..

    https://houston.craigslist.org/wan/d/magnolia-missing-1960-thunderbird/7501978273.html

    Like 0

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