Sometimes in life, we have to make difficult decisions. That is something that the buyer of this 1965 Impala SS will need to face. It presents so nicely that it will be tough to decide whether to treat it to a cosmetic restoration or leave it as an untouched survivor. There is no right or wrong answer because it will ultimately come down to the buyer’s personal preference. Located in Rosedale, Maryland, you will find the Impala listed for sale here on eBay. There are few people who like what they see because 39 bids have already been submitted. This has pushed the price along to $10,900 in this No Reserve auction.
The owner lists the Impala as being finished in White. I’m not sure if it’s just how the sunlight is hitting it, but the color looks closer to Crocus Yellow. Leaving that little detail aside, the SS looks like it could be a great project car. The panels wear a few minor marks, but if the buyer wanted to retain the car as an original survivor, these wouldn’t be an issue. The paint shines warmly, and the majority of the exterior trim is in excellent condition. When you look at the supplied photos, rust issues are conspicuous by their absence. There is nothing visible in the panels and the photos that the seller supplies of the underside indicate that this classic is structurally sound. The original hubcaps are in good condition, and I can’t spot any problems with the glass. So far, it looks like we’re onto a winner here.
When you open the doors and take a look around inside the Impala, the positive vibes continue. The interior isn’t perfect, but it is presentable. The car features bucket seats and a console with a floor shift. I suspect that the cover on the driver’s seat has possibly seen better days, which would account for the aftermarket slip-cover. This is one of those interiors where I would be inclined to perform a deep clean before spending any money because a few items might benefit from this strategy. That includes the door trims and both the front and rear armrests. The carpet looks like it may have been replaced at some point, but it isn’t a very good fit. That’s something that I would almost certainly change. The dash and pad are in good condition, and overall, I think it will take more time than money to return the interior to its best.
The fender badges indicate that the Impala started life with a 283ci V8 under the hood. However, I don’t think that’s what is sitting in the engine bay today. I’ve been trying to put my finger on just what it is, but I’m not ashamed to say that it has me beat! The owner doesn’t provide any information beyond it being a V8 with an automatic transmission, so any prospective buyers will need to ask the seller a few questions. It does appear from the listing that he will be accommodating on that front. The only thing that I find disconcerting is the fact that there is evidence of some pretty ordinary rattle-can work on that V8. There is overspray on hoses and clamps, suggesting that the work wasn’t completed with an eye for detail. The seller does say that the car runs and drives, which is never a bad starting point for any project.
As a project car, this 1965 Impala SS shows an enormous amount of promise. One of its strongest points is that it doesn’t appear to be a classic riddled with rust. Sure, it will need some work if it is to present at its best. However, none of this looks like it would be classed as urgent. That means that a potential buyer could drive it as a survivor and then undertake any restoration as time, circumstance, and finances allow. That has to make it an attractive proposition for any bow-tie enthusiast.
IIRC, ’65 Chevy V-8’s had an oil fill spout at the front of the engine. This appears to be a later model engine, and the air filter cover certainly is. Chevy experts will provide more insight. I wonder why the rear quarter corner trim was painted black? GLWTA!! :-)
Right on the money about the oil filler spout Moparman. I’m going with a 350 from the late 60s early 70s. That air filter doesn’t belong with this engine either. Notice the breather element in the front? It should be on the passenger side with a hose going into it from the valve cover.
Note the flipped over air filter cover trick, good for 10hp back in high school.
This car is not a survivor. It has been treated to a shoddy repaint, look at the overspray on many of the pictures. There is loose wiring hanging below the dash and the engine has been treated to an amateur rattle can “restoration”. It might or might not have good bones, but I wouldn’t pay a premium for the work that has been completed. This car has all of the earmarks of a quick flip, even a backyard mechanic novice would have taken the time to do better prep work, because they care about the outcome.
Steve R
Not an SS
Engine block looks like late ’70s/ early ’80s, it appears to have the short pad on the passenger side above the water pump. The air cleaner is definitely late ’70s and up. No fan shroud. Looks like older heads- don’t see accessory holes on the front. I bet this car was a 6cyl originally, the v8 emblems aren’t located properly. No SS emblem on left front fender that i can see. I’m guessing pieced together.
left finder replaced oil filler on 350 is on valve cover this eng is 283
Talk about whitewall tires, this one needs them to dress it up!
Here we go again…
’65 did not use this style valve cover either. Looks like a later engine.
At 10.900 dollars you know it’s going original
Its at 15k. I would have called it all the money at 12k. Meh condition and color. Nice enough but doesn’t really speak to me. I would clean up some of the sloppy resto and drive it as is…nah I’d just walk.
You sound intelligent….I think you’re right.
Make it safe, put on some 8″ Vette rallys and drive it!
Is that engine emblem a little high on the fender ?
No way that engine is a 283. Intake suggests 73 or older as I see no evidence of an EGR valve, or it is a pick up truck engine. It appears to be a 2 barrel and the air cleaner is 74 or later. Power steering pump is also not original. 65 should have the round reservoir with storage spot, this is the one piece tapered reservoir that is later than 65. Water pump also incorrect, it should have the short water pump unless I’m mistaken. Valve covers are definitely later and it appears to be missing the oil cap. My guess would be 75-76 pickup truck 350 from what I see. 65 would definitely have a front oil fill tube in the intake with a breather cap, no PCV, draft tube on the back of the block and upper alternator bracket would bolt to the front of the intake manifolds. Can’t really see if the heads have bolt holes or not, but sometime could have installed the earlier (original?) heads into the later engine.
Actually after looking a bit closer in fairly certain the heads do have bolt holes, and the alternator is sitting too far forward. This is because of the long water pump being incorrect. The long adjustment arm should bolt to the front, not the rear of the alternator and the bottom pivot bolt should go through a bracket that attached to the exhaust manifold. There appears to be a layer model A/C compressor bracket on the front of the left head. My guess would be either a 75-76 305 or of a pickup. Definitely a 2 barrel, PCV house connects to a fitting in the intake. 4 barrel has a port for the PCV on the carb baseplate and I’m fairly certain that 74 was the last year for 2 barrel 350 in a pickup and that airflow is later than 74.
When Chevrolet switched from short water pump to the long water pump, the alternator was moved to the passenger side. This engine is using a short water pump, look at the “legs”, they are too short for a long water pump.
Steve R
My second car was a 1965 chev belaire with a 283 and a 2 speed trans.I enjoyed my 65 and it was very reliable.This 65 looks not bad and with some tlc $ it could be a nice daily driver. Price does seem a wee bit high.
I suspect this is a 283 with a 75-78 two bbl air cleaner. Anybody who can guess a small block displacement by looking at a photo of the engine, is just
guessing.
If the owner says it’s @283, unless you can look at the block casting number, it’s a 283