The fourth generation of the Chevy Impala was launched in 1965 and would set records that have yet to be broken. More than 1.2 million full-size Chevrolets were produced, with two-thirds of them being the popular Impala. That includes the seller’s convertible which hasn’t been started in years but looks to have held up over time. Located in Bloomington, Indiana, this Chevy is available here on HiBid where the reserve has already been lifted at $11,200. Thanks for the lead on this one, Mark Sturgeon.
Redesigned in 1965, all full-size Chevrolets employed GM’s new “X” frame for a full-width perimeter footprint; a new body that featured curved, frameless side glass (for pillarless models); angled windshields with newly reshaped vent windows; and a revamped full-coil suspension. All product lines saw an increase in sales, including the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala. Also new for 1965 was the Caprice, a luxury option on the Impala that would become a series of its own for 1966. The Caprice competed against the new LTD over at Ford.
We’re told this drop-top has the Turbo-Jet 327 cubic inch V8 that is numbers-matching. It also has an automatic transmission, likely the 2-speed Powerglide that was commonplace in those days. Less than 70,000 miles have been covered by this automobile before it went into storage, but we don’t know when that was. But long enough ago that a good coat of dirt and grime has had time to accumulate. The car won’t start, but the engine turns over, meaning that some coaxing will be needed.
The body and white paint seem to have survived mostly intact along with the convertible top. With some elbow grease, everything may clean up well enough to be okay, at least for a while. Other than dirty, too, the interior looks to be okay. This unit would be one of more than 45,000 Impala convertibles to roll off the assembly line in 1965, which means they shouldn’t be too rare today. The seller says the car must be picked up at the “farm” where it resides now, suggesting this is a true barn find.
Will probably be sold with a open title. Thus many one owners.
The 1965 Impala did not have an “X” frame. X frame ended in 1964. I have a 65 Impala.
Many X frames came out from under convertibles and were placed under the bodies of Dirt Track and oval racers.
That was the main thing that jumped out at me! 65 was the first of the perimeter frame.
Don’t forget the convertible frame is different and has the Xtra bracing…..
A 65 Impala convertible is one of my bucket list cars & this one would have fit the bill well. From all the pictures, the car looks very solid & was last tagged in 1975, so it makes you wonder why it was taken off the road. Unfortunately the auction has already ended & the sold price was not listed. I’ve seen these sell in this condition for $25k & up.
This looks like a nice project car to me. If I was looking for another project, this would be on my list!