Some classic survivors have enough positive attributes that it becomes difficult to determine which is their strongest. Such is the case with this 1965 Chevrolet Impala. Its presentation is impressive, it wears its original paint, and the odometer shows an exceptionally low reading. Perhaps most importantly, its owner feels it needs to find a new home. They have listed it here on Craigslist in Omaha, Nebraska, with a price of $19,900. We always appreciate the input of our readers at Barn Finds, whether it is providing feedback on our articles or providing fantastic leads like the one that brought this Impala to my desk. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Larry D for spotting it.
Chevrolet introduced its Fourth Generation Impala in 1965, and although it remained a full-size model, its dimensions and wheelbase shrunk slightly compared to its predecessor. It was readily accepted by the motoring press and buying public, selling in unprecedented numbers in its first year. This Impala is from that year, and the limited photos suggest it is hard to criticize its presentation. The seller claims its Ermine Ivory paint is original, with this classic never undergoing any repair or restoration. With fifty-seven years behind it, chips and marks should be expected. However, the only obvious ones are a few marks along some of the panel edges. The car is exceptionally straight, but this classic’s virtually rust-free status is the best news. Many cars from this era developed a reputation for such issues, but this one is rock-solid. The only visible potential problem is a couple of bubbles developing in the lower corners of the back window. These haven’t progressed far, so treating them before they deteriorate further would be a wise strategy. The trim and chrome hold a shine that is virtually as it appeared off the showroom floor, while the glass is flawless.
Chevrolet offered 1965 Impala buyers a wide array of engines to cater to every taste and requirement. This car’s original owner selected a 327ci V8 that produced 250hp, teaming it with a two-speed Powerglide transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Although this car was probably ordered as a spacious and comfortable six-seat family sedan, its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 17.5 seconds would not have been considered too shabby in 1965. Compared to the rest of the car, the engine bay presentation isn’t as impressive as I expected. However, as a genuine survivor, it is acceptable. With vehicles of this caliber, it is more about mechanical health, and it is here that this Impala shines. Its drivetrain is original, with the seller claiming the Impala has a genuine 24,700 miles on its odometer. They don’t mention supporting evidence, but since they include the original Protect-O-Plate and other documentation, it is possible. The car runs and drives perfectly, ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
If you aren’t prepared to live with a sea of Red trim, this Impala won’t be for you. The seller describes the original interior as perfect, and it is difficult to argue with that assessment. The seats feature vinyl and cloth free from wear and issues, with the remaining matching vinyl upholstered surfaces equally impressive. I can’t spot any carpet problems, while the dash and pad look faultless. The overall condition makes the low-mileage claim seem plausible. It is hard to classify any aspect of an unrestored vehicle of this vintage as perfect, but if this Impala misses, it isn’t by much. Adding to its appeal, comfort appointments include a factory AM radio, a clock, and ice-cold air conditioning.
If I have one regret with this 1965 Impala, it is that the seller supplied low-quality photos of what appears to be a stunning survivor. If I could give potential sellers one piece of advice, it would be to take the time with photographs for their listing because a picture is worth a thousand words. It becomes more vital when a vehicle is priced at the top end of the market for its model, as is this Impala. I believe the condition and mileage probably justify the figure, but I wonder how many potential buyers have chosen to bypass this classic on the strength of the photos alone. Would you join them, or are you tempted to pursue it further?
If this were a 2 door,it’d be gone already.Why is it that sellers
like this can’t bother to post pictures of the whole car?
No answer to that. maybe it’s a parts car…
He was hoping you wouldn’t notice it’s a 4-door. I had to go back and look real close for that extra door in the back.
Wow! Amazing example of this styling trendsetter.
According to the ad text, it is a “Completely original white/red Impala 4 door.” The 5th photo is of the passenger-side rear door. Seller isn’t trying to fool anyone.
Not being a hotrodder, I prefer 4 doors on a big car like this, as much as I prefer power steering, power brakes, automatic transmission, A/C, etc. Hey – who the heck wants to get out of the car and fold the seat-back forward so a passenger can get into the back seat – especially if it’s raining or snowing? Not me!
An extra door would make it a 3-door.
Rather doubt you could ever find a 65 Impala 2 door sedan. Hard top yes, 2 door, or coach in a Bel Air or Biscayne yes.
I have one. My father bought a texceedo black, black vinyl interior, automatic trans with a 6 cylender 230 engine. It has 29,000 original miles and is all original. He wanted more but as a young police officer he could only afford what could. That means no power anything. He did not even order a radio fir the dash. In the place of the am radio is a “Chevrolet cover plate “. When I bought it from him in 1971 for college I paid 1,500. I told my father that I thought that was a high price for 6 year old car. He replied ” boy, it’s like a new car. I bought it after I graduated and parked it in my garage. I acquired a position with a company that provided a company vehicle. I stayed with that company for 28 years. The Chevy stayed parked.
Yea. And if frogs had wings they wouldn’t bump their booties when they went down the street.
I agree always show all angles and sides plus the interior should be shown too
it”s a four door?
Twenty grand for a crew cab Impala…
I don’t mind a quad cab, still a very good example
Looks very nice…Maybe. Can’t tell by the pic’s here or on Craigslist. Do yourself and the future buyer a favor and move it outside and take some more pic’s.
Brings back a few memories. My first car, just out of college, was the 65 Impala SS…. white with a black vinyl top. If I had the spare money, I’d go check this one out.
I had the 396 engine and I often joked it could pass anything except a gas station. I took the automatic transmission rather than the stick because the insurance guy told me the difference in the insurance premium and I didn’t have much money right out of college, so automatic it was. To this day, I wish I had kept that car !!
I too, had a 65 Impala SS in college, one of the best cars I ever owned, dark burgundy with a black interior. Had some really nice mag wheels on it, when I took it to college I put on black metal rims and baby moons on it. First night in the dorm parking lot, someone stole the moons off of it, glad I left the mags at home. This brought back some memories, then saw it was a 4-door.
My goodness, this is absolutely incredible. And seems like a decent deal as well.
The car looks great but I can’t get past that well used intake on the engine. Looks like one that has another 100k miles on it. The interior looks great. If it was a four-door hard-top I think it would sell pretty fast.
Actually, that engine does not look like < 25k miles. Just doesn't fit the shape of the body and interior.
Since the car has 57 years under its belt? I’d say that engine looks right.
Looks to me like a pressure washed 57 year old low mileage engine.
When Chevy used to put the a/c compressor on the correct side of the motor.
I bought a 2 door back in High School for $150. The car was straight. It had a 283 motor and the trans was a 4 spd. Muncie with a 373 gear. Wish I still had it. Traded it for a 750 Norton, chopper.
Probably don’t have the bike either?
I have an 89 caprice that 4 door,can’t drive it anywhere without someone trying to buy. I left mine 100percent stock. I love my car. God bless u guys.
Seems like a good price to me. You could daily drive this car, in style and comfort. PS PB and AC, what a great ride. Parts cheap and plentiful. Easy to work on.
I had a 67 Impala 4 door, had over 180k on it, the 327 had one rebuild, and the PowerGlide was original.
20k for a car with 25k miles… Isn’t that what you might pay for a used Honda with that mileage? I’d rather have this one.
Me too, I’d rather have this Impala than any honda !
Lovely looking car. It’s nice to see a car that’s original, unmolested in any way, but as stock as possible. Although I’ve always preferred station wagons, vans, or SUVs, this is nice. Given its condition, I’d pay close to the asking price.
My dad was a salesman whose company cars in the ‘60s and early’70s were all Impala coupes, starting with the ‘65, which was the identical white exterior over red interior. 283 engine and the great Fisher bodies. Got a twinge when I saw this.❤️
How many big GM ’60s cars left out there with good frames(the entire length – espec in the rear)?
As a car guy, if I see an automobile that has served it’s purpose and survived in lovely condition, I think it is worth my admiration regardless of how many doors it has, or the length of it’s roof. The original owner did not spend his money to please me! This is a lovely auto!
Great looking car.
The chips on the rear door are a bit of a mystery. It looks like there was some aftermarket adhesive edge trim there that has been removed.
Looks more like the car has/had door edge guards, but that RR was removed. No other photos show any other doors, so are the other 3 still attached? Not impossible to find an NOS set of them, esp. for a 4 dr., on ebay.
What are some hints from all of our history as car guys, that one looks for, to help determine original paint vs. respray?
Food for thought:
1) paint meter readings?
2) obvious overspray?
3) creepage around emblems, badges, etc?
4) type of paint (lacquer vs. urethane)
5) witness marks from wear sheet metal fasteners used to be, and aren’t torqued back in the exact same spot? (things never line back up 100% after disassembly)
6) color/gloss/grain mis-match
This Impala appears all original and unmolested….as the writer comments, the condition is almost “too good to be true”…..
Just an open discussion topic, based on what we’ve all seen and experienced through the years.
Again, this looks like a fabulous original survivor!
Thoughts?
If I had the money I would buy it I was always impressed with everything about this car even the taillights I don’t care if its a four door car this has to be one of the nicest four door cars ever built and a 327 to boot IM IMPRESSED
This appears to be a very nice original car that shows well. That being said there are many cars I could buy for 20 grand that I would rather have.
i had a high school friend that had a black 2 door…was very very nice
$20,000.00 for a run of the mill small block four door? $9000.00 more like it, if that.
Waiting to see some joker post (the now getting old idea) “I’d drop an LS in it, etc, etc.. No more please, just go away! Very cool ’65 Chev…period.
Quite an Impala. Wouldn’t change a thing on her at all :-)
Wahhhh! Drop an LS in it, otherwise it’s useless! Am I the only soul who is tired of such infancy! Great car as is, just as Chevrolet built it.
Anyone else noticed the door jamb is off white? This car is NOT 100% untouched.
the engine compartment and paint don’t exactly coincide either
Even being a 4 door if it was 100% original even my grandma would ask twice the price
Price dropped to $18.5 and seems the seller wants it gone. I am guessing it is being sold by a flipper, nothing wrong with that, just an observation. When looking through the photos, I had trouble understanding picture 21. It’s the visor mirror, and looking closer, a comb holder… been a Chevy guy all my life, and I have never seen one of those or even heard of it. I think it’s fantastic that it’s still there, the shape it’s in, and is there a Chevy comb? Wow so cool
Lots of comments on the price being too high. It is now lowered to $18,500, and seller states that they want to sell it now.
This does look like a nice originals and 4 door Impalas aren’t the worst looking cars in the world.
Show some genuine interest, make the seller a reasonable offer and you might be surprised.
Very nice looking Chevy and probably worth the price. My second car was a 65 Chevy belair with a 283 and 2 speed auto. I stayed clear of the drag strips but my 65 was a terrific family highway cruiser. My 65 was very reliable and a pleasure to drive.
Jim
I had a 65 Impala SS 409 when I was in highschool with a 4 speed ,I bought it from a dealership here in Detroit Michigan, it had all the stuff that you wanted on it. I would race it on Woodward all the time and also before I 75 was open, great car, I wish I had it now guys.