This 1965 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon is an exceptionally rare find, being one of just 82 built with the 409-cubic-inch, 340-horsepower V8—the final year Chevrolet offered the legendary 409. Even more impressive, this unrestored survivor remains numbers-matching, heavily documented, and in running condition after spending more than four decades in barn storage. Located here on eBay, this black-and-red Impala wagon is offered by a dealer and is reportedly one of the most thoroughly documented factory 409 wagons in existence.
The story of this wagon is just as appealing as its rarity. Purchased new in February 1965 by Raymond Plociniak, an auto shop and fueling station owner in Moscow, Pennsylvania, the wagon remained in his family for 59 years. After Raymond’s passing in 1982, it was parked in a barn, where it sat until being revived earlier this year. Incredibly, five original build sheets were discovered in the car between April and May of 2025, adding to the extensive paperwork that includes the Protect-O-Plate, Protection Plan booklet, owner’s manual, insurance records, and various service documents dating back to its early years.
Mechanically, this Impala retains its original drivetrain, including the numbers-matching 409/340-horsepower engine, Powerglide automatic transmission, and 12-bolt 3.31 ratio positraction rear end. The seller reports that the wagon has been fully serviced, drives excellently, and has been taken on approximately 300 miles of road use since its revival. Nearly all factory-installed components remain intact, from the carburetor and alternator to the Harrison radiator and power steering assembly, with only consumable items—such as the fuel pump, master cylinder, gas tank, and rubber lines—having been replaced.
Features for this longroof include factory air conditioning, power steering and brakes, tilt steering, power tailgate glass, dual mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with rear speaker, all of which are in working condition. Even the original clock, wipers, and backup lights reportedly function properly.
The interior is 95% original red vinyl, with only the center front seat section replaced using correct SMS material. The headliner, dash pad, door panels, and carpet are described as excellent original pieces, and the wagon even retains its original jack, tools, and spare tire.
Cosmetically, the car shows its age with moderate rust in typical areas, including the lower front fenders, rear wheel openings, and some scaling where paint has worn thin. The frame rails were reinforced decades ago, though the floors, rocker panels, and rear storage compartment are said to remain solid.
For enthusiasts of full-size Chevrolets, this may represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only is it one of the rarest 409-equipped Impalas, but it’s also an unrestored, family-owned survivor with unmatched documentation. Would you preserve its patina and history or take on a full restoration to make it shine again?
Why were the frame rails reinforced? Very interesting car.
Rust repair
Because it was a wagon and longer and had a 409!
Incredible … besides the 409 – look at that radiator! Heavy Duty – and has AC and the priceless history, documentation.
Would give $$ to have that similar history on my car.
This is a pretty incredible wagon.
Wow…just wow!! I grew up in these 60’s Impalas. Dad had a 59 white with red interior with 283 that used to vapor lock often. He traded it to a new 65 Artesian Turquoise Super Sport with white interior. It was a 327, 300 HP with powerglide tranny. It had a manifold vacuum gauge in the console and I still haven’t seen another since. Anyone else ever seen one? If I had the room I would go and fetch this one. I also had a 66 Super Sport as my first car and then a 65 Impala 396 4 speed. The original owner didn’t want to pay for the super sport package but wanted the big block power. It is rare as hen’s teeth but I didnt know that until a few years after selling it for $1800. That was in 85 and I thought I did good. These things are bringing big $$ these days.
My first car was a ’65 Impala SS, 327/250, Powerglide, manifold vacuum gauge in the dash, green/black vinyl interior. My current car is a ’65 Impala SS,327/300, 4 speed, positraction, 12 bolt, matching numbers, white/white, Coker red stripe tires.
My grandmother’s 65 Impala SS with a 283 had a factory vacuum gauge too. As a 5 year old I didn’t know what the hell that was until I got older and like Cooter I never saw another one.
Wow…just wow!! I grew up in these 60’s Impalas. I wouldnt touch this time capsule. Dad had a 59 white with red interior with 283 that used to vapor lock often. He traded it to a new 65 Artesian Turquoise Super Sport with white interior. It was a 327, 300 HP with powerglide tranny. It had a manifold vacuum gauge in the console and I still haven’t seen another since. Anyone else ever seen one? If I had the room I would go and fetch this one. I also had a 66 Super Sport as my first car and then a 65 Impala 396 4 speed. The original owner didn’t want to pay for the super sport package but wanted the big block power. It is rare as hen’s teeth but I didnt know that until a few years after selling it for $1800. That was in 85 and I thought I did good. These things are bringing big $$ these days.
Is there a set price on it or do you bid on it writer?
Click on the ebay link that’s in the first paragraph to go to the actual vehicle listing. (It’s listed on ebay as a “buy it now” for $49,950, with the option to submit an offer to the seller.)
A very nice `65 indeed. If this jewel lasts until Friday, I’ll be real surprised.
Wow cool car. Would like to feel how it jumps when you nail that throttle at 40 and feel that powerglide shift down into 1st.
For $49.5k all rust should be taken care of
This, for me, is the ideal car for pulling an Airstream/Airfloat to the campground. OK, maybe a transmission with a few more gears would be more approriate for towing, but what a fantastic machine.
It is no doubt a very special car, which also makes it very difficult to determine its value. Fifty K seems very high to me but I really don’t know. I will be interested to see what it sells for!
Especially with the rust, which isn’t insignificant. There are signs it’s worse than suggested in the ad.
Steve R
Part of the reason for the rarity of the 409 in 1965 models is that the engine was dropped mid-year, replaced by the “Mark IV” 396 big block.
This wagon is fantastic and wonderful and deserves to be loved and cherished. But if I’m hopping in my time machine to order a brand-new ’65 Chevy, I’ll wait until the 396 becomes available.
Find ‘65 Impala coupe donor for doors side glass and sheet metal, and while making the swap replace rear side glass with metal. A Panel Wagon, with the emphasis on EXPRESS.
OH if I only had the $$$,,, Wonder what is being asked.
$49,500
I live about 50 minutes from where this car was bought new. Incredible story. Some interesting finds here in NE PA. I had a 65 Impala 33 years ago and kept it until 2002. One of the most reliable cars I have ever owned and I’ve had nearly 50 in 52 years.
If I remember correctly, 1965 Chevrolet “B” bodied cars. (Impala, Biscayne, etc.) Had weak frames just after the rear suspension front lower control arm mounts. I think there was actually a recall. These are just fuzzy brain recalls. Anyone confirm this cloudy thought?
This is sharp! Black over red longroof and loaded with features? Someone knew what they wanted. I’ll bet she step ride out with style. Looker 👀
Nice looker. Wonder about the front bumper, mid section and the passenger’s rear corner. Seeing some dings. Also, the water pump has been replaced or re-hosed and the clamps on the AC unit are aftermarket, so budget for a refresh. Sounds like small stuff, though nickels and dimes add up to dollars.
Amazing! This is a rare one! Only just one of the vehicles of my dreams. Wish it had a 4 speed!
The Power Glide would be fine, dragsters use them, pretty solid, given the 409 this would be fast off the start even with that transmission. My ’56 Chevy upshifted at 55, with the 6, bet this upshifts at 65 or more. Had the Pontiac version of this car, with the 400 cu in engine and automatic, would burn rubber off the line, no problem, despite every option GM offered that year, three seats, but rusted away and cross brace that holds up the rear of the transmission (basically the third engine mount) broke under moderate acceleration from metal fatigue, as did many at the time.
This car reminds me of a 1966 Ford Ranch Wagon I found & bought in the late 1980s, sitting in it’s original garage, in a big mansion in Annapolis, MD. A 1-owner car, it had done only 14,000 miles & wasn’t driven in the rain. Like this car, it had the red interior and was equipped with the Hi-Po R code 390 engine, 4-barrel & dual exhausts.
He bought it to tow a big boat he never bought! Nailed to the garage rafters was a set of license plates for every year, all for this car, from 1966 and up! The car looked like it was new, even underneath and in the wheel wells!
No such thing as “R” code 390!
I’m not an American car guy, but anytime that magical number 409 pops up, so do the goosebumps. Actually I don’t know technically how the engine compares to a 396. I’m guessing that answer is obvious for the 427. I’m really not into Chrysler’s, but certainly a 426 hemi stands out mainly from a performance standpoint.
I’m thinking that the 409’s appeal is more from a romantic perspective than raw performance. Following the goosebumps phase, I immediately slide into the line from The Beach Boys, “She’s real fine my 409”. One of the best car/music lyrics of all time.
But also from my perspective, I’d really need to have a 4 speed coupe. Although I’m guessing Brian Wilson and the surf crowd might pick the wagon.
So anyway, just my miscellaneous ramblings and a few assumptions. And oh btw, if you buy it, please don’t restore it!
This one has me considering how badly I REALLY need an extra $50K in my retirement funds…alas, I don’t have the room, and there’s no negotiating that! It’s a really good looking car, and I’d love to have it in my stable. The 409 did it for me… but I’d probably replace the ‘glide with a 4l80. Just ’cause, doncha know…
SOLD
SOLD
Not sold, listing expired
that’s 1 badass wagon. i would not do a thing but drive it. the ultimate color combo and engine to boot
that’s 1 badass wagon. i would not do a thing but drive it. the ultimate color combo and engine to boot
Hubba Hubba! In my favorite color, too!
Very nice unrestored wagon that reminds me my brother had a 65 Impala SS Hardtop with an early 396 and powerglide (didn’t take long to expire!). My uncle, who was a Chevy Dealer in South Dakota, had a 64 Impala 4 Dr Hardtop with the 400 HP 409 and powerglide as his demo for 64. It also would have been loaded. His wife had a 64 Impala Wagon with the 340 HP 409. Same as the Hardtop, it would have been loaded. My brother bought his SS from my uncle.