With summer on our doorstep, the thoughts of many enthusiasts will turn to hitting the road for a spot of classic motoring fun. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t plan for the moment when winter once again shows its face. Therefore, this 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible is worth a close look. It requires a restoration to recapture its former good looks, but with no urgent needs, they could wait until the new owner has enjoyed all that the Impala currently offers. The seller has listed this cool Convertible here on eBay in Somerville, Tennessee. They set their BIN at $29,999 with the option to make an offer.
There must have been something in the air during the 1960s, because the decade delivered some unprecedented motoring success stories. It witnessed the rise of pony and muscle cars, while Chevrolet’s Fourth Generation Impala sold in record numbers upon its 1965 release. Buyers embraced the crisp, modern styling, while the company offered a vast array of engines and other options, allowing customers to personalize their new purchase to an impressive degree. This first-year Convertible is a genuine SS, ordered by its first owner in Regal Red with a White power top. The seller confirms that a previous owner treated it to a cosmetic refresh in its original color in 1987, but its current appearance confirms it is begging for a repeat performance. The paint is tired, and although the soft-top is complete, it requires new fabric and some work on the switches and the mechanism. Scrolling through the listing images reveals rust in the hood, lower door corners, and front fenders. However, the underside shots confirm that this gem is surprisingly solid. The seller admits to patching a couple of spots in the trunk pan, but there are no further issues requiring attention. The trim and glass look acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and the wheels wear seemingly flawless spinner wheel covers.
Chevrolet offered ’65 Impala buyers an impressive assortment of engines to power their new purchase. Lifting this classic’s hood reveals a 327ci V8, producing a factory-quoted 250hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner paired the V8 with a two-speed Powerglide transmission and added power steering for an effortless driving experience. It is fair to say that this wasn’t the most potent SS to roll off the line in 1965, but it should acquit itself well under all circumstances. The transmission and steering combination should make life in heavy traffic pretty relaxed, while the V8 should allow it to bowl along the open road at 70mph without raising a sweat. The impression conveyed in the listing is that this Convertible is a turnkey proposition. The seller’s embedded video features the 327 running. It sounds crisp and clean, with no evidence of rattles or other unwelcome noises.
Trimmed in Red vinyl, this Impala’s bucket seats, console, AM radio, and two-spoke sports wheel would have guaranteed that the car turned heads in its prime. A previous owner fitted a high-end Marantz “Gold Series” radio/cassette player in the 1970s, but the seller includes the factory radio, allowing the buyer to reverse that change. I would describe this interior as serviceable, but it is begging for a refresh. The seatcovers are split, the stereo installation included cutting the door trims for speakers, and the carpet is tired. Sadly, the wheel has cracked in a couple of spots, and finding a genuine replacement may prove challenging. Otherwise, trim kits are available to return the interior to a pristine state, and installing one should allow it to present beautifully for many decades if treated respectfully.
The originality of this 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible and its lack of significant rust make it a prime candidate for a faithful restoration. That approach would potentially maximize the future return on the buyer’s investment. That brings us to the seller’s BIN and whether it is justified. It is borderline when you consider what it might cost the buyer to restore the vehicle to a high level. However, with values climbing steadily, that approach could make the Impala an excellent long-term investment if treated to the TLC it deserves. It has generated plenty of interest, suggesting that there are enthusiasts who view the SS as an excellent project candidate. Do you share those feelings?
My mother in law, who is gone about 8 years now, had a ’65 Impala (non SS) drop top in this color. I remember her laughing and telling me about how she’d blast Tom Jones What’s New Pussycat with the top down. ’65 and ’66 will always be a favorite with me especially becausr of my Grandpas ’66 Impala SS with a 396. I agree with Adam, this will make a great restoration candidate. Thanks Adam for the nice memory of a great woman and the smile.
I bet your mother in-law was the first woman to throw her panties at Tom Jones.
I M O – 30k for a 2nd owner project car with PG, needs body rust repair, paint, rear bumper repress, top, glass rear window, upholstery and who knows whatever else is 7500 tops and that’s being generous in my opinion. JMO
Well worn, but not worn out. Many items to address.
That ‘original’ radio is a dealer installed Motorola. Too bad they cut speakers in to the doors.
That trunk repair was the cheapest way to ‘fix’ the rust. How about leaving it alone and let the next owner deal with it the way they want to, Mr. Flipper?
The under hood chrome is not impressive with its Auto Zone shine – please find a factory replacement so we can believe the lie…