A Fourth Generation Chevrolet Impala doesn’t always need to carry an SS badge to be desirable. If the car in question is rock-solid, presents well, and is ready for fun, that can be enough to attract the attention of potential buyers. Of course, if it happens to hide a V8 under the hood, that could be enough to sway those who are wavering. This 1965 Impala ticks those boxes, and it needs a new home with someone ready to appreciate all it offers. It is listed here on Craigslist in Sacramento, California. If you hand the seller $29,500, you could fly in and drive this classic home. I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this Californian classic.
The seller describes this Impala’s paint as 8/10, suggesting they’re being slightly conservative. Its Mist Blue Metallic shines beautifully, with no signs of significant issues in the supplied photos. An in-person inspection may reveal imperfections, but if first impressions are accurate, it has no immediate cosmetic needs. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but the best news is that the Californian climate has allowed it to remain rust-free. The panels are as clean as a whistle, with the seller indicating the floors are rock-solid. They have avoided the temptation to add aftermarket wheels. The steelies, with their factory hubcaps and narrow whitewalls, suit the car’s character, while the flawless glass and chrome help ensure it will turn heads wherever it goes.
It’s disappointing that the seller supplies no engine photos because there are a few questions to which some may seek answers. We know the Impala features a 327ci V8 backed by a three-speed manual transmission. However, it is unclear which version of the 327 it is or whether the driver benefits from power assistance for the steering or brakes. If it proves to be the least potent version of the V8, it would still deliver a respectable 250hp. Although the car tips the scales at 3,767lbs and can comfortably seat six people, that motor would allow it to cover the ¼ mile in 16.5 seconds. That might not place it in muscle car territory, but it is still decent for family transport. This Chevy is a “fly in and drive it home” proposition for potential buyers. The seller indicates they would drive it anywhere, meaning it is in sound health and has no mechanical needs.
It is common for classics of this vintage from warmer locations to exhibit the impact of UV exposure, but that isn’t the case with this Impala. The dash and pad are perfect, and there’s no sun rot across the top of the back seat or door trims. The seat upholstery is excellent, as are the remaining upholstered surfaces. There is no crumbling plastic or other flaws requiring immediate attention. Being critical means identifying some wear and fading on the outer edge of the carpet on the driver’s side. A meticulous new owner may elect to spend $260 on a new carpet set to address the shortcoming, but it isn’t an immediate need. The car features air conditioning, and the AM radio will help alleviate boredom on long journeys.
While a muscle or pony car can feature high on a potential buyer’s Wish List, sometimes practicality becomes a significant consideration. That buyer might crave a more relaxed classic ownership experience away from the harsh edge that vehicles of that type tend to offer. A growing family may be another factor in play, and this 1965 Impala seems to cater to those needs. Just because it is a more sedate alternative doesn’t mean the buyer misses out on the bass rumble that only a V8 provides. That’s why I don’t think the seller will be waiting long before it disappears over the horizon, destined for a new home.
Breathtaking! My favorite style and color on my favorite year for Chevy, though that velour-like seat upholstery doesn’t look stock.
Im more a Ford guy , but love this Chevy. Nice upgrade to 327 from 283. Plenty of torque here for a nice driver, especially w the manual.
Wonder if its a Muncie or Saginaw box ? One has syncro and that would be ideal.
How do we know it’s a 327 ????
Oh I’m sorry it has emblems and someone said so..
Impala = Low Rider
Careful Taco you will trigger someone.
He already has. While some Lowriders have been done up decently, too many have ruined, no longer making the car a collectable classic car.
I haven’t seen any modern cars made into lowriders but have seen lowered F350s, Silverado and Rams. There must be a reason for that. But cringe when I see a Navigator, Tahoe, Suburban, Escalade,Sequoia etc lifted and with 22-24 inch wheels and low profile tires.
To each his own but please keep this car pure and stock
This will treat someone well, it would seem. But the engine verifications are necessary. And, is this really the going rate for a nice but otherwise “plain” 65 Impala? If so I’ll try not to think of what I sold my own red SS for (years ago)!
I had a ’66 with a 283 “3 on the tree” Even back then I wondered how rare were they.
That car would be a blast to drive.
“AM radio will help alleviate boredom on long journeys”. Not likely. Unless you prefer cheap talk nonsense over tunes.
Once driving back to Vegas my last 9 hours I listened to a am talk show where people called in. That day they were discussing a friend’s talking bird. The one guy was saying he wanted the bird killed cause it’s very rude to him. The bird would call him azz-licker and other names. People calling in took it serious and I never laughed so hard in my life. But yea got to have the tunes as well.
no photos of under the hood and under carriage.not going bid on this without more info
As mentioned earlier, the interior seating materials are entirely incorrect–laziness/’cheapass’ on someone’s part because the original is available. Secondly, no one has mentioned that the car is missing all four wheel opening moldings as well as the standard (on a bench Impala) rocker panel molding. No doubt de-chromed because they didn’t want to spend the money to get new moldings or have the originals restored. Again, on the cheap. What other corners were cut???
A lot of money for a car that is not original
This is EXACTLY like my first car
What a sharp cruiser.
Back in ’72 that was a $700-$800 car!