It is the eternal question that will receive different responses from enthusiasts, depending on their point of view; How far must a classic car deteriorate before we raise the white flag and consign it to life as a parts or donor car? That is the one we need to consider with this 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS. It appears to have spent years exposed to the elements in this forest, and while the panels and paint have borne the brunt of a life of neglect, its engine bay still houses the original Chevy big-block V8. Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, you will find the Impala listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set his auction to open at $5,500, but there have been no bids at the time of writing. However, since this appears to be a No Reserve listing, the right person could secure this classic with a single bid.

This poor old Impala seems to have lived a life of neglect. Its exterior now wears so much surface corrosion it is impossible to spot any evidence of its original Madeira Maroon paint. The car cops a double whammy because not only has it been exposed to the elements, but the lack of a back window means that water will have poured into the car every time it rained. There is evidence that it has taken its toll because rust is visible in the floors. However, I wouldn’t be too hasty writing off this classic as a viable project. When you look below the exterior surface corrosion, its panels have accumulated surprisingly little penetrating rust. It has impacted the usual spots in the lower rear quarter panels and front fenders, but anything present in the rockers, lower doors, and around the rear window opening looks minimal. If that’s the case, there may be a chance that the frame will also be structurally sound. There’s no doubt that the car could be an ideal candidate for a rotisserie restoration, but only an in-person inspection would determine its viability. Most of the glass is present, although the buyer will need to invest in a new windshield to replace the badly-cracked existing one. They will also need to source some exterior trim pieces, but when you consider the potential cost of the rest of this project, those items will represent little more than pocket change.

If this Impala imparts a shred of good news, it is that it is a numbers-matching vehicle. The drivetrain includes a 396ci V8, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, a 12-bolt Posi rear end, and power steering. That big-block would have produced 325hp in its prime, launching the 3,992lb SS through the ¼ mile in 15.9 seconds. Okay, that’s enough good news, because it is time to resume regular service. The accumulated surface corrosion on the engine block and the abundance of openings that could allow moisture to enter that sweet V8 makes it no surprise that it is frozen. It seems that the seller hasn’t attempted to free the big-block, and that task will fall to its next owner. If they can achieve this, it could be a prime candidate for rebuilding. If not, that is another obstacle that this Impala will face in its quest to return to a roadworthy state.

Turning our attention to the Impala’s interior, we confront another aspect of this classic that is likely to consume cubic dollars. On the positive side, it is complete. On the other side of the ledger, it has spent years exposed to everything that Mother Nature could throw at it. That means that a complete retrim is on the agenda, but the exposure to moisture raises other possibilities. That sort of punishment can exact a heavy toll on gauge internals, not to mention wiring, relays, and switches. The buyer will need to prepare for the fact that this Impala may need more than a $2,500 interior trim kit. A wiring harness will probably be on the cards, while the gauges will require a specialist’s inspection to confirm their accurate operation. Once again, the next owner will need to factor these issues into the equation when determining this project’s financial viability.

What would be your approach if you found this 1965 Impala SS 396 sitting in your garage? Would you bite the bullet and return it to its former glory, or would you view it as a valuable source of parts for another restoration? The fact is that returning it to a factory-fresh state would be a mammoth undertaking, but over more than a decade here at Barn Finds, we’ve seen worse vehicles raised from the dead. I believe that its fate will probably be determined by the desirable piece of iron hiding under the hood. If the buyer can save the big-block and an in-person inspection reveals that the car’s frame is sound, it could swing the scales in favor of restoration. If not, there is a good chance that its next owner will strip it for parts. That would be a sad way for this classic to end its life, so I hope that somebody will take pity and return it to its rightful place on our roads.