Sunny California has become rain-soaked California this winter and into spring, but not so much where this 1965 Chevy Impala is located, which is in Riverside. Much past there and it’s desert, and even the images used to advertised this four-door sedan are filled with the kinds of plants and trees that you won’t find buried under snow back east. Rocco B provided us the tip on this one, which is a Craigslist find in the LA region going for a $12,900 asking price.
There are two ways to look at this. On the one hand, there are fewer and fewer instantly drivable barn finds out there. Four-door cars for a long time were overlooked in the old-car hobby. This was partly their size, and partly their reputation as just not being that cool. Think about it: How do you pretend to be driving the high banks of Daytona in a car like the present example? Even the most pedestrian two-door can at least hint at racing glory or muscle-car supremacy. The other way to see this car is as a sensible and still fun alternative to whatever twelve grand buys you in a late-model used car. Just get in and drive it, and in California, never worry about a smog check. It’s exempt.
So is this the grandma’s car you might hope to score coming out of a garage with just 70,000 miles on the 327 V8? Kinda, but the exterior and interior tell different stories. The outside looks pretty tidy, and is rendered in one of my favorite 60s-vibe paint colors. This coat is said to be a re-do from a long time ago. The top surfaces, and they are vast, look a bit hazy, though. If the paint were factory, you just live with that. But since it’s been redone sometime decades past, you have to worry a bit about what’s next in the degradation cycle. That would be less of an issue if the car were $7500. The inside of the doors and the jambs also look pretty good. At nearly a $13K asking price, things better be tidy, and here’s what we get into the old debate: Is this a solid #2 car, which would call for this price, or a #3, which would go for more like $8500? In any case, there’s a ten-percent value addition for this being a no-post model.
Then there’s the interior. Probably the dry climate has had its way with this one, because each of the massive seats is covered with a drop cloth. There’s foam showing underneath, suggesting that new skins and supporting materials need to be sourced. Under the hood also shows as kind of cruddy, but that’s a place to add value if you get this car. But whether you could flip it for profit is entirely speculation. Then again, to own it as a second car (or fifth) might work out pretty well. It’s cool, even if large and likely expensive on gas. To get it for a bit of a bargain price might give you a fun summer cruiser. I’d do it for the wheel covers alone. So stylish.
I love this type of classic car. Why? Because it isn’t an over-modified Tri-five, Camaro, Mustang, GTO, Corvette etc.
If you want to be reminded of the ’60 (and I do) what better car than this to cruise around in? Sure, you could smoke the tires and make a lot of noise, or you could cruise along in nice quiet comfort the way our parents did back in ’65.
I have similar cars, and one thing is really curious: as you drive this around and along the streets, you will get a LOT of attention from other drivers and people on the street etc. They love it. Thumbs up, honking. But if you pull a car like this into a classic car show? Crickets.
I’m sure the 327 has enough to do a respectable burnout if that is your thing. I always check these barges out at car shows. The owners have some of the best stories.
Or it isn’t another Charger!
So true, Rex Kahrs, Even though from the decade before I was born, these were masterpieces. In fact, I have hazy memories of going to Kindergarten after my Mother had picked my Father up at the airport from some conference. I our wagon was behind one of my classmates who was getting a ride in a ’65 Impala (I think it may have been Sierra Tan as I remember it being a bit of a golden color), and the trademark three taillights each side was just the finest detail to my young eyes. My Mother was actually the one who made me a car nut, identifying cars on the road for me as we would go to the Mall or wherever. I have something of a fondness for 1970s cars out of nostalgia of my youth, but the creations of Bill Mitchell may as well have been Playboy Playmates. Indeed, by this time my Aunt had my Grandfather’s hand-me-down to her 1965 Cadillac Sedan Deville. She returned to school for her Master’s, and as someone who greatly valued the importance of education, he gave it to her to go back and forth to school Unfortunately, my cousins went out in it once, and though there are differing accounts of who was at fault, the one crashed it into a tree and totaled it. It makes me cry thinking of that considering if it was properly cared for, it could have been an heirloom. Even though it was about 12 years old when it met its demise, I liked the looks better than any of the new cars. The stacked headlights gave it such presence. Grandpa had replaced it with a ’69 Fleetwood which had astounding room, but I still liked the ’65 looks better. When I got my license, I only dreamed of owning an early 1960s four door car…to some extent, I regret not having pursued that interest.
Son,,,of,,, a,,,,,,GUN, and I apologize for my existence here to some, but THIS,,,was my grandpa Sams car. Some subtle differences, but this car replaced his ’61 Impala, that replaced his 1948 Packard. The pic of the back seat and what I can see of the dash, are the most memorable. The back seat ( NEVER the front, gramps was pretty traditional, the front was for him and grandma, kids in the back,,no exceptions) he would take us to Big Boy once a week, and the back seat and dash was all a 10 year old kid could see. The dash was incredibly basic, gas gauge, speedo, and all warning lights,,,oh, and a clock. My grandma, who never drove, always insisted on a clock, he was one of the million, or so, that did so that year. Chevy was hot, but to be fair, ALL cars were selling, even AMCs. THIS,,is what America drove. Pretty cool find, for me, anyway, certainly not 5 figures worth, on a car gramps paid maybe $2500 bucks brand new, but eggs were a quarter, so here we are. Thanks Brian.
Howard A, “I apologize for my existence here to some” . I don’t understand.
I look forward to your comments.
My Brothers Car… exact
Takes me back,,, I used clean it for him
memories
M
This car would’ve probably stickered in the mid-$3000 range. I going by the sticker prices of the 64 & 66 I bought new.
I saw an exact twin of this car driving down the road and looking really good on yesterday! GLWTS!! :-)
This was my first car. 4 Dr hardtop w/327 4bbl. My dad gave it to me when he upgraded to a ’73. Power everything. Had about the same amount of miles as this one.
Sold it for $75.
I believe Chevrolet called the color mist blue which is what my 65 Corvair is factory painted. 4 door cars may not get the love of the 2 door models but in a lot of cases they are more rare than the 2 door models as most went to the crusher. They also represent a great value for the budget minded collector and often times are in better condition with less modifications over the years. Good looking Chevy of what some people would would call the peak of GM cars.
Wondering what this really is. The door panels, chromed gearshift and turn signal, blacked-out aluminum cove molding above the rear bumper, Caprice-only wheel covers and rocker panel strip rather than full molding would indicate it’s a Caprice. The “Caprice” badges are missing from the c-pillar and instead Impala badges appear on the front quarter panels. Can’t see the upholstery. Somewhere, at some time, some creative liberties of some sort were taken. It’s a nice looking car, but clearly doctored.
Maybe the trim was damaged and just removed way back when they did the repaint, at that time a 4dr Chevy wasn’t worth much.
Part Caprice/part Impala. The door panels, rear molding above the bumper and wheelcovers are Caprice. Seats??? Also, the engine call-outs on the front fender are “high” where the Caprice had them. The rest of the full-size 65s had the call-outs lower, more in the middle of the panel. Missing the w/opening and rocker moldings as well as the hood emblem. There’s a hidden story behind this one.
I had one of these same 4dr no post same color mine had the 283 power glide, ac pb ps and chrome trim on hood,wheel arch’s, and rockers. It floated down the road I wish I never sold that car.
Too many doors. Too much money. Not enough options. Forget it.
Uncle had the regular sedan. His “last” car. Died in 2005 and I sold it for $500, same color, saw it around town for years after that, Passed his last road test at DMV in it at his age 95, could barely walk, but he still could drive well. Including the mandatory 3 point turn without climbing the curbs. Not easy with the limited visibility in that tank of a car.
I really liked the Chevs back in those days, from 1955-1968.
My first car was a new 65 Impala SS, so this type of car (any 1965 Chev) brings a lump to the throat and a tear in the eye. They were also great road cars, and I drove all over Texas back in those days!! YeHaw
I am partial to the 65 Impalas. I had a 4 door just like this one…only cypress green. I thought it was black until I washed it for the fist time…..lol
Add a big block and you have a Crazy Larry Dirty Mary grocery store robbery clone.
My first car was a 1961 beautiful Chevy and number two was a1965 Belair with a 283 and 2 speed tranny. Both cars were wonderf but dull as heck to drive! This 65 looks overpriced considering the interior!
Jim
Paging Mr. Barrett’s to service!!!
Paging Mr. Baretta to service!!!
I tend to agree on the $8500 price range. Most likely about $2,000 to repair the interior. The wheel covers appear to be 1964 Super Sport covers. the various comments, since ad had already been deleted when I clicked on it, are probably correct. I am partial to the tail lights on the 1966 model, look smoother, than the “sticking out” 65 tail lights. Actually the 61, 63 and 66 are my favorite full size Chevys’.