Okay, hands up those of you who looked at the supplied photos of this 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS 396 and initially thought it was finished in Tuxedo Black. If you did, you’re not alone. The seller confirms that an in-person inspection will reveal it is actually an extraordinarily dark shade of Purple. The impact is dramatic and is one of the features that helps this SS to stand out from the crowd. The seller has listed the SS here on Craigslist in Los Angeles, California. They set their price at $50,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this jaw-dropping classic.
Chevrolet introduced its Fourth Generation Impala in 1965, with the new model sharing little with its predecessor beyond its mechanical components. Our feature car rolled off the line during the initial production year, and finding fault with its presentation is virtually impossible. It has been part of a private collection for years, receiving a refurbish around ten years ago. The photos suggest it hasn’t seen much active service since because there are no visible paint or panel issues. The underside shots reveal no signs of rust, which is unsurprising considering the car’s geographic location. I must return to the topic of the paint shade, because it is a genuine mystery where the seller leaves us hanging. I have scrolled through every Chevrolet color chart from 1955 to now, and I can’t find anything close. My initial thought was that it was a color called Black Rose, but this paint is too dark. The seller can hopefully furnish details to potential buyers because the information may prove crucial should the SS require repairs or touch-ups. The chrome and trim are immaculate, and there are no visible glass issues.
Chevrolet’s decision to bolt the 396ci big-block V8 under the hood of the Impala transformed what was relatively mild-mannered family transport into a full-size genuine muscle car. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this car is numbers-matching. However, they confirm its drivetrain includes a 396ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a 12-bolt rear end, and power steering. The big-block placed 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. Although the SS tips the scales at 4,006 lbs, it can still storm the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds. Potential buyers have a few factors to consider with this classic. The seller says it starts with no issues and drives nicely. They admit it doesn’t see regular use, suggesting a thorough inspection would be wise before undertaking long journeys. That sounds like wise counsel to me.
Although there is nothing glaringly wrong with this Impala’s interior, I don’t feel it has quite the visual impact of the exterior. This is surprising because spotless White upholstery will typically command significant attention in any classic. However, the Puple paint successfully upstages the interior trim combination. There are no issues with the presentation. The vinyl isn’t dirty or yellowing, there is no physical damage, and the unworn Black carpet offers a striking contrast. The dash and pad are excellent, the wheel is uncracked, and there are no crumbling plastic components. There are functional issues for the new owner to consider. The heater core has been bypassed, suggesting it requires repair or replacement. The window channels need lubrication to ensure smooth operation, but no other faults are mentioned.
I might be a fan of cars wearing Blue Oval badges due to my upbringing, but I am, at heart, a passionate classic car enthusiast. I respect any vehicle that is a genuine survivor, beautifully restored, or a well-executed custom build. The badge is meaningless in such cases, and that is how I feel about this 1965 Impala SS 396. It might wear a Bow Tie, but it is a car that most genuine enthusiasts would gladly park in their garage. If you feel that way and have the available funds, would you consider pursuing the gem further?
Too bad there is no picture of the build plate. It would be nice if we knew the original color and where it was built. Black was not a popular color in 65 but its current color was not a factory option in 65. There is a possibility that this vehicle was actually born and raised in California which to me is pretty cool. My 65 Corvair was built in the LA factory but was then registered in the state of Washington until I purchased it a few years back.
LA: 50k, no a/c, no pw, don’t see a pb booster, those valve covers aren’t oe, no chrome around the wheel openings, repaint, aftermarket exhaust. Not a survivor tops 25g in my book
I remember going to a local junkyard and removing a pair of Chevy orange valve covers in the 1980’s. Cost? $2.
So the guy couldn’t go the extra bit and lube the window channels? I can understand not wanting to disturb the apple cart for the heater repair on a seldom-driven car in Los Angeles, but still, I don’t think he’s not making a few bucks on the $50k ask.
I have a feeling this is a pig with lipstick.
Now after reading these comments, I suddenly have the same feeling this car could be a dressed up pig with lipstick too. Kind of sad, the pictures make it out to be a beautiful Chevy.
Chevy hit a home run clear out of the park with over a million Impalas sold in 1965. That’s an epic achievement by Chevrolet who then owned about one quarter of the market. I love these big Chevies and the ’65 may be the peak of Impala style. With a 396, 4-on-the-floor and white bucket seats I’m not going to agonize over a custom color. Just enjoy the drive and attention.
Mine was a 65 with a 66 engine as it was one of the last produced in 65. White buckets with auto trans. Had bee repainted with 4 coats of black lacquer. Till the next owner wrapped it around a telephone pole,.🥲
I agree 100% Nelson. The rear end of the 65, with the round tail lights is the bomb! This one is a very nice driver.
At one time in the 60’s they owned over 50% of the market in the US. That is the reason they would not get directly involved in NASCAR. They were thinking antitrust lawsuit if they won a lot of races in NASCAR.
Did the top-end Impalas not get some sort of chrome reveal molding on the fender arches and rocker panels? Seems like this car could use a little brightwork in those areas. Also, the tire profile could be bumped up for a more meat on the road and a more muscular look. Just my .2c
Another one missing the wheel lip trim.
Missing the front door armrests as well.
If I was demanding $50,000.00 for a vehicle I would expect to provide pictures of the build and more documentation. It’s not that hard to do, especially the pictures?
And, the heater core is bypassed?? I have done this before myself when I was younger, but I really wasn’t trying to sell for Barrett-Jackson prices?
And, some of the chrome trim pieces are missing?
Back to the heater core? If someone would do this to a $50k vehicle, what else did they gloss over?
I love the car, I just don’t like what I’m reading.
Just my opinion!
A California car is great for no rust.
I bet this was the Maderia Maroon Poly color originally and stepped up to deep color.
I always have a sweet spot for these 1965 cars with the tail lights.
I wish i had the Maroon 65 SS small block back in the day i junked out due to needing engine rebuild back in the day. Yep.. those were project cars with decent paint, 4 speed with buckets back in the 1978 days.
Back to car…
The heater core is a quick fix in a couple hours.
I bet the trim around wheel wells were scuffed and removed. This can be added back easy enough.
The seller could easily supply the block numbers and head with a pix of intake and carb along with trim plate.
Maybe he is wanting a call.
Good luck with sale.
My first car was a 1965 Impala SS 327, powerglide, maroon, black interior.
This was fall 1977. The car was only 12 years old. Connecticut salty winter roads had taken a toll on the body and frame. I had the frame welded, did some body work and drove it for about six months. I paid $500.00, sold it for $600.00. Many lessons learned from my first experience buying a car. I later learned there was an inherent design flaw in manufacturing of the frame. The design trapped water in areas that were meant to drain water resulting in rotting from the inside out. Of coarse the salty water significantly increased the damage.
Impala = Low Rider.
Never! Why ruin a beautiful car?
I believe the 409 was still offered in ’65, at least for a few months into the model year.
Previous comments mention some interior parts and exterior moldings gone. My opinion is if the moldings were damaged, they should have been replaced. A little too bare for me.
Also, being an original type person, those valve covers should be original, too.
Is that a tach in the pod to the right of the radio?
Jon its not a great pix but it looks possibly a tac. Some SS models had a big vacuum gauge too.
Yes, my ’65 had the big vacuum guage!
My sister had a 1965 Impala, 307, auto. I was driving it in 1974 and when I came to a stop(about 150 feet from highway doing 60mph) the front, right wheel fell off!
Car was a lavender color. Funny how you never forget the cars that just about killed you.
Sounds like it was the fault of whoever put the wheel on, not the car’s fault.
Lugnuts have to be tightened.
Although the 396 BB is a bonus one should consider the power to weight ratio. This chevy a cruiser, not a muscle car.
Also a blue oval dude here but several Chevrolets were preferable over the Ford from a style standpoint–1941 (especially the club coupe and convertible) with it’s emulated 41 Buick waving American flag grill design and the 1965. The 65 tail lights and front fender “cap” put it miles ahead of the 66s from a style standpoint. Of course this is my opinion, you might not agree.
My 1st car was a 1965 Chevrolet Impala 4dr with the 283 turbo glide. I miss my gal😫
Asking for Convertible money. Pretty car price just a little to high.
Makes me sad to think about the 65 Impala ss I purchased in 1990. The car was an unmolested all original and in very good condition. It was light blue with matching interior. Only downfall was it had the base engine 283 2 barrel with a power glide. I paid $1500.00 for it.
Missing trunk emblem, w/opening moldings, rocker trim, arm rests, wrong antenna and mirrors. Along with a bypassed heater and an owner’s choice color for 50K? Finish what you started before hoping for top money, and you ‘might’ get top dollar. As it stands, I wonder what else has been overlooked or skipped?
The super sports didn’t come with rocker moldings only the impalas
Beautiful car! Needs too much work for the asking price. I’m a FoMoCo guy but this year Impala is one of my all time favorite cars.
Who signed the rear of this car, ugh. Give me our 67 ss back when I was a kid.
Looks like a small block in the pics to me, maybe it’s the angle and the aftermarket valve covers that’s throwing me off. I’d want the code off the stamp plate if I were buying it. A 1965 396 should have the VIN number stamped on the front of the block as well right next to the assembly date and drive train code which should end in IA on a 1965 Impala 325hp 396 with a manual transmission..
I have a 1965 Impala SS 327 PG with AC in Regal Red all original with red interior. I love my car! This was the SS at it’s peak. They got cheap after ’65 to promote the Caprice market.
Makes me lonesome for the one I used to have. Lot’s of good memories with that car. Mine was Blue though.