Chevrolet introduced its Fourth Generation Impala in 1965, and it proved a sales record-breaker. Over one million people scrambled to park one in their driveway, with some going the extra yard to order the SS 396 version. This is one of those cars, and it could be one of the best in existence. It has a known ownership history and is entirely unmolested. If that alone doesn’t tick the boxes for you, its odometer reading of 29,000 original miles may prove the deal maker. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in St Joseph, Missouri. They set their price at $89,000, and while that is a lot of money, the new owner will receive a lot of car for their cash. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this stunning survivor.
The seller emphasizes this Imapa’s originality, and given that it comes with a known ownership history and significant documentation, I see no reason to question their claim. Its gorgeous Regal Red paint shines beautifully, and its condition is remarkable for a car that just clicked over its fifty-eighth birthday. I would hesitate to call it flawless, but if the new owner entered this in a show, it would be a strong contender for any “Best Original” awards. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the car’s sheltered existence means it is rust-free. There is no history of prior accident damage or problems, with this Chevy retaining all of its original steel. The trim is excellent, including the classy spinner hub caps. The first owner ordered the car with tinted glass, which remains intact and in good condition.
The spotless presentation continues when we examine this Impala’s interior, and I struggle to find anything of which to be critical. The Black vinyl trim is pristine, with no evidence of wear or physical damage. It is common for seatcovers to stretch, but that fate hasn’t befallen this classic. The carpet and headliner are immaculate, and I question whether anyone has ever used the back seat. The dash, pad, plastic, and console show no evidence of deterioration, and there are no aftermarket additions. The factory gauges, including the tach, feature crisp markings and clear lenses, while the console houses a fully functioning original clock. Air conditioning and an AM radio cater to occupant comfort, making life on the road pretty pleasant. The shifter poking out of the console provides some clue that this Impala is anything but ordinary.
This Impala is fully numbers-matching, and its drivetrain combination is positively mouthwatering. The engine bay houses a 396ci V8 that churns out 325hp. The big-block’s might feeds to a 12-bolt Posi rear end via a four-speed manual transmission, with the original owner opting for power assistance for the steering and brakes. Considering its curb weight of 3,950 lbs, this Impala’s ability to storm the ¼-mile in 15.3 seconds is particularly noteworthy. The engine bay presentation is a further highlight of this classic and seems to support the seller’s claim that it has a genuine 29,511 miles on the clock. They hold significant paperwork that traces this Impala’s life from when it rolled off the showroom floor. It runs and drives perfectly, and slipping behind the wheel is like rewinding the clock to 1965. If the new owner seeks immediate motoring enjoyment, this beauty delivers.
This 1965 Impala SS 396 is a stunning car, and most will agree that the opportunity to own a classic of this caliber doesn’t come along every day. Its overall condition reflects a life where it has been cherished and pampered. It could easily find its way into a museum, but I hope that never happens. Its creators intended it to be driven and enjoyed. Although I doubt it will see regular use, the occasional gallop on the open road should prove satisfying for the new owner. I acknowledge it is a lot of money, but something tells me the seller won’t face many problems finding a buyer. Could that person be you?
Very nice car.But,for that kind of money,
you could buy a bunch of cool cars. ,
Agreed this car is a bit rare as the options are unusual. First true year of production of the big block Chevy that has become infamous. Has that Muncie stick and AC, what? But to ask almost 90K I don’t see it, nice car but then again this was a hobby and now I have no idea how it’s becoming an investment thing and these amazing cars are sitting getting polished looking like trophies. I know the new cars are safer, more efficient and have all those wonderful things some people can’t do without. Seats that massage you and lane avoidance etc. Because they are busy doing other things than driving. Drive em while you can.
I agree, Cadmanls, this is no longer a hobby for the average guy, it has become an investment thing. I blame Mecum and Barrett-Jackson for this.
You’re absolutely correct, and it has ruined it for the common man. It’s hilarious and sad to see what ppl ask for, basically, an old car. It truly saddens me to see….
Exactly…there are plenty of old rides hidden that need to be found…and can be brought back with sweat and blood…….you’l feel much better and your bank account won’t suffer…get out there and look!!!!
You left out BringaTrailer.
The hobby isn’t ruined!!!! There are still a ton of bargain projects out there. You just can’t expect to buy what everyone else wants. You can find cool old cars for $5k or less all day long so stop complaining and start hunting!
Small weird thing but the SS dash is supposed to have the metal trim strip across the bottom, not the wood grain which was used on the base Impala.
Your 100% correct regarding the metal trim on the lower dash
Non SS has the wood grain dash trim, SS dash trim is brushed aluminum.
That may be true, but the VIN says it’s an SS. Could have been a mistake at the factory.
Maybe the original owner requested the wood trim over the metal. There are a myriad of reasons for it and keeps the fans scratching their heads. If the paperwork mentions it, that would help. I believe the original paperwork is in the present owner’s possession.
Perhaps there was no metal trim on hand the day this car was built. The workers on the line would have substituted whatever was available rather than stop production.
Amen Jesse!!!!
Personally I’d rather have the 3 or 4 less rare and less perfect cars that 90K will still buy. But I have to admit that the interior photo looks like it came from the factory brochure.
Beautiful car but only the diehard 65 fan would be interested at that price or a collector maybe. I still prefer the 64 SS 409.
I had a 65 ss when I was very young. I’d love to own another one but at that price it will never happen. What a shame.
My 1st car was a 65SS
My 1st car in 67 was a 65 Impala SS / My 3rd was 66 Impala SS 396 4sp with Caprice tail lights. Blk on Blk – I used it to kill a telephone pole one night. Sad……
My 1st car in 1964 at 16 yrs. old was a 1956 Buck, standard trans. I also killed a pole after spinning around in the snow/icy road. Cars are like male dogs but choose poles instead of hydrants.
Or a 65 with a 409
400hp 409 would be better yet!
Probably my favourite domestic muscle car, but at those prices, it’ll only happen after and excessive amount of money falls in my lap.
If I hit the lottery I would not buy it at that price.
I had the twin to this car back in the 60’s. Traded a 60 Corvette for it and ultimately traded the Impala for a 62 Corvette. I wish I still had all of them.
My first car was the 65 Impala SS, and I loved that car. I paid $3950 for a car that had 12 miles on it. As much as I loved that car, there is no way I would pay $89K for one today. They did a nice job keeping this car looking good, but come on… $89K????
I agree with the comments.. way too much money 💰!! Yes it Beautiful and should be in a museum. The dash looks brand new!! Maybe $50,000 ,but $89,000 looks like a retirement fund! Good luck to the seller. 🇺🇸🐻💰
You’re not wrong, but I have always loved these, second only to the 62 Bel-Air. You could actually get a 409 in one of these 65’s, but only in early production, and that’s what I’d want if I was in the market.
The 396 is actually a better motor choice than the 409, even if it’s 13 cid short.
I would rather have the ’09. Lighter and quicker revving.
50k would almost be a steal. Magnificent Chevy. I would settle for a 327/300 same options for less. But,dreams are free!
Beautiful automobile but way to pricey for me.
Very comprehensive CL ad – maximum amount of photos, a linked photo gallery, a video, etc.
The car is pricey, but the seller is putting a great face forward on this one.
I’m still not sure how cars like this survive for this long without being driven and enjoyed – that’s the story I want to know, with documentation.
Some body loved this car like there fur baby awesome car
My wife had one when she was young, and we have always kept our eyes open for another. In our search, I’ve strangely found that there is rarely a combination of a 4 speed with factory A/C. This one is a gem, but I agree with everybody else that the asking price is way up there.
I love it and could buy it @ the asking price , but as nice as it is I could never justify more than $60k . I hope he gets his price and he may , but not from me . For $80-$90K I could buy a very nice original GM A-Body muscle car or Corvette .
Here we go again! The car is too high, the car is blah, blah. Does anyone have a clue the cost it takes to return one of these classics back to show room status or acquire one already in that state! People, this car is worth every dime, if you are in the market for a classic 65 Chevy!
You can buy one for far less money than this car. But how much is your time worth? By the time you bring it up to this level, you will have probably paid more and have less of a car.
Really. Please show me a comparable 29k 4 speed 396 ac ss for less money.
I can find $30k Impala ss’s with 150k miles, repaint with bondo 327 autos all day long. Not this beast.
It’s not a matter of what you can buy its a matter of what you want.
I agree with the coupla others stating that you could have 3 or 4 other less than perfect cruisers for those kinda pesos…..
yes a stunning car. I have a soft spot for a 65 impala SS. in 1965 I was 20. and bought my first new car in october of 65. . a 65 impala SS 4sp 327. evening orchid with white bucket seats. I thought it was the prettiest car ever. no power steer and no power brake. I had traded a 61 Galaxy 2 door HT. white with red int. which I think they gave me $500. for. I think list price on it was $3400. and year end sale was $2995.
I met and dated my wife in it. and eventually hauled 3 kids around in it.
interesting comment on wood grain strip. like maybe someone here built a SS clone out of Impala??? I could go out in back lot and look at mine. but I think it is supposed to be a bright strip. $89K is a great lot. I would like to be buying a restored 65 corvette roadster for that money. maybe it has become a rich mans hobby. I think of selling mine but hard to give up and still dream of restoring. but would probably take $89K to make it nice again. guess I could make it a rat rod.
If you have it now, keep it or you’ll regret it.
Speaking of ’65 Impalas, I’ve watched this video probably a hundred times, and will watch it another hundred times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy7FaeHVD8o
My thoughts exactly. One of the most touching endearing sweet commercials ever. It wouldn’t matter if it was a Ford, Chrysler or Chevy. It’s what brings joy and that’s why I enjoy classic planes trains and cars. And motorcycles trucks tractors bicycles.
We might be able to find a 65 for $50-$60,000 But it would not have the entire package that this one has. If you want to add these options to mirror this car it would take considerable time and money. Here we have the real deal with matching numbers. I doubt the hobbyist would build this car as it stands.
Here is one , SS396/4 speed , not as nice (whitewalls would make a big difference) but it’s less money and a drop top . The featured car is outstanding but so is the price . https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/chevrolet/impala/2579624.html
Recently. There was. ONE for sale on ISEECARS IN CONN WHITE 4SPEED. 327 looked pretty good. Price was 15k really a. Good. Deal
Way too much $$$. I may pay that for a LS6 Chevelle or 427 Corvette but not this large cruiser.
The pile of money it’d take to get this car is daunting! And you’d be afraid to drive it! Museum, or bragging rights would be the motivation for purchasing this beauty. My wife says “There are 2 kinds of old car folks…collectors and addicts.” I’m an addict. I’ve got a 65 Mustang, 62 Studebaker GT Hawk, 74 Nova SS and 90 Thunderbird Super Coupe…and all of ’em together aren’t worth what it’d take to buy this Impala! But I can get in any of ’em and head 500 miles to Florida for the weekend.
BF: “The engine bay houses a 396ci V8 that churns out 325hp.”
Yes, gross horsepower. But net horsepower, which is how engines are rated today, is only 245 per Chevy’s own figures. Not that impressive in a 4,000-pound car.
Pricing seems more in line with a No. 1 condition 396/425 car, going by Hagerty valuations.
Very beautiful car! Outstanding…
My dad’s ’67 396 325hp had a Quadrajet carburetor. Is that a Holley on this car?
Man, I would love to own that car. If it were in my garage I think I would live in my garage. Absolutely stunning!
Thank you for sharing the 1965 Chevy commercial. I worked at GM, Oshawa Plant #1 for 32.2 years. GM is not interested in keeping the correct parts on their cars, they just want to keep the assembly line moving. When we ran out of the proper Chevrolet tail-lights assemblies on the B body wagons, Buick tail-lights assemblies were flown in to keep the lines moving. So, there are a bunch of Chevrolet wagon ‘out-there’ which are factory-correct with Buick tail-lights. This happened all the time!
#1 is about $47,500 add 55% for 396, A/C and SS option, tops out about $76,000. $89K is on the high side. Nice car, low miles, i would have to drive it. Net horsepower be danged! I would light them up every chance I got.
I bought a ’65 Impala SS convertible from a friend of a friend who bought it new from the local Chevrolet dealer near our house. I remember looking at it displayed in one of the huge showroom windows. It was light metallic Turquoise with a Neutral interior and a 325hp 396 with a turbo. At 20 years old it was just a bit steep for my budget, but it was just gorgeous even without a four speed! Fast foward to 1988 when another Chevy dealer and close friend called me and said that Bob was going to sell the SS. This time I had a wife and two kids and a job paying real money! A quick call to my wife and $6200 later, it was sitting in our garage. We enjoyed and pampered that car until ’94. I decided to buy a van to haul around R/C airplanes and ordered a loaded ’94 Lumina APV. My expensive taste ran the window sticker up to $23,550…big bucks in ’94. My dealer friend said “I’ll give you $11,500 for the SS and you’ll be half way there. I still have the APV and it still looks almost new. It’s a true survivor just like the SS, just not worth what the SS is! I tend to agree with others before me that 80K is a bit steep and the true “collectors” are pricing us out of the hobby. My other problem is I own a car that on an occasional visit to the service department, 2/3 of the techs either have never seen one in the flesh or don’t even know what it is!