There’s a lot to be said for owning a spotlessly clean and beautifully restored classic car. Equally, there is so much to love about a classic that is an incredibly clean and tidy survivor. It might not be perfect, but its condition is sure to attract all of the right glances and comments. That second scenario is what the next owner of this 1965 Impala Convertible could potentially be facing. This classic isn’t perfect, but its condition is so good that positive comments are sure to flow wherever it goes. It is located in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has made its way to $19,300, and the reserve has been met.
The Artesian Turquoise Impala is said to be completely original and unrestored. If that is true, then it is in exceptional condition for a 55-year-old car. The Chevy has been garage-kept for its entire life, and it is this kind of treatment that pays dividends today. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while the paint shines beautifully. The White Power Top appears to be in excellent condition and is said to operate flawlessly. There are no signs of any rust issues anywhere on the vehicle. You have to look pretty closely to spot any flaws, and these are tiny. A check of the trim and chrome reveals some minor damage to the trim piece that wraps around the rear of the car on the driver’s side. The rest of the trim appears to be in good condition, while there are no signs of any flaws with the glass.
Sadly, we don’t get a close look at the V8 that gets the Impala up and moving. It is a 283ci engine that produces 195hp. It is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. This combination allows the Impala to cover the ¼ mile in 17.3 seconds. That’s not muscle car territory, but it remains respectable for a car that tips the scales at 3,798lbs. Besides, this isn’t a car whose primary function is outright performance. This is a car that is all about effortless and relaxed cruising. This is something that this classic does well. The owner provides several YouTube videos in his listing, and the car sounds terrific. The engine is crisp, the transmission shifts smoothly, and there are no apparent squeaks or rattles. One aspect that I find interesting is the fact that the owner refers to the vehicle as having little rust, if any. Looking at the engine bay has allowed me to spot what may be the only corrosion issue in the whole car. The area of the firewall around the master cylinder is showing some paint lifting and corrosion. This is not an unusual situation in older classics, and this would be easy to address.
It’s funny how sometimes a specific aspect of a car is so good that your eyes get instantly drawn to what you believe to be a negative. That is the case for me with the interior of the Impala. Everything presents so nicely that my eyes go straight to the radio/cassette player that is mounted in the dash. This looks so out of place to me, and I would need to change it. There is no shortage of vintage-look stereos available in the market today, and that would be one thing that I would consider if I couldn’t locate an original radio. There are also some paint imperfections on the dash to consider. The carpet has seen better days, and while it is serviceable, I would be inclined to replace it. A simple investment of $200 would see this problem fixed. Beyond that, the remaining interior upholstery and trim seem to be in excellent condition, with no rips or tears.
This 1965 Impala Convertible is a beautiful survivor with a lot to commend it. It isn’t perfect, but its overall condition is impressive. When I look at this car, I try to picture the person who would be best suited to a classic in this sort of condition. I don’t think that it would suit someone who is looking for a project car, because its condition doesn’t justify the expense of restoration. This car would suit someone who isn’t able to tackle such a project but wants a classic that they can tinker with on the weekend to address a few minor flaws. This Impala is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately. However, addressing the carpet issue and the other minor flaws could all be tackled by a competent person in a home workshop. If that sounds like you, then maybe this is the classic that you’ve been looking for.
The seats appear to have been recovered, as they are awfully plain for an Impala. An internet search did not show that pattern from the factory. Otherwise, a really nice car! GLWTA!! :-)
Nice car, too bad they cut a hole in fender to install marker light.
Marker lights do look cheesy.
That appears to be a 4v Rochester. With the 283 callouts on the fenders, I think that verifies. 220 hp is about the right power figure and with a 3 speed + overdrive, it would be an outstanding cruiser. I had a ’66 4-door Bel Air that same color. Wish i had it back, as it was an outstanding vehicle!
no PB or P. steering turns me off sorry! too bad its an easy $25K car otherwise .
I realize this is an original car but with that third pedal already there it would be real hard for me not to source a Muncie 4 speed and mount a floor shifter to make this car a little more fun with the top down!! It could always be put back with some good welding skills and hanging on to the original parts!!
My ’65 convert had a long back story. It had an amateur restoration in the late ’70s done by my brother and myself. It was bought used and was in my family for over 40 years. It went through many transformation before it was settled into its original condition. Sadly, I had to downsize considerably and sold it in 2013 for $5500. It went to a father and son project. I wish I could replace it but, at least I will always have my memories.
Barnfinds hates music…..idiot….some of us live for music in our cars….quit knocking us…ur an idiot….
Lighten up, Francis …..
My Fraternity brother had this car in Evening Orchid. I thought a 3 speed was rare in an Impala, but here it is.
What a nice car! Very little to do for the new owner. Amazing to me how high prices go for a Chevy though! Last year I bought a ’69 Mercury Marquis Convertible in much nicer shape, with only 40k documented miles for a mere $12.5k. Like the Chevy, it needed very little. Just some weekend tinkering, and otherwise enjoying cruising and meets. Back in the day, the ’65 Chevy was so startling in its abrupt change from ’64. From buttoned down to fast and sassy! There is so much to love about this car!
Actually the 3 speed overdrive make a better driving car than a 4 speed. Might not be as much fun as the 4 speed but on the open road it is better.
Three on the teee kills it for me, I hate the look. A set of buckets and a console w a nice 4 speed, now that’s cruising
Move the shifter to the floor, get a steering column for a floor shift car . With the 3 speed with overdrive it’l be like a 4 speed car.
Moosie, John O & Vince H…..
Don’t get on my case, but a stick doesn’t belong on a ’65 Impala convert. This car is for cruising. Not shifting.
Back in the day, a car like this, with a stick, lost more value than an automatic. JMHO
Now, when I was 20 yrs old, in Sept.’64, I ordered my ’65 GTO..No question as to the 4 sp Hurst, on the console..
What to do, what to do, the Buick 225 or the Chevy both beautiful cars in comparable price range. Decisions, decisions, well not one I must make I can’t afford either one, but I choose the Buick for my particular taste.
God bless America
My buddy had a dark green 65 chevy cont. 283 3 on the tree 4bl he traded a 64 gto 389 trips with a 4 sp the motor had a rod nock that was back in 1971
Even at 155K, that’s a good looking car. One thing that immediately jumped out at me was the amber markers on the front fenders. I wonder if those are just reflectors or if they drilled the fenders to add lights? I don’t remember those on our 65.
I had them on my 65.
They aren’t stock ; side marker lights were mandatory in 1968
Stan Marks, I feel the same way you do, but if it’s a choice between 3 on the tree, and 4 on the floor, 4 on the floor wins, personally a nice turbo 400 Trans is my choice in all applications, this car would have come with a 2 speed power glide I believe, that’s a terrible transmission in my book, but 3 on the tree is horrible
I like the 3 on the tree. My son can’t figure out how to drive it so he wouldn’t ask to use it.
I’m not a fan of green either, but even with this color, this car is sharp. I would redo the seats back to original & drive this with pride.
As for deciding between this or the brown Electra convertible? Both! I want them both lol.
I have a true “Unrestored Survivor” family owned 65 with 29,000K, auto, with all the original paperwork. The biggest issue it has a 6 cylender, 230 engine with NO POWER seat or steering. Matter a fact dad did not even order a radio. There is a plastic Chevrolet cover, covering the hole. He ordered, from the factory, a “Reversed California Rake”. I need to give it up because after I die my 45 year old son wants to turn it into a ” Low Rider”. I have nothing against low riders but not for my 65 Chevy. RWBJR
I would LOVE to own a cool, unique car like that!
If I had money for a car like that, I would give you my contact info. Sadly, I just bought another Harley yesterday and I won’t have the money for something like that for another year or so now.
I am semi-regular here though. If you can hold out for a little while, I should be easy to find here. I have sold a lot of vehicles through Barn Finds and my phone number is in all my ads. Look for a white 1985 Olds Toronado in Milwaukee, that was my most recent ad (car is still for sale, by the way).
Don’t take this the wrong way, but I hope your car doesn’t sell before I can check her out!