327/4-Speed: 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS
Even though the Chevrolet Impala had been around since 1958, it wasn’t until ’61 on the third generation of cars that the Super Sport first became available, and with a new body style for the 1965 model things really took off, with SS sales jumping more than 50,000 over the previous year’s numbers. So while these cars aren’t particularly rare, people still love them and it’s always fun to run across an example that’s already been given plenty of attention, such as this 1965 Impala Super Sport for sale here on Craigslist. The Chevy is located in Houston, Texas, and comes with an asking price one dollar shy of $23,000.
Rocco B., thanks a lot for the great tip here! The seller first assures us this is a real SS and that it’s recently received a fresh paint job, which looks good already but still needs a final buff to be at the next level. The body appears straight and I’d probably call this one a really nice driver, but some work on the front bumper might bump it up another notch, plus it’s also going to need a new set of tires in the near future. The seller also mentions that he’s got some trucks and other muscle cars available, with photos of a Buick Gran Sport and a nice-looking Mustang showing in his listing as a teaser. An internet search of the phone number reveals he’s previously sold a Buick Skylark Sun Coupe and a Plum Crazy Dodge Dart 340, so the seller is apparently no stranger to the restoration business.
A 327 was the base engine for the Impala SS in ’65, and that’s what’s under the hood here although it’s not the factory numbers-matching component. There’s also a 4-Speed manual transmission, plus the car has received quite a bit of brake work, a new gas tank, sending unit, and fuel lines. Down below is a dual exhaust system with Cherry Bomb mufflers, which is said to sound GREAT in all caps!
Perhaps the weakest area is inside, with the interior showing some wear and tear, but the seller mentions he has taken this into consideration in the price. There has also been some work underneath, with new front and rear floors welded in along with some attention given to the frame. This one seems to be well on its way to being a fine Chevy, and with a bit more work can probably be there. Is this an Impala SS you’d want to take to a higher level immediately, or would you leave it as-is for a while and just enjoy driving it?
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Comments
Looks as if it’s going to need a little more to be complete. Great start though. I’m thinking the hubcaps are from a ‘67 Impala SS.
I think you’re on the money regarding them being 1967 hubcaps. My very first car was a red 1967 with black vinyl roof, 327 2 bbl V8 and 2 speed power glide transmission.
Chevrolet got rid of the Powerglide after 1964, the 1965 models came with GM’s new three speed Hydramatic Automatic Transmission which was a huge upgrade.
Chevrolet did NOT get rid of the PG in 65. The TH400 became available on some models in 1966, and more, thereafter. The PG carried on in numerous models into the 70s.
You are correct
I owned a 66 Impala. It had a two-speed Power glide transmission.
The 250 inline Chevy 6 was the base engine in the 65 Impala SS. There was one a few doors down from my old girlfriend’s house which was back when I was 16 .Buckets ,console and a powerglide , Fathom blue exterior.This is a Cool car priced about right little high imo gotta really look at to determine.I’m not too into the color imo.Bring a magnet on this one.Hubcaps are 67 b body.Cherry bombs do sound cool rowing thru the gears with a 4 speed , had em on my 66SS 396 Impala 4 speed car. This car is missing the black rear SS trim below the trunk and on the coves.Big $ nos or nice used .No vin provided so I don’t know if it’s an SS.
Will you trade for a Mint Harley Davidson and cash??
I have no idea how you’d ever find out.
Phone the seller and ask him. He clearly posts his phone number in the Craigslist ad.
My first car was the 65 Impala SS, white with a black vinyl top, bucket seats, and an automatic with the 396 engine. I loved that car, still do. I purchased it with 8 miles on the odometer and all the kids at the high school where I taught loved that car as well. It was a good thing that gas was really cheap back then :-)
I can’t touch the price that is being asked today, but brand new back then I paid $3950…. I did notice that in the first picture, this car looks blue and the other picture, it looks more green.
Nice car but it seems high in the front to me. Too much gap between wheel openings and tires. Just guessing but maybe this car had the 396 previously? I’m all in on the four speed. I like the color too. 1965 is my favorite year for sixties Chevrolets. Lots to like here for me and the price seems fair. At this point I’m just a window shopper unfortunately. GLWTS.
When they put them ugly aftermarket radiators in at least they could do is paint them radiator black The car looks ok but I prefer the prior years for looks
My 66 Impala had a 283 2bbl with a powerglide, all original. My Aunt bought it from the original owner in Bronx, NY, and eventually passed it down to me in 1986.
My 1st car was a ‘65 Impala SS too. 283/2 Barrel/Power Glide. With my hand on the console shifter I would “pretend” it was a 4 Speed. Boy, was I ever “hot stuff”.
Powerglide very reliable. I have had 3 GM cars with them. In 1967, you could order a 427 3×2 400 hp engine with this transmission. I believe only 16 were built with factory air.
Hi my name is Richie I was given a 66 Impala 4 door hardtop in 77. Whe I graduated high school in brooklyn ny. It had a 283 with a 2 speed Powerglide. A nice cruiser. BF GOODRICH White lettered tires with SS spinners and a Thrush Hush Muffler had it till 88 great Ride
I’d drive it!
I’d look at that right side quarter panel very closely, it’s miss trim on the r/side rear too, looks like a bondo job, needs floors, frame work, non #s matching, I think it’s a 15,000 car max
Regarding the Powerglide, interestingly enough, it was the only automatic available in the C2 Corvettes up to and including the 427/390 or 400HP engines. The 427/435 required a 4 speed. The 3 speed TH’s were not available until 1968.
My first car was a 65 Impala SS 327 Automatic.. Dad paid $500 in 1979. Pristine white buckets, all original engine, transmission, hub caps. After a dent repair, paint, and tie rods he had $1200 into it. I drove it to work where I earned about $40 a week, and had saved $756 of the $800 needed to purchase it from my dad, when he ran a red light and we were T-boned. Attempting to replace that car in that condition looks to be a difficult proposition. I found one at $65k (not all original). Love looking at 65’s – imo the best looking Impala.