Impala put Chevrolet back on the map in 1958, helping the GM brand regain the number one spot in the United States after years of total Ford domination. Seven years later, it helped the company achieve record sales, pushing the yearly shipments to over 1 million units.
Buying an Impala in 1965 wasn’t easy, though. In its attempt to target as many customers as possible, Chevrolet offered a little something for everybody with lots of options and different engine configurations. The Impala lineup included ten engine choices, including a lazy six-cylinder unit that developed just 140 horsepower.
Most people who ordered an Impala in 1965 picked the 283, available for this model year with 195 and 220 horsepower (the latter got its power boost from a four-barrel carburetor). Chevrolet replaced the 409 with a new 396, but the big block still made its way to some 2,800 Impalas before it waved goodbye to the series.
The 1965 Impala SS that seller ccorestorations listed for auction earlier this week no longer has the original engine. A Chevy truck engine is in charge of putting the wheels in motion, with the owner claiming the vehicle starts, runs, and drives with a gas tank.
The engine has a displacement of 350ci, but no further specifics were provided on the Chevy truck that donated it or the model year. The good news is that it works, so if you’re interested in a restomod, this Impala SS qualifies for the job.
Its condition could make many people walk away. The rust has already invaded the metal, with signs of rot already visible on the rear quarter and in several other places. The floors are still rust-free, but I see the typical rust problems around the windshield.
The interior is all there but requires major repairs. The condition isn’t surprising, as the seller says they purchased the car 20 years ago but never restored it. The project car condition has worsened in the last two decades, though it remains solid in key areas.
The Impala SS tags are no longer there, but the seller says they have several extra parts that’ll sell with the car. You’ll find them in the trunk if you win the auction. An all-original 1965 Impala SS that still has its factory engine easily if it’s not close to becoming a rust bucket.