1965 was a fantastic year for the Impala. The debut of the Caprice, the introduction of new engines, and sales that went through the roof turned the 1965 Impala into America’s best-selling car.
All of these have turned the 1965 Impala into a highly desirable model, albeit getting your hands on such a car isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Chevrolet built over one million units in 1965, and many are still alive today.
Finding an example in tip-top shape is the real challenge. eBay seller isoldmyz69 has recently listed a 1965 Impala that’s far from this intriguing perfect 10 condition, albeit it flexes something else that could turn it into a head-turning machine.
It’s a Super Sport, and despite requiring a complete restoration, it’s a solid starting point for a project that would eventually be worth ten times more.
While I won’t comment much on what the eyes can see because it’s obvious this Impala requires much work, let’s spend a couple of minutes discussing the engine. The owner explains that the mill turns over despite the car spending the last two decades in the same spot. However, no further specifics were shared, and in the eBay listing summary, they claim the engine is a 350 V8.
If this information is correct, the Impala SS no longer sports the original engine.
The 1965 Impala could be had with no more, no less than 10 engines, starting with the standard six-cylinder 230 unit, and including a 250 straight-six, the famous 283, the 327, and the new 396 launched in February. The 1965 Impala could also be ordered with the old-school 409, albeit few customers got the chance to get this engine before being retired.
The 396 could be had with 325 or 425 horsepower and was the new sensation among Super Sport buyers. The 409 developed 340 and 400 horsepower, as the 409-horsepower version was no longer available on the Impala (likely as Chevrolet didn’t want its outdated big block to cannibalize the newly-introduced 396).
While this Super Sport can also be used for parts, I can only hope someone will try to keep it in one piece and attempt a complete restoration. The vehicle can be theirs if they pay $4,500, with the owner not accepting other offers.
Unsurprisingly, the Super Sport has already sparked interest on eBay, with the auction site revealing that 32 people are watching the listing. With approximately two days left until the post expires, it’ll be interesting to find out if this Impala Super Sport gets a second chance, as a failed listing could be the end of another great car. The owner did not reveal if they’re willing to part out the Impala, but hopefully, they’re not.