1965 Chevrolet Impala SS

Description

For some guys, only full-sized muscle will do, and this 1965 Chevrolet Impala hardtop certainly qualifies: it's big, it's comfortable, and it's got plenty of performance. White paint helps you keep a low profile around town and the matching-numbers 283 cubic inch V8 makes sure that the car can deliver on its brilliant good looks. This car represents a lot of style, performance, and value for the money.

Originally code W Glacier Gray (a pretty nondescript color in 1965), this big Imp was repainted a few years ago in bright white, and we welcome the upgrade. This must have been a pretty straight car to begin with, because those giant quarter panels just don't turn out this well if they need a lot of bodywork and the crease that runs from nose to tail is sharp enough to give you a paper cut. This is a real 16637 Impala SS coupe, so it's proudly wearing 'Super Sport' badges on its fenders, but otherwise it's devoid of stripes or custom hoods which really have no place here. The '65s are particularly appealing to hobbyists for their round taillights, which would disappear in 1966 and it was definitely not an improvement as the '65 models tend to be more desirable. It appears that the bumpers are recent and the rest of the brightwork is really in great shape overall, suggesting a car that's led an easy life.

We really like the contrasting black upholstery against the white paint; the combination is vivid without being too intense. Originally equipped with a white interior, the color change three years ago indicates that most of the interior pieces are new and the seat covers and door panels reproduce the original look quite nicely. A taut headliner overhead makes it feel bright and airy inside and as a full-sized car, there's plenty of stretch-out room for everyone. The original dash was painted black to match the rest of the interior and includes a beautifully finished steering wheel and a bright trim strip along the lower edges. Auxiliary gauges were discreetly installed under the dash, so nothing needed to be cut or modified. Experts will quickly spot the factory A/C, which probably needs a recharge due to infrequent use, and the trunk is big enough for just about everything you'd like to take with you on a road trip.

The original, numbers-matching 283 cubic inch V8 was professionally rebuilt about four years and 2500 miles ago. A few upgrades help build power, including ported and polished cylinder heads, an aftermarket intake manifold, and an electronic ignition. Power steering and brakes, a new power brake booster, and a big radiator up front help build confidence and a quick-shifting TH350 3-speed automatic transmission never hesitates to deliver the power. The dual exhaust system uses glasspack-style mufflers for a great sound and while the suspension is mostly stock, it has a great stance thanks to 215/65/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials on traditional American Racing Torque Thrust wheels.

With receipts for all the work and an awesome ownership history, this Impala represents a ton of fun for not a lot of scratch, all wrapped in a bright white package that looks like it should cost thousands more. Call today!