1965 Chevrolet Impala

Description

Chevy's best-selling Impala got an all-new look in 1965, a bigger, bolder, sleeker car that was still unquestionably top-of-the-line. This subtle and restrained 1965 Chevrolet Impala offers a very appealing Ermine White-over-red look, 327 V8 power, a quick-shifting 4-speed gearbox, and a couple choice options that make this big cruiser a highly desirable piece of American machinery.

You probably already know that some of our favorite cars are those that stand out for being different, and while this Impala is hardly radical, we like it every bit as much as its bright red and black siblings. It was born Code C Ermine White, so when it came time to restore this big coupe the builders wisely elected not to mess with the original recipe. The bright white shade is more subtle than the usual reds and blues we typically see on Impalas, but that doesn't mean it ever lacks attention. It's still an exciting color that is a perfect complement to the long, beautifully sculpted bodywork, and with all that real estate the car shines like a lighthouse beacon in our showroom. It's not a perfect show car, but it shows very well as a top driver-quality rig with almost no imperfections or touch-ups to speak of, and anyone that has any complaints should probably put there microscope away. We're not sure how old the restoration is, but it's obviously fairly fresh, because the finish has a deep luster and bright glaze that only modern materials can boast. The sleek semi-fastback Impala shape looks good no matter what color you paint it, but in this shade this Imp has a subdued look that helps with the whole sleeper attitude. Bright chrome sets off the light paint rather well, and subtle Chevrolet and 327 emblems and Impala script show everyone that this isn't exactly Grandma's cruiser at the red light. From the outside, there's just no question that this is one of those amazing, stock-spec classic cars that has been loved all its life.

Inside, we really like the contrasting red upholstery on the bench seats, wide dash, and plush carpets, adding a layer of depth to the car that really pops. The cloth-and-vinyl upholstery is in very good shape, and the period-perfect seat covers and door panels are handsome and durable, which means this big cruiser is ready for some long-distance trips. A matching headliner above is stretched taut, the thick red carpets are plush, and as a full-sized car, there's plenty of stretch-out room for everyone inside the cabin. The wide dash, which is the same dark red shade as the door panels, is free of cracks and adorned with handsome wood applique trim, shiny brightwork, and includes an original, two-tone steering wheel that feels great in the hands of the driver. All the gauges ahead of the driver are original as well, including the horizontal 120MPH speedometer, although an aftermarket tachometer and trio of auxiliary units were added to keep a closer eye on the powerful small block under the hood. There aren't a ton of options, which isn't unusual for a vehicle of this vintage, but this Imp does include seatbelts up front, floormats front and back, a retro-style AM/FM/Cassette stereo in the dash, and an under-dash A/C unit that's blowing nice and cold. A tall, cue-ball topped shifter atop the transmission hump is all the entertainment most of us will ever need, as there's nothing quite like cycling through the gears of a crisp Muncie M20 mounted to a hot small block. The rear seat has plenty of room for three, four in a pinch, while out back the trunk is downright massive and still houses its original spare.

The 327 V8 under the hood is the car's numbers-matching block, and it's been nicely repainted in Chevy Orange engine enamel and really pops out from the highly detailed, superclean engine bay. Factory rated at 300HP, the small block has more than enough power to move this big coupe with ease, and with a big 4-barrel carburetor, a stock-style intake, HEI ignition, and long-tube headers at the flanks, it's been put together to stand the test of the time. With that being said, everything looks so fresh and tidy we have to believe it has always been well-cared for, including the bright 327 decals on the valve covers, the black open-air cleaner, and the satin-black painted inner fenders and firewall. Those block-hugging headers were ceramic coated and feed straight into a throaty Flowmaster dual exhaust system that provides the perfect soundtrack to this big muscle car. The underside is original and in very good condition, with lightly undercoated floors that have nothing to hide. That aforementioned Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission feeds a heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end filled with highway-friendly rear gears so it's a fantastic cruiser, especially with the help of power steering and power front disc brakes. Original-spec cars just drive better, and this car's independent front suspension and solid axle rear setup ignores bumps with nary a squeak or rattle coming from underneath. Flashy Rallye wheels with beauty rings and Bowtie spinner center caps are wrapped with 215/65/15 front and 235/70/15 rear Firestone Firehawk white-letter radials all around to complete the look.

We love these big luxury/muscle coupes, and with a great restoration, a timeless color combination, and V8 power, we're sure you'll love this incredible Impala, too. Call today!