Original Once: 1965 Chevrolet Impala 24K Survivor – Sold?

by | Jun 2023 | Classifinds, Free For All Friday

(To stop the slideshow and expand the pictures, click on the current photograph below)

July 28, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Recent trends and changes in consumer tastes have seen the once-vaunted Chevrolet Impala fall on hard times. Sales of the once-popular model steadily declined over the years, leading the brand’s management to discontinue the venerable model in 2020.  The Chevrolet Impala represents just one out of many more iconic names where something has been missing from these recent iterations that haven’t captured car buyers’ imagination in today’s market. Sales numbers bear this out.  For example, while Chevrolet sold 2.9 million cars and SUVs in 2019, back in 1965, the Chevrolet Impala sold one million units BY ITSELF.

One of those examples from 1965 is one of the most well-preserved survivors we have come across.  This 25K-mile Ermine White over red 1965 Chevrolet Impala Sedan for sale, first spotted in June 2023 on Craigslist in Kennesaw, Georgia (Atlanta), has traveled only 24,675 miles since new.  You can read the seller’s description to get the full history below.  Unlike most 1965 Chevrolet Impala Sedans we come across, this is a nicely equipped example from the factory that features a four-barrel-topped 327 cubic inch V8 mated to a two-speed Powerglide Transmission.  Another very desirable option not often seen on models like this is factory air conditioning.

Last offered for $27,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is slightly below the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for fourth-generation Chevrolet Impalas of all body styles, trim, and power train combinations produced between 1965 and 1970.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the Impala featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $20,160 after factoring in a twenty percent bump for the desirable four-barrel topped 327 cubic inch V8 and factory air conditioning.  The premium is for the extremely low mileage survivor quality.

Chevrolet produced the fourth generation Impala from 1965 through 1970.  By 1965, the Impala was one of Chevrolet’s most popular models that the brand made available in a wide variety of body styles.  The 1965 Chevrolet Impala four-door sedan was a classic American car that represented the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering during its time. With its sleek lines, powerful engine options, and comfortable interior, it captured the spirit of the 1960s and remains an iconic symbol of American automotive culture.

Interior: Inside the Impala, you would find a spacious and comfortable cabin that could accommodate up to six passengers. The seats were well-padded and upholstered in high-quality materials, providing a plush and supportive seating experience. The dashboard was designed with a driver-centric layout, placing all the essential controls and gauges within easy reach. The overall interior design reflected a blend of elegance and functionality, with attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.

The 1965 Impala offered a range of powerful engine options to suit different driving preferences. The base engine was a 230 cubic inch (3.8-liter) inline-six that produced 140 horsepower. Optional engines included a 283 cubic inch (4.6-liter) V8 with power outputs ranging from 195 to 220 horsepower, a 327 cubic inch (5.4-liter) V8 with power outputs ranging from 250 to 300 horsepower, and the top-of-the-line 409 cubic inch (6.7-liter) V8, which could deliver an impressive 400 horsepower.

Depending on the engine choice, the Impala could be paired with a three-speed manual transmission, a four-speed manual transmission, or a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The car’s suspension was tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, while power steering and power brakes were available as optional features to enhance driving ease and control.

The 1965 Impala came with several notable features and innovations for its time. Some of these included:

  • Air conditioning: Optional air conditioning system for improved passenger comfort.
  • AM/FM radio: An available AM/FM radio allowed occupants to enjoy their favorite music on the go.
  • Power windows: Optional power windows added convenience and ease of operation.
  • Safety features: The Impala featured safety enhancements such as seat belts and a dual-circuit master cylinder braking system.

The Chevrolet Impala was a tremendous success for General Motors during the 1960s, and the 1965 model year was no exception. Its combination of style, performance, and comfort appealed to a wide range of customers, making it one of the best-selling cars of its time. The Impala’s iconic design and cultural significance have ensured its enduring popularity among car enthusiasts and collectors. It has been featured in various films, television shows, and songs, further solidifying its place in American pop culture.

The 1965 Chevrolet Impala four-door sedan was a remarkable automobile that blended style, performance, and comfort. Its sleek exterior design, well-appointed interior, and powerful engine options made it a standout choice in the highly competitive automotive landscape of the 1960s. Today, the 1965 Impala continues to be celebrated as an emblematic symbol of American automotive excellence.

The Cars and Stripes YouTube Channel features this 1965 Chevrolet Impala commercial focusing on the car’s “Jet Smooth” ride:

Cars are only original once, and this 25K-mile 1965 Chevrolet Impala Four Door Sedan for sale is as original as they come.  With some talented customizers now converting four-door sedans to convincing looking two-door post coupes (search for it on YouTube), we’re relieved to see this car not falling under the same fate.  We hope an avid Chevrolet collector comes across this ad and adds the car to their collection.

If you are serious about buying this Impala, you can start the conversation by following the contact instructions provided in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their Chevrolet survivor featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1965 Chevrolet Impala sedan, UNRESTORED, ORIGINAL, with only 24,675 miles documented be the car’s condition and family members. Original Ermine White with a beautiful red interior. Nicely equipped from the factory with 327, 4 BBL, V-8 engine, Powerglide Automatic transmission, power steering & brakes, tinted windows, cold factory A/C, wire wheel covers, AM radio, Bow Tie floor mats, and door edge guards. This car is all original including the original spare tire, tools, and original trunk spatter paint. The car was purchased from Nelson Chevrolet-Olds in Plainville Kansas by a local pharmacist on August 7, 1965, and when she traded it back to them in 1973 with only 24K miles, Mr. Nelson, the dealership’s owner, put it away in a basement where it sat for the next 45 years. Mr. Nelson’s granddaughter recently inherited the car and she decided to sell it. Documentation includes the original Protect-O-Plate and owner’s manual as well as a written statement from Mr. Nelson’s granddaughter and a Kansas title in her name. The carburetor, and brake booster have been rebuilt and new radial tires put on. These cars just don’t come around for sale very often.
 I have many more pictures that I can send. The car still smells new.”

Show or go: What would you do with this 1965 Chevrolet Impala survivor for sale?  Please comment below and let us know!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *