Vehicle Description
If you're a fan of full-size Chevys, it seems like everywhere you
turn you see late '50s and early '60s Impalas. It's almost as if a
large segment of the hobby has simply forgotten how hot the brand's
flagship was during the muscle car era. Or, maybe it's just
selective memory. Maybe old school bowtie lovers are too ashamed to
admit cars like this award-winning convertible, with its big 396,
tough Turbo-Hydramatic 400 and rich red, black and white
aesthetics, would lay waste to most of their choice offerings. At
any rate, the proof is on the pavement, and if you buy this fully
sorted piece of Americana, you'll be able to school 'the other
guys' on the road AND at the show. Are you a discerning enthusiast
who's looking for a rock-solid classic that's stylish, powerful and
roomy enough to take your other-minded friends on enlightening
journeys? Then this super slick Super Sport is just the car you
need!
BIG FIRST IMPRESSION
In typical '60s Detroit fashion, Chevy's fourth-generation Impala,
adorned with long surfaces and creases that stretch from stem to
stern, is incredibly hard to get straight once it's been overhauled
or reworked. Fortunately, the metal on this Regal Red stunner has
been subjected to a professional, frame-off restoration that
involved excellent panel alignment and an astute attention to
detail. The car's classic flanks are very solid, leading us to
believe it was a clean, rust-free canvas when the first sheet of
sand paper was laid on its big, muscled body. That body's gaps are
better than average, featuring doors that operate with precision,
vertical components that are centered in their respective openings,
and fresh and pliable weather stripping. And overall, this
full-size cruiser carries every indication that its high quality
rebuild was a well-planned effort to create a timeless trophy
chaser that looks good on the road and the show field!
For 1965, the redesigned Impala moved a record-setting 1.5 million
units. Not only did that high-profile success earn GM big money, it
also solidified the nameplate as Chevy's eternal top-of-the-line
offering. At the front of this big red beast, a body-width grille
hangs a bold "IMPALA SS" script between a small AACA badge, four
halogen headlights and a thick chrome bumper. Behind that grille, a
trimmed and crested hood leads the eye to like-new glass that's
traced in stainless, flanked by ornate mirrors and capped with a
correct White top. At the sides of that hood, stylish door handles
and stainless wheel frames parallel mint 396 emblems and expressive
"Super Sport" scripts. And, opposite those handles, traditional
6-pot taillights illuminate a second Chevrolet crest above a black
Super Sport valence and second chrome bumper.
BIG BLOCK POWER
Powering this cool convertible is a 396 cubic inch Chevrolet V8. At
the top of that famous mill, a glossy, single-snorkel air cleaner
forces oxygen in to a familiar Rochester Quadrajet. Fuel and air
flow from that proven 4-barrel in to a factory iron intake that's
bordered by factory heads and stamped and painted valve covers.
Those heads send spent gases in to fully restored exhaust manifolds
and 2.5-inch, true-dual pipes. That roar is the product of sparks
sequenced from a familiar points distributor to shielded Belden
High Temperature cables. Those sparks are generated by pliable
V-belts, which spin a modern alternator and factory power steering
behind a correct fan and shrouded radiator. And this B-Body's
entire engine compartment, from its Chevy Orange paint and Satin
Black fenders to its Delco battery topper and Optikleen washer
bottle, is nicely detailed and ready to show.
BIG BONES
One look under this sturdy cruiser reveals a solid chassis that's
every bit as road-ready as the stout 396. Power flows to the
pavement through a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed, which spins a
rebuilt 10-bolt rear end. Holding that virtually unbreakable
transmission off the ground is a restored double A-arm front and
3-link rear suspension. That suspension's handling is greatly
enhanced by factory power steering and power drum brakes. Exhaust
flows from the aforementioned manifolds to factory-style mufflers.
The body's rust-free floors still feature a clean, Satin Black
finish, which was bestowed during their detailed restoration. And
at the corners of those floors, 14-inch steelies spin 7.75-14
Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around striking Super Sport
center caps.
BIG COMFORT
Covered in a contrasting sheen, this Impala's correct Ivory
interior has been restored to factory-fresh condition in virtually
every way. The front bucket and rear bench seats feel newer than
the car's 53 years would suggest, and present just as well now as
the day they rolled out of the upholstery shop. At the base of
those seats, like-new carpet is protected by color-keyed floor
mats. At the sides of that carpet, pleated panels hang classy SS
trim above chrome handles and modernist armrests. At the front of
those panels, a restored dash, chock full of rebuilt gauges,
carries a vintage-look tape deck. At the base of that dash, a
stylish console centers a chrome shifter between a large clock and
small, lockable storage compartment. In front of the driver, a
chrome-trimmed steering wheel laps a classic gold Impala emblem.
And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk seals a correct
mat, correct jack and full-size spare below a fresh decklid
decal.
PROVENANCE
A quick look at this awesome B-Body's VIN and Cowl Tag confirms its
status as a real-deal Super Sport.
VIN: 166675J294397
1 - Chevrolet Motor Division
66 - Impala SS V8
67 - 2-door convertible
5 - 1965 model year
J - Assembled in Janesville, Wisconsin
294397 - Production sequence number
COWL TAG:
07A - Assembled during the first week (A) of July (07), 1965
65 - 1965 model year
16667 - Chevrolet (1) Impala Super Sport (66) convertible (67)
JAN - Assembled in Janesville, Wisconsin
2921 - Body sequence number
802 - Black and White interior
R-1 - Regal Red paint� with a White (1) top
2L 3C - Optional equipment
VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
A vintage Owner's Manual
Factory accessory literature
DVDs that include vintage marketing films
When it comes to maximizing the amount of car your money will buy,
you simply can't go wrong with a big Detroit cruiser. A scant
fraction of Chevrolet's 1965 Impala convertibles were optioned with
the top notch Super Sport package. And when you add in this car's
restoration and recognition, you have one head turning classic
that's fun, historic AND rare. If you're looking for a stylish,
comfortable, and reliable piece that commands a lot of respect on
the highway, and feels right at home at the local show, this
drop-top is your ticket!
SUMMARY
Authentic Impala Super Sport that's benefitted from a detailed,
ground-up restoration
AACA award winner
396 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
Correct Regal Red paint / Correct White top
Correct Ivory interior
Factory power steering
Factory power drum brakes
GM 10-bolt rear axle
14-inch wheels
