Vehicle Description
1965 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Deluxe
The automobile marketplace was changing significantly during the
early 1960s and became highly competitive in the smaller-sized car
segments. The domestic Big Three automakers, (General Motors, Ford,
and Chrysler), were responding to the success of American Motors'
compact Rambler American and Classic models that made AMC the
leading maker of small cars for several years and increasing
Rambler on the 1961 domestic sales charts to third place behind
Chevrolet and Ford. The innovative Corvair and the Chevy II, which
was designed to compete with Ford Falcon, were losing ground. Ford
released the mid-size Fairlane in 1962, to which Chevrolet
responded with the 1964 Chevelle based on a new A platform design.
Built on a 115-inch wheelbase, the new Chevelle was similar in
size, simplicity, and concept to what were classified as the
"standard-sized" 1955-1957 Chevrolet models. The Chevelle was the
U.S. auto industry's only all-new car for 1964 and was positioned
to fill the gap between the small Chevy II and the full-size
Chevrolet models. Introduced in August 1963 by Bunkie Knudsen, the
Chevelle filled the gap in market coverage for Chevrolet and
achieved sales of 338,286 for the year.
Looking at this rarely seen version of the 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle
300, it's hard to believe that this car spent 30 plus years in
hibernation. Not often that cars of this ilk are put away and
forgotten about, especially in this day and age of 6 figure pricing
on tribute cars and almost weekly auctions being broadcast either
across the boob tube or streaming on your favorite device. Our
consignor is one of the lucky ones who found this gem hidden away
in a garage patiently waiting to show off its California black
plate glory. Read on and learn about this mostly original time
capsule from 1965.
Exterior
Paint code C denotes Ermine White paint, and Chevelle wears a large
part of its original coating with pride. Dings, chips, and dents
are apparent throughout the body. Paint burn through is on some of
the sharp edges from someone less than skilled with a buffer and we
see a few areas of paint wear off on some of the horizontal flat
surfaces. An all-original horizontal ribbed grille with Chevy badge
in the center has dual headlights and a shiny bumper below. As we
work our way rearward, good gaps and britework are noted
throughout. This car is badged with its original 230 fender
emblems, along with the original Chevelle 300 Deluxe badges on the
rear quarters. 15-inch body matching steel wheels on all 4 corners
and are wrapped with staggered width rubber front and back.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we greet 1960s styling with a red vinyl
panel making up much of the door covering below a red steel upper
strip. This panel has the door actuators and window cranks as well
as a red vinyl covered pull/armrest. Inside we see the red tuck and
roll vinyl split bench seat with some chrome trimmings on the sides
and added red 3-point seat belts. The original black and red rubber
flooring surrounds the seats and console and is clean with only a
few minor tears. In back is a red vinyl bench with some armrests
built into the sides. An inverted V style aluminum dash drips of
60' bowtie styling, the original center gauge cluster, which is
flanked by the speedo on wheel left, and a temp, oil, fuel and amp
cluster to wheel right. An aftermarket MoonEyes tachometer is
strapped to the center of the column and blocks the middle gauge.
Original pull knobs function perfectly, and the original AM radio
is residing within its original location. As I look around this
clean red and white interior, I'm dreaming about Michelle Phillip's
cute little overbite belting out "Dedicated to the One I Love".
Drivetrain
Long gone is the pedestrian 230ci inline 6-cylinder and now within
the clean and fully restored engine bay is a 327ci V8 circa 1968.
This nice orange/red block is now topped with an Edelbrock intake
and carburetor. Also, on the back, a non-original 3-speed TH350
automatic transmission that sends power to the ground via a 10-bolt
axle. All is very nicely done under this hood.
Undercarriage
Power front disc brakes along with power rear drums have been added
as well as headers and dual exhaust with glasspack style mufflers
can take you down the road safely and loudly. You can be secure in
the fact that there is a strong frame which is showing off as a
rust-free environment with only the factory undercoating and some
minor surface rust patina is seen.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and on the test track it performed nicely with
great acceleration and smooth shifting from the automatic. All
functions were operational during our drive but we did note that it
appears the steering wheel has been installed upside down.
A good example of the '65 Chevelle 300 Deluxe with a few upgrades,
a mostly original interior, and a few extra cylinders to boot. A
rust free undercarriage and only a few minor frowns but it is one
of only 9,391 built, making it much rarer than a V8 Super Sport of
the same era. Engine is looking great and performs as such. I'm
California Dreamin'.
VIN DECODE
133115Z146147
1-Chevrolet
33-Chevelle 300 Deluxe
11-2 Door Sedan
5-1965
Z-Fremont, CA Assy Plant
146147-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
05B-2nd Week April Build
ST 65 113311-1965 Chevelle 300 Deluxe 2 Door Sedan
BDY BF707-Fremont Body #
TR 778D-Medium Red Radiant Cloth, Imitation Leather
PNT CC-Ermine White
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.