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Don't Get a New iPhone, Buy This Gorgeous 1965 Chevy Impala Project Instead

1965 Chevy Impala 6 photos
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Craigslist
1965 Chevy Impala1965 Chevy Impala1965 Chevy Impala1965 Chevy Impala1965 Chevy Impala
It's hard not to like the 1965 Impala, even if you're not a Chevy fanboy. The 1965 Impala broke a major record, becoming the first car in the United States to sell more than one million units in a year.
The accomplishment is even more impressive, considering the car had been on the market for only eight years. It debuted in 1958 as a Bel Air version and gained series status a year later in 1959.

The 1965 model year proved that only the sky was the limit for the Impala, and the new generation was selling like hotcakes. Chevrolet was ready to try a similar approach with the Caprice, which debuted in 1965 and was promoted to a stand-alone series a year later, and while full-size sales remained strong towards the end of the decade, they never reached the 1965 level.

A 1965 Impala landed on Craigslist a few hours ago with a solid restoration package, allowing a potential restorer to turn it into a daily driver with regular fixes.

The car has apparently been stored in a barn, so we should expect the typical rust problems. We're not getting much information in this regard, but it's safe to say the car will need metalwork, too. It also doesn't look like the body features the original panels, so I doubt this Impala is still 100% original.

The interior is original, but you'll spend some time getting it back to a decent shape. The owner didn't share any pics with the cabin, but they claim it is "shot," so make sure you inspect it in person before committing to a purchase.

The best news is that the 283 engine under the hood starts and runs. It is paired with the original automatic transmission and comes with a new gas tank, electronic ignition distributor, and wires. The owner says other parts might still be in the box in the barn, so restoring this Impala is doable but requires some time.

The main selling point of this Impala is the price. You can get it cheaply, and if you're only looking for a daily driver or a solid starting point for a custom build, this Impala could be the perfect choice. The owner posted it on Craigslist with a $2,500 price tag, but you can probably negotiate and get your hands on this Impala for nearly the price of a new iPhone.

The Impala is located in Vernon, Massachusetts, and despite the engine coming in a working shape, you should take the car on a trailer. It doesn't look roadworthy, so bring a good mechanic to inspect everything. If possible, put the car on a lift to inspect the undersides for rust damage.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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