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This 1965 Chevy Impala Wants to Impress With Bonus Muscle, Otherwise Mysterious

1965 Chevy Impala 9 photos
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Craigslist
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The Chevrolet Impala was born in 1958 as the top-of-the-line Bel Air version, but the car needed only seven years to become an iconic model.
It gained series status a year later, pioneered the Super Sport package in 1961, and then recorded impressive growth. 1965 witnessed a historic achievement, as Impala became the first car in the States to sell more than one million units in a single year.

Impala dominated new-car sales in the US for a long time, so it's no surprise it remains a highly desirable model.

Collectors are willing to pay big bucks for an original model, but the easiest way to start is sometimes a project car whose restoration can be meticulously performed from the ground up.

It's what this 1965 Chevy Impala is aiming for.

The car landed on Craigslist not long ago, trying to convince potential buyers with a set of evasive images and few specifics. Unfortunately, you'll have to put your detective skills to work to determine if the car deserves a second chance, but the best option remains an in-person inspection where you can check out every inch of metal thoroughly.

The Impala looks like a project that's been sitting for a while, and despite the vague photos, I can already spot some concerning metal problems. For example, the rust has invaded the floors, though you won't be able to tell if regular patches are enough to fix everything until you put the car on a lift. The lack of information is somewhat frustrating, especially because the photos don't tell the full story. I expect similar rust problems in the trunk, too, as the undersides are usually the first to face the rust invasion.

The interior is as mysterious as possible, but I think many parts are missing. You probably won't get the seats, likely as the Impala previously served as a donor for another project. The dash seems complete, or at least that's why I can tell from one of the photos shared on Craigslist.

The engine is no longer under the hood, though one of the photos shows a mysterious unit in the engine bay. Chances are the owner removed the mill for some work, so the Impala comes with a 327 and a transmission that are currently outside the vehicle.

A 1965 Impala in what looks to be a decent shape is generally a desirable project, especially if it comes with a working engine. The listing doesn't answer essential questions, so it's impossible to tell if the car is complete or original, but the price expectations are ambitious. The owner hopes to get $4,800 for this Impala.

You can find it parked in Indiana, and you'll certainly need a trailer to take it home, as the vehicle doesn't look road-worthy.
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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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