National Award Winning Impala Convertible 396 V8 TH400 Auto

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 (R) with a White (1) top
* 2L 3C – Optional equipment

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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!

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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