1965 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible (LHD)

Description

The Impala badge dates back to 1958, when Chevrolet used the name to denote the hardtop coupe and convertible versions of the Bel Air series but the following year it became a separate model line, representing the top-of-the-line full-size Chevrolets.  The all-new fourth generation arrived in ’65, sporting more curvaceous bodywork riding atop a perimeter frame and was almost 4-inches longer despite sharing the same 119-inch wheelbase.  Alongside the regular sedan and hardtop, Chevrolet offered a hardtop coupe and convertible, plus the station wagon and all Impalas were distinguished from lesser models by stainless steel lower moldings, bright rear panel finish, triple tail light units and special badges.  The Impala’s interior naturally featured the most standard equipment of any model in the line-up, including special patterned cloth/leather grained vinyl upholstery and special door trims, thicker seat foam cushioning, padded arm rests and boot mats.  For 1965 the Super Sport package became a distinct model line, adding special SS badging, wheel trims, special brightwork and full interior carpeting, front bucket seats with full vinyl upholstery, special door trim, courtesy lamps, a vacuum gauge and centre console with built-in clock.  Super Sports were only sold in two-door hardtop or convertible guise, the vast majority of the 243,114 made equipped with V8 power.  Under the bonnet, the engine choices included both the 283-cid and 327-cid small-block V8s in various states of tune, while the optional big-block 409-cid unit popularised by The Beach Boys was discontinued early in 1965, replaced by the new 396-cid Turbo Jet, the first GM V8 to use the Rochester Quadra-Jet four-barrel carburettor.  Rated at 325 horsepower with 10.25:1 compression ratio and hydraulic lifters, there was also a 425 horsepower version with solid lifters and 11:1 compression available.  The standard transmission was a three-speed manual, with a four-speed unit or the Powerglide and Turbo Hydra-Matic auto boxes both optional.  Incredibly the Impala set a new industry record of more than one million sales in the USA in 1965, a figure that has never been bettered.  Although no breakdown of production by body style was ever made public by GM, it’s safe to assume relatively few convertibles were built and they remain the most collectible variant of the 1965 Impala today, sought-after by enthusiast both in the US and here in Australia.