In the Garage: 1965 Chevy Impala
This 1965 Chevrolet Impala four-door sedan is owned by Jeff Schilling. Credit: Handout
THE CAR AND ITS OWNER
1965 Chevrolet Impala four-door sedan owned by Jeff Schilling
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
The redesigned 1965 Impala was such a hit with consumers that it set an all-time sales record of more than a million cars. Yet many of these Chevys were basically utilitarian sedans, serving their owners well and then going to the crusher. As a result, it’s fairly unusual today to see a lightly used example, such as Schilling’s.
“The car is completely original and unrestored,” he says, “from the 283-cubic-inch, 195-horsepower engine to the two-speed Powerglide transmission to the ‘Mist Blue’ exterior paint. I purchased the car with 22,000 original miles and this was confirmed after contacting the original owner’s grandson, who provided an oral history.” The sedan had been bought new from a Minnesota dealer and “was rarely used, garaged and well cared for,” Schilling notes. “It passed to the grandson in 1985 and, shortly thereafter, it was stored away until 2005.”
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 2005
WHERE HE FOUND IT
Schilling bought the sedan from an Illinois classic car dealer, who had purchased it from the owner’s grandson.
CONDITION
“The body, interior and paint were in excellent condition,” he says. “After remaining idle for some time, a complete brake job was needed, the two-barrel Rochester carburetor was rebuilt and hoses, belts, sparkplugs and ignition wires replaced. It remains as it did in 1965. Options included power steering, deluxe front and rear rubber floor mats, deluxe seat belts, rear ‘Positraction’ (differential) and a manual AM radio with mast antenna.”
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“Retain these vehicles and keep them original, thus keeping our auto history alive,” Schilling advises.
VALUE
The sedan was appraised for $11,000 in 2010.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“The Impala,” Schilling says, “though not a high-performance or luxury auto, remains a true classic and retains all its originality, something not often seen these days with the abundance of modified and over-restored vehicles.”
