A parking lot is a parking lot—unless it’s the Summit Racing parking lot. On any given day or time, the lot outside a Summit Racing store can turn into an impromptu mini car show, depending on who’s stopped by the store. On Wednesday, we often share a notable parking lot find—another benefit of being powered by Summit Racing Equipment.
When Chevy introduced a completely redesigned Impala in 1965, it had a hit on its hands. The new full-size Chevy would go on to be GM’s sales leader that year, selling more than 1 million (not a typo) Impalas in the U.S. alone—a record that still stands today.
It’s easy to see why.
There was an Impala for seemingly every driver out there. You could get an Impala as a hardtop, convertible, coupe, sedan, or wagon. Better still, you could option it with anything from an inline-six and Powerglide, all the way up to a big-block V8 and four-speed.
Fun fact: Early production 1965 Impalas could still be equipped with the legendary 409, marking the final appearance of the W-series big block. By the close of the initial model year, the 396 Mark IV big block had appeared.
The 1965 Chevy Impala also introduced the world to the “Caprice” trim, which would ultimately eclipse the Impala and become a standalone marque in the 1980s.
This particular Impala pulled into Summit Racing’s Tallmadge, OH retail store parking lot back in the fall, and we quickly rushed out to bask in its Cypress Green paint.
It’s easy to differentiate the 1965 models from the later fourth-generation (1965-70) Impalas thanks to its unique round taillights.
We’re positively giddy that this particular Impala boasts both a V8 and a manual transmission—try finding that combo in a modern family car.
Gleaming bumpers, a set of later-style Chevy Rally wheels, and a clean interior really set this car off.
It’s tough to picture a million-plus Impalas rolling out of the GM factory in 1965, but we’re glad they did.
My dad bought a new 1965 impala SS Cyprus green 396L with a Muncie four speed and for our family car it had a bench seat. It was beautiful and powerful, dad used it against those mopar owners to hurt their feelings, Camaros mustangs used to pull up on the side and see those 396 super sport, flags and Rev there engine like they want to race. My mom used to hurt a lot of feelings back then I begged him not to sell it, but he decided to split the motor and trans from the body to make most profit from it. He did put a Holley 750 double pumper and gates rubber for the road. We also put super sport wheels with chrome ring and cap It’s still the most popular Chevrolet in my heart.
What is price for the 65 you are asking for. I would also like to see some photos of the engine and undercarriage. Where is the car located. condition of the paint I notice the 396 badging is missing. Is it a 396??
Thank you
What if the asking price and what state is it located in. I would like to speak to someone about the car
Hey Dan, this feature was just from a car that pulled into the Summit Racing parking lot years ago – It’s not a sale advertisement.