1965 Chevrolet Impala SS
B-body · New body design. 409 replaced by new 396 Mark IV big block. ... · New body, new 396 — the full-size muscle car reaches maturity
Highly Collectible
Production & Overview
Total Production
243,114
Original MSRP
N/A
Assembly Plants
Multiple GM plants nationwide
Wheelbase
119 inches
Body Styles
Sport Coupe · Convertible
Curb Weight
3,490 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
396/375hp — L78
3-4x base
uncommon
Available Engines
L77 283ci — V8
Base V8
195 hp
L30 327ci — V8
Optional small block
250 hp
L74 327ci — V8
Performance small block
300 hp
L35 396ci — V8
New Mark IV big block base
325 hp
L78 396ci — V8
High output 396 — solid lifters
375 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: 396 non-matching loses 40-60%. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Verify SS package via cowl tag
Check engine suffix for 396 verification
Inspect full body for rust — lower quarters, floors, trunk
Check for lowrider modifications
Verify bucket seats and console for SS
Inspect trunk floor and spare tire well
Check for correct SS trim and emblems
Verify correct big block exhaust system
Look for build sheet under rear seat
Road test all systems
Known Problem Areas
Floor pan rust
Lower quarter panel rust
Trunk floor corrosion
Lowrider modifications
Clone SS cars
396 engine swaps — verify numbers
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
396/375hp L78 numbers-matching
Convertible with 396
Documented SS with cowl tag
Original unmodified condition
↓ Decreases Value
Lowrider modifications
Rust in floor or frame
Non-matching numbers
Clone SS
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
Medium
Parts Availability
Good
Driver Quality Cost
$15,000 – $28,000
Show Quality Cost
$35,000 – $75,000
Key Suppliers
Classic Industries · OER · Golden Star
Pop Culture & Legacy
Major lowrider culture icon alongside 1964
Featured in countless hip-hop music videos and West Coast culture
Strong following in the custom car show circuit
Other Chevrolet Impala SS Years