The Impala adventure started in 1958, but 1965 was a truly special year for this nameplate. It was the moment its sales went through the roof, with the Impala eventually surpassing one million units by the end of the year.
Impala became the first car in the United States to reach this goal after WWII, eventually turning into the best-selling Chevrolet model.
The GM brand tried a new strategy in 1966, hoping it would repeat the Impala’s success. The Chevy Impala was born in 1958 as a top-of-the-line Bel Air, graduating to a stand-alone series in 1959. 1965 witnessed a similar approach for the Caprice, as Chevrolet launched it as an Impala version. In 1966, the Caprice received series status, eating up the Impala share and causing a drop in its yearly performance.
The Impala you see in these photos left the factory in 1966. It has always been part of the same family, and eBay seller empresario_317 says the car still has a matching-numbers drivetrain. It’s a 283 V8 paired with a two-speed Powerglide transmission.
The vehicle runs and drives correctly, though it’s unclear if the engine has already been rebuilt. The chances are that it had, as the odometer indicates 26K miles, and I doubt they’re original. Most likely, the Impala received either a partial or a complete restoration, with the paint also resprayed approximately two weeks ago. It’s the original factory color, and based on the photos that landed on eBay, it looks great.
The interior is original, and it also looks spotless, with nothing missing or requiring further fixes. You can just hop in and drive, though I’m certain the buyer won’t do this too often, considering the Impala’s shape and mileage.
Compared to most Impalas I’ve seen lately, this family-owned example comes with no rust. Classic cars typically come with undercarriage issues, especially after sitting for a long time, and the excellent condition of the floors and the trunk could be another indication that the Impala has been the subject of a restoration.
You should contact the owner to ask for such information, especially because a low-mile survivor could become a rare collectible that many wealthy Chevy fanboys would be willing to spend a small fortune for.
Meanwhile, you can get the Impala for $26,500, and the seller doesn’t seem interested in other offers. The car was posted on eBay, but you can find it in Greenwood, Indiana. The listing will expire in approximately 29 days, so you have enough time to discuss all details. The car looks ready for the road, so you should be able to take it home on its wheels if you reach a deal. The owner says they mostly use the Impala for car shows
