Interest in all size rag tops had dwindled. Of the total Impala production, 243,114 were SS models. It, as well as the other downsized B-body sedans, went on sale in late September 1976. Along with the restyle came a few changes under the hood. Fifty RPO Z11 cars were produced at the Flint GM plant. The 3.9L V6 was no longer available for the LT model. Among the top of the model production remained the Impala SS with a base price of just over $2,800 for the hardtop coupe. Located in Rosewell, Ohio, this 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS is available here on eBay, the current bid of $8,300, reserve not yet met. For general Impala information, see, The Chevrolet Chronicle-by the Editors of Consumer Guide, 3rd Edition Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1946-75 pg. For the 2011 model year, Impala returned in LS, LT, and LTZ trims. Interiors held a two-spoke steering wheel and color-keyed door panels with brushed aluminum trim. The first styling sketch that directly influenced the finished Chevrolet automobile was seen by General Motors Styling Vice President Harley Earl in October. Curb weights rose more than 125 lbs. That includes a fantastic stock 6.5L 502-cubic-inch big-block V8. New options for 1967 included front-disc brakes (standard with the SS-427 option), stereo 8-track player, fiber optic light monitoring system and vacuum power door locks. Starting for the 1962 model year, the Impala SS was an appearance package limited to hardtop coupe and convertible coupe models, available with all engines in the Impala series starting with the base 235cuin (3.9L), 135hp (101kW; 137PS) inline-6 through 1967, though the big-block engines and heavy-duty parts could still be ordered. Thorax side-impact air bags were standard. Narrow-band 148 whitewall tires were exclusive to the SS. The RHD cars Chevrolet or equivalent Pontiac (built on Chevrolet frames and using Chevrolet engines in Canada) all used a right hand drive version of the left hand drive 1961 Pontiac dashboard. Clearly, the marketing worked; according to The New York Times, sales of the 1965 Impala and Super Sport models in that year totaled 1,074,925 units, a record yet to be eclipsed. It retained the 119-inch wheelbase from previous models. It offered alloy wheels, and optional front heated seats. Based on the LT, it added a FE3 Sport Suspension (replacing the FE1 Touring Suspension), four-wheel ABS, eighteen-inch SS-style alloy wheels (replacing the 16-inch wheels), rear SS style spoiler, "50th Anniversary" Impala badges on the C-pillars, two-tone, leather-trimmed seats with "50th" logos embroidered on the front headrests, eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with accent-color threading including audio controls, ebony carpet, ebony floor mats with accent threading, "50th" Anniversary emblems on the sill plates and a choice of two premium exterior colors: Black Granite Metallic and Red Jewel Tintcoat. [32] The new downsized Impalas were shorter in length, taller and narrower than before. The Chevy Impala has been around since the late '50s, and it's still a popular car with a dedicated fanbase. New taillights were mounted in the (still) conventional rear bumper. It was named Impala after the graceful African antelope, which was used as the car's logo. All of this aimed to give Chevrolet buyers a "one-of-a-kind" taste of Cadillac's look and ride. The consolidated plant in Oshawa, Canada continued making the Impala Limited, along with the Chevrolet Equinox. SS or Super Sport did not necessarily mean big power. The 1965 Impala SS came standard with the sporty SS hubcaps. Leather upholstery was standard on LTZ models and optional on LT models. This package was available on any 1967-69 2-door Impala and it included Chevrolet's 427 cubic inch V8, F41 Sport Suspension, redline tires, and unique SS 427 badges on the body. . It also came with the option for a rear vinyl bench seat as well as front cloth bucket or bench seats, both cloth front and rear seats, or vinyl front and rear seats. Hardtops had a slightly shorter greenhouse and longer rear deck. Chevrolet claimed that the new frame offered increased torsional rigidity[12] and allowed for a lower placement of the passenger compartment. Electric Vehicle ; Autos ; Reviews ; Acura; Alfa Romeo; AMC; Apollo; Apple Car; Aston Martin; Audi document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Made with for Muscle Cars - Musclecarfacts.com Copyright 2023. Inside, front seat headrests were now standard equipment due to a federal safety mandate and the ignition switch moved from the dashboard to the steering column and doubled as a lock for the steering wheel when the key was removed, a Federal mandate that took effect with the 1970 models but introduced a year earlier on all General Motors cars. Two versions of Chevrolet's 348cuin (5,700cc) V8, its first big-block, were also optional, producing 250hp (190kW) with a single four-barrel carburetor and 280hp (210kW) with three two-barrels. After four years of growing progressively more boxy, the 1965 models featured more rounded sides. Furthermore, the heavy-duty steel wheels were not redesigned. For fleet buyers, Chevrolet offered a lower priced Impala "S" model that deleted some of the standard model's luxury features, such as radial tires, sound insulation and trunk light. Fiberglass-belted tires on 15-inch (380mm) wheels were made standard equipment along with a larger standard 250hp (186kW) 350 cubic-inch Turbo Fire V8, on most models (the 250 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine was now only offered on the 1970 Impala four-door sedan as well that year's lower-line Biscayne and Bel Air four-door sedans). The Graphite Metallic color was discontinued. The Australian cars had locally sourced amber flashing rear indicators replacing the clear reversing lenses, as red indicators were illegal. 1965 Impala As mentioned before, 1965 Impala production hit an all-time high not seen before or since in the auto industry. Impalas again featured premium interior appointments, plusher seats could be done by the dealerships on customer request. It was fitted with 17-inch (430mm) brushed aluminum wheels with 255/50ZR17 all-season tires. Does anyone know how many 1965 Impala SS 396 were produced with a Muncie 4-Speed manual transmission? As it stands, you'll regularly still find the early '60s Impala SS with an original 409 in it. The 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala helped Chevrolet regain the number-one production spot in this recession year. The Impala SS badge was resurrected at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show as a concept car designed by GM designer Jon Moss. A coil spring suspension replaced the previous year's rear leaf springs, and an air ride system was optional. The standard perimeter-type frame was abandoned, replaced by a unit with rails laid out in the form of an elongated "X". 1962-1965 Chevrolet Impala 1958-1965 Chevrolet Impala Models, Prices, Production 1958 Chevrolet Work on the 1958 Chevrolet began in earnest in mid 1955 at a time when the sales potential of the 1955 cars, themselves a radical departure in many respects from their forebears, wasn't fully apparent. At the top of the engine roster, the big block 427 was replaced by a new, longer stroke, 454 cubic-inch Turbo Jet V8 offered in power ratings of 345hp (257kW) and 390hp (290kW). The old 409cuin (6.7L) "W" engine was discontinued early in the 1965 model year, so early-production 1965s got the 409, as well as 1/10 of 1% had the 396 CID big-block. So was the fascination with large sporty cars, prompting abandonment of the Impala Super Sport. The curves were the most pronounced with the 19671968 models. Chevrolet Chevelle Performance Statistics, Plymouth Barracuda Performance Statistics. The 1966 Impala SS was facelifted with a revised grille and new rectangular taillights that replaced the triple round units. [41] The LS came factory-equipped with cloth bucket seats upgradeable to leather with center console and floor shift, color-keyed "Impala" door scripts and trunk badge, anti-lock brakes, traction control system, keyless remote entry, integrated foglamps, aluminum wheels upgradeable to alloy wheels, rear spoiler (optional on the base models), 4-gauge instrument cluster (with tachometer), and the larger 200 horsepower (149kW) 3.8 liter (231 cu in) L36 V6. "Super Sport" scripts replaced the "Impala" fender badges. It will allow the driver to switch from gasoline to CNG or from CNG to gasoline at the push of a button. Special SS427 badging, inside and out, was the rule, but few were sold, since muscle car enthusiasts were seeking big-block intermediates, such as the Chevelle SS396 and Plymouth Road Runner. Super Sport (SS) models featured that panel in a special engine-turned aluminum, which was also used to fill the side moldings, making the SS more distinctive in appearance. Clare MacKichan's design team, along with designers from Pontiac, started to establish basic packaging and dimensions for their shared 1958 General Motors "A" body in June. The Impala name was revived for the 2000 model year, being introduced on April 8, 1999. For the 2012 model year, the exterior received a slight refresh and 4 trims: a standard Impala, LS, LT, and LTZ. Engine choices for 1962 began as previously with 1962 being the final year for the 235 I6. All models came equipped with power windows, door locks, and mirrors. In 1968 as Caprice sales escalated, those of the Impala Super Sport suffered a decline. This was a transitional step between traditional construction and the later fully unitized body/chassis; the body structure was also strengthened in the rocker panels and firewall. Also in 1975 upholstery, door panels and the dashboard were revised as were the radio and climate control graphics. The SS model used the Generation IV small-block V8, the first to do so in a front-wheel-drive Chevrolet, and the first V8 in a Chevrolet sedan since the 1996 Caprice. A contoured hooded instrument panel held deep-set gauges. The potential negatives, someone installed some modern bucket seats, they look nice but they arent original, the engine/trans change, aftermarket stereo and speakers. Specially stitched cloth door panels were accented with simulated walnut, and contour-padded seats wore a combination of fabric and vinyl. [113][114], Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) selected the Impala for its 2006 Pyramid Award for Environmental Initiatives for the launch of its new ethanol-powered E-85 model.[115]. The newly restyled full-size Chevys, including the Impala models, grew even bigger than they had been before during the 1965 restyle that ushered in the fourth-generation of the car. It was only available in a few basic colors. The base engine was a 3.5L (214 cu in) V6 producing 211hp (157kW) and 214lbft (290Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The TH 350 was a later entry in a couple of years, not so beefy but very adequate for the sbc. How many were produced??? The rooflines of the Impala coupes were also revised. The front end was also freshened as in previous years, with a new grille and headlight bezels, a new header panel, and a bumper with a drop down center section. A three-speed manual transmission with column shift was standard equipment as in previous years but the floor-mounted four-speed manual with Hurst shifter was dropped from the option list for 1970 as were the Strato bucket seats and center console previously offered on coupes. [94] However, GM CEO Mary Barra later said that unlike Ford and FCA, GM had no plans to exit the sedan market,[95] and at the time stated that the Impala would continue in production as a way to fill the void left by the planned departure of the Ford Taurus in 2019. Does anyone know how many 1965 Impala SS 396 were produced with a Muncie 4-Speed manual transmission? The Impala continued as Chevrolet's most popular full-sized model through the mid-1980s. The ninth generation model remained in production in LS, LT, and LTZ trim until the 2016 model year as a rental, fleet, and police car under the revised model name "Impala Limited". The Impala also received new packages, including the LS Uplevel package, LS OnStar and Bluetooth package, LT Sunroof package, LT OnStar package and the LT OnStar and Bluetooth package.[69]. The redesigned 1977 Impala/Caprice was named Motor Trend's car of the year. The CNG tank is placed in the trunk. [79] That same day regular production on the Impala (the 2.4L eAssist and 3.6L equipped versions/LT2 and LTZ2 trims only) began at their Oshawa plant,[80] while production at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant (the 2.5L equipped versions/LS, LT1 and LTZ1 trims) started production on April 8 and arrived to dealerships in May. A new Impala SS with a supercharged 3.8L V6 was brought out for the 2004 model year. All body style codes in 1964 were four digits, which were changed to five for the 1965 model year. However, the system proved to be problematic and was disliked by many buyers. The SS badge was to become Chevrolet's signature of performance on many models, though it often has been an appearance package only. However, unlike the passenger cars, Impala wagons had dual-unit taillights. small-block V-8s with either 195hp or 220hp. More info on the Z-11 Chart #2: A more detailed breakdown of production numbers for 1958-65 Chevrolet full size. Around 1,046,500 Impalas were produced throughout the model year. "Astro Ventilation" was an option for the Custom Coupe that included fresh-air vents, the same units that were used for the optional air conditioning, sans the center upper vent. Rooflines were carried over from 1963 unchanged. This car featured a W-Series V8 engine derived from the 409. [109] (GM is also facing a similar legal dispute regarding a pre-bankruptcy upgrade to its OnStar system which left thousands of users without service in violation of their paid-up contracts. [75] The tenth generation Impala was the first North American sedan in 20 years to earn Consumer Reports' top score, with a score of 95 of a possible 100 points.[63][76]. Five new colors were introduced: Siren Red Tintcoat, Citron Green Metallic, Heather Gray Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, and Green Envy Metallic; six colors were dropped: Autumn Bronze, Red Rock, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Ashen Gray, Silver Topaz, and Champagne Silver. All models used the previous SS style spoiler (actually phased in for the late 2008 model year). The CD player was now only offered as standard equipment on the LTZ, but available as an option on other trims as part of the Technology package. A Midnight appearance package was added as an upgrade for the LT and LTZ level trims, which included unique black-pocket wheels and gloss black badges in addition to the standard black paint. Due to reliability problems, the optional Turboglide automatic transmission was discontinued, leaving Powerglide the only automatic transmission available until 1965. A black four-door version of this vehicle, nicknamed "Baby," is featured in the CW television show Supernatural. The "overhang" roof style of the sedans was replaced with a wider "C" pillar with wraparound rear window. The 1970 Impala was one of three remaining Chevrolet convertibles, with only 9,562 were built. The Impala was Chevrolet's popular flagship passenger car and was among the better-selling American-made automobiles in the United States.[7][8]. Right-hand drive cars were made in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, for New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa and assembled locally from CKD or SKD kits. The 1960 Impala models reinstated three round taillights on each side, and a white band running along the rear fenders. Exact production numbers aren't available, but very few 1958 Impala Fuelies were . The 2018 model year Impala went from four trims to three: LS, LT, and Premier. For 1964, the Impala was restyled to a more rounded, softer look. No longer a separate series, the Super Sport was a mere $179 option package (Regular Production Option Z03) for the two Impala coupes and the convertible. Additionally, curved window glass, and new hood and a brand new front end help further distinguish the model from those that came before it. Class and character exemplify the definition of Baby. And while sales of the Impala line as a whole remained relatively high, the Impala suffered the worst fate as its production was cut by more than 50 percent. [64] The ninth generation Impala was 200.4in (5,090mm) long, 58.7in (1,491mm) high, and 72.9in (1,852mm) wide with a drag coefficient of 0.33. It was more of a bucket seat, center console, badging and wheel cover identifier. The 1969 models were unique in several ways: Disc brakes were standard that year (optional on other years) along with 15 inch wheels, and this was the only year that the cars had the name "Impala" anywhere on the body. Other later-built cars had the 396cuin (6.5L) as the big-block option. One should question of the 2,455 Super Sports how many convertibles were made and how many are surviving today. Unlike all other years, the 1961 Super Sport package was available on any Impala, including sedans and station wagons (the sales brochure shows a 4-door hardtop Sport Sedan with the SS package). 160. This began the gradual slide to oblivion for manual-equipped full-size Fords. The old 409-cubic-inch (6.7L) "W" engine was discontinued early in the 1965 model year, so early-production '65s got the 409, available only in four-barrel 340 and 400 horsepower options. [13] The 1958 models shared a common appearance on the top models for each brand; Cadillac Eldorado Seville, Buick Limited Riviera, Oldsmobile Starfire 98, Pontiac Bonneville Catalina, and the Chevrolet Bel-Air Impala. Bodystyles were extensive, including a sedan and hardtop sedan, Formal Top coupe, hardtop coupe . Because "big block muscle" was now focusing on intermediate and even compact size cars, Chevrolet discontinued the Impala Super Sport series after 1969, although the 1970 model was still available with a big block V8 (now displacing 454 cubic inches), bucket seats, a center console with floor shifter. [85] 2016 also saw the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Capability features; only one phone brand at any one time can be used.[86][87]. Right hand drive cars were made at GM's Oshawa plant in Canada and often shipped overseas in kit form for assembly in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. The 1966 Impala was a mild restyle of the 1965, featuring a new instrument panel, grille, wheel covers (except for SS models), and rectangular taillights that wrapped around to the side of the quarter panels. Police vehicles were upgraded to correct this defect and law enforcement agencies were compensated for expenses incurred for tire replacement, but civilian vehicles were not recalled. The Super Sport option was quite popular, giving the buyer full SS-badged wheel covers, front bucket seats, all-vinyl trim, and a console with a built-in clock. Starting in 1980, the inline 6 was replaced by a generic 229 cubic-inch V6 from Chevrolet which was totally different from the 3.8 liter (231 cubic inch) V6 from Buick that was installed in numerous GM models of different divisions. The limited-slip rear differential was standard (as opposed to the optional G80 on Caprices) and the suspension was an inch lower. Now in person and in print I have seen quite a few 409 65 impala hardtops. Even with its trimmer exterior dimensions, the new Impala featured increased headroom, rear-seat legroom and trunk space. A High Energy Ignition (HEI) system was officially introduced in 1975, although it was installed on some 1974 cars as a clandestine option. It was the last retail Impala to be offered with optional bench seat and column shift transmission. The 1955 Chevrolet V8 revised everyones idea of what a production engine can do. The LS trim, previously available only with the four-cylinder engine, became available with the V6 engine in addition to the four-cylinder engine. It also offered preparation for a criminal cage to be installed between the front and rear seats. The Impala was also used in the NASCAR Pinty's Series. This enabled the driver to turn off all lights in the vehicle and "hide"; something not allowed with the civilian models, as automatic headlights were standard. Only about 400 Super Sports had a six-cylinder engine from 1967 to 1968, 390hp (291kW; 395PS) in 1969, or L72 (425hp (317kW; 431PS)) from 1968 to 1969. During the 1969 model year Impala production, including Kingswood wagons totaled 777,000 units, compared to 166,000 Caprices and Kingswood Estate wagons, 68,700 Biscaynes and Brookwood wagons, and 155,700 Bel Airs and Townsman wagons. *Ford fans mainly got Mustangs, and maybe Torinos/Fairlanes as their 'hot rod'. Tom Email Report The RPO L36 was rated at 385hp (287kW), the L72 at 425hp (317kW). Suspension and chassis design was modified for better roadability. With young car fans, Chevy was "USA 1" and used full size Fords were 'uncool'. By 1965, the year of this Ford full-size hardtop, you could get a number of intermediate-size Fords including Fairlane Thunderbolts in 1964, with Cobra Jet Mustangs just around the corner for 1968. six-cylinder sipped gas through a Rochester Model BC downdraft one-barrel carburetor on its way to making 135hp at 4,000 rpm and 217-lbs.ft. Because of midyear changes, there were really two model years for 1965. The Impala SS did not get the 9C1's external oil-to-air engine oil cooler, nor were all the body mounts secured (the standard Caprice and Impala SS were assembled at the factory with the front three body mounts missing one of the rubber cushions, while the 9C1 was assembled with all rubber cushions in place). A total of 2,383,504 Chevrolets were built for the year. 2016 models also came equipped with a new 800 cold-cranking amps battery, replacing the 900 CCA. Optional V8s included a 300hp (220kW) 350 and a new 265hp (198kW) 400 cubic-inch Turbo Fire V8 (not to be confused with Chevrolet's Turbo Jet big-block 402 V8 (essentially a bored out 396) offered on that year's Chevelles and Monte Carlos). A mere 453 were Super Sports and . The new rear bumper housed triple "horseshoe" shaped taillights. From 2013 to 2017, Chevrolet drivers began driving the Holden VF Commodore SSV based Chevrolet SS in Sprint Cup until the Chevrolet SS was discontinued after 2017. The four-speed automatic transmission is also deleted in favor of a six-speed automatic. [16], In total, 55,989 Impala convertibles and 125,480 coupes were built representing 15% of Chevrolet production. It was successful and would be continued through 1976. The 1975 Impala used a 1974 carried-over Caprice front end, with a grille insert and emblem change. In all, 72,760 Chevrolet full-size convertibles were sold, while about 45,800 were Impalas and the remaining 27,000 were Super Sports. The 9C1 and 9C3 police models had the standard wood grain for the 2006 model year until 2007 where it was replaced by aluminized interior trim. 1959 was the first year when Chevrolet Impala landed as a stand-alone series after being offered as a top-of-the-line version of the Bel Air hardtops and convertibles. Due to a shortage of the unique five-spoke aluminum wheels, only 6,303 cars were sold. [30] The power ventilation system was improved, and exit vents were moved from the trunk lid to the door pillars. Australian models were assembled in Australia from kits as this lessened tax on the cars. Also released with this version were the 9C1 Police Package, first released in 2000, as well as the 9C3 Undercover Police Package first released in 2001. [43] It was rated at 240 horsepower (180kW) and had been previously used in the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Buick Regal GS, Buick Riviera, and H-body Pontiac Bonneville SSEI and Buick Park Avenue "Ultra". Around 1,046,500 Impalas were produced throughout the model year. Speedometers read up to 100mph (160km/h), and added kilometers per hour. New front bumpers that wrapped around the grille and horizontal taillights were in the rear bumper. [citation needed] GM made some minor structural enhancements to the Impala, beginning in December 2009; models produced after that received a "Good" in the IIHS frontal offset crash test. The 2006 Impala was introduced at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show in January. [112], Automotive Fleet and Business Fleet magazines awarded the Impala the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Fleet Car of the Year. #1 I think we all know that there were not very many 65 impalas made with the 409 due to the 409 being only available in the early to mid year cars before it was no longer available ultimately being replaced by the 396ci big block motor being introduced in 1965. The 1967 model was redesigned with enhanced Coke bottle styling that featured Corvette-inspired front and rear fender bulges. The Beach Boys produced a hit single, "409", referring to the Chevrolet, which became an iconic song for these cars. The 409cuin (6.7L) V8 engine returned as the big-block option, as well as the Carter AFB 2X4-barrel carburetors setup for the 425bhp (431PS; 317kW) at 6,000 rpm and 425lbft (576Nm) at 4,200 rpm of torque engines. This Impala mostly sold to fleet operators, with private buyers accounting for a quarter of sales.[63]. The build date of your car should then be sometime between mid February and the end of the `65 model year run. The new Caprice Custom Sedan package could be added to the Sport Sedan for an additional cost of around $200. In addition to the factory-installed SS package, Chevrolet dealers could add SS trim to any standard Impala without the "mandatory" performance upgrades, and a number of '61s were so equipped. Two new exterior colors were available: Summit White and Cyber Gray Metallic, and four exterior colors were deleted. It was assembled in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, alongside the ninth-generation Impala (now renamed the fleet and rental exclusive-only Impala Limited), and at the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly in the United States. From 1967 to 1969, an additional model, the SS427, was available. In terms of sales, there obviously wasnt much competition to the Impala in 1965. Available only to law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and EMS agencies, it has had much more success than its predecessor, the Lumina 9C3. The 155-horsepower Turbo Thrift six-cylinder, and 250- and 265hp (198kW) Turbo Fire engines were designed to use regular gasoline while the 300hp (220kW) 350 Turbo Fire and both 454 Turbo Jet engines required premium fuel. All Impala models for 1967 also featured upgraded door panels with carpeting on the lower section. The Impala SS models were in their own separate series for the first time in 1965. The cars had a base price of $2,672, which was less expensive than it had been the previous year. Full-sized cars could have a 250-cubic-inch six, a 307-cubic-inch V-8, either of a pair of 327s of 250 or 275 horsepower, or a 325-horsepower 396-cubic-inch V-8. The fog lamps seen on the LT, LTZ, and SS were optional in 2008 & stayed as an option until 2012.