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 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.