VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1965-1970 '65 impala 283

I am a novice in the world of classic car purchase/restoration/etc. and require some guidance. I saw a 65 impala 283, 2 dr, ht on sale for $6,500. It is NOT an S/S. I examined the body and there's no rust, dents, or damage anywhere on the body. The owner tells me that there's no rust in trunk or on floors. Owner also says that car 'runs good' and there are no mechanical issues. Also, I noticed that some of the chrome 'moulding' and weatherstripping around the windows need repair/replace. The car's exterior is paint-ready.

Question 1: Is this a fair price? If not, what would be a reasonable counter-offer that won't be insulting?

Question 2: Is a non-S/S model marketable to a collector? If yes, what is its price restored?

Question 3: The upholstery, interior doors, carpeting must all be replaced. What should I expect to invest to restore it with properly (paint job, interior, etc.)

Thanks.

#1 - ?
#2 - Yes
#3 -$6000 to $10,000
#4 - The completed car wont be worth much more than that when completed.

Thank you for the quick response. I take it that the S/S model is what collector's want?

The Impala coupe was one of the most popular 1965 body styles. While it is more desireable (to most) than the sedans they are quite common. The Super Sport adds some fuel to the fire with the floor shift (depending on trans) and bucket seats.

My second car in life was a 1965 Impala convertible. 65 Impala's are beautiful cars. The value of a collector car has various issues related to it. Is this the car of your dreams? Is this 1965 Impala just like your first car? Etc. Etc. You will find that if a car needs interior / paint / other items, the cost to restore a car can be very significant. A good paint job can often equal the cost of buying the car. Other costs can add up too. I am one who likes to restore an old Chevy, but then I do it with the idea that I will own and enjoy the car for many years. If your idea is to own the car for several years and then sell it, you probably want to invest your money on a car that is highly valued as a collector car when completed.

Interior will cost around $3,000 to $4,000 installed, and paint can go anywhere but in our area a decent job will cost at least $4,000 to $7,000 minimum. Add this to the buying price and you can buy a nice one with all of this done for $10,000 to $15,000.

Also look at the frame real close they are known to rot out in the back under the rear seat area
Good Luck
John

As John mentions about the frame, look real close where the lower rear control arms connect to the frame, that the area that they rot. I've seen these cars have a spotless body and a frame thats on the verge of falling on the ground.

Yitz,
A standard 283/glide 65 Impala is very common in the hobby.Standard B-body 2 door hardtop cars from this era are the type of car you would go to the expense to restore if it was REAL special to you some way or another.The non SS/non hi-po models not pull big numbers at resale time unless they have a big block(396 or 409),4 speed,has a number of rare options or are fully optioned out.
It would make more sense from a financial stand point to purchase one that is either restored or an excellent survivor type car.
I realize the temptation to purchase this Imp for what seems like a good price,but remember that $$ amount will only be your starting point and escalate north from there even if you do your own work.
With today's ecomnomy,any standard base 2 door hardtop 65-70 B-body in nice condition(2-3)can be found for under $10k,imo.
I would be patient and hunt out an unrestored original example as the popularity/trend of the unrestored survivor cars is gaining much momentum.
As the saying goes......."A car can be restored many times,but is original only once".
Hope this helps,Jim

Since you say you are a novice in this hobby that 65 is not a bad car to start with. However, the asking price is too high.

If the car has a solid body, if the frame is not rotted, if the engine runs good and is well cared for, offer the seller 5K and complete the restoration yourself. You can prep the car for paint or find someone to do it for you locally. Interior kits and parts are easy to come by for the car. Check online.

If you are looking into an investment and quick turn over, forget about it. The car is not that type of vehicle. If you want to get into the hobby and are looking for a car to enjoy then buy it, work on it, and learn.

Good luck!