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Chevrolet Impala 3rd Gen

Overview

The third-generation Impala, produced from 1965 to 1970, featured a longer, lower body with a more luxurious interior. High-performance SS trims with big-block V8s were available, making it both a family car and a muscle car contender. Styling changes emphasized horizontal lines and distinctive rear taillights.

Distinctions

What sets this car apart, from being selected for the Octane Files to becoming a legend.

In the files

Selected for its history, engineering, or cultural weight.

The scorecard

Rated 1 to 10 on the traits that matter for owning, driving, and holding on to a car like this.

Desirability

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Rarity

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Driving Thrill

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Investment Trajectory

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Usability

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Ease of Restoration

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Cultural Impact

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Electronic dependence

Fully analogHeavily electronic

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Market Data

Demand tier, price trend, and typical values by condition, based on recent sales data.

Desirability Tier

Blue-chipHighSolidEntry

Strong, sustained collector demand. Good examples never wait long for a buyer.

Value Trajectory

AppreciatingStableCooling

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Price by condition

Driver

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Excellent

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Concours

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Buyer's guide

What anyone seriously considering this car should know first.

Why it's worth it

The 1965 Impala set the US single-model sales record (over one million); big-block full-size muscle.

Callout

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What to watch for

SS427 clones on regular Impalas - verify; later '69-70 cars are less valued than '65-66.

The Story

Driving Character

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Design

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Motorsport Pedigree

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In Culture

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Where it comes from

Related cars from the same manufacturer family, like platform siblings or shared-era relatives.

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Rivals

Cars from other manufacturers that competed for the same buyers when new.

Rivals: Galaxie, Fury, Catalina 2+2. If you like it: Galaxie 7-Litre, Buick Wildcat.

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Owning One

Why collectors want it

The '65-66 SS with 396/427 big-blocks - the SS427 is the muscular pick; huge, comfortable, and a custom-scene favorite.

Which one to look for

SS396, SS427 (L72 425hp), Caprice (upmarket split-off), '65 (record best-seller).

What owning one is like

Rust, size, SS/427 cloning, and trim scarcity.

Upkeep & Parts

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Resources

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All cars

Country of Origin

USA

Class

Luxury

Production Years

1965–1970

Units Built

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Marque

Chevrolet

Model

Impala

Nickname

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Body

Convertible, Coupe, Sedan

Layout

Front-engine, RWD

Engine

396 and 427 big-blocks, including the L72 427/425hp.

Transmission

Data unavailable

Designer

GM Styling