1965 Chevrolet Impala 409 Wagon Has It All: Rare, Unrestored, Numbers-Matching

With about 50 years on the production line, the Impala is one of Chevrolet's longest-running and most iconic nameplates.

The Impala filled various gaps in the company's full-size car lineup. Initially a premium-like range-topping model, the Impala was superseded by the Caprice. It eventually became an entry-level model popular with fleet buyers. But it was also synonymous with high performance thanks to the Super Sport (SS) version that debuted in 1961.

The latter wasn't restricted to beefed-up engines, but it did get some of Chevrolet's most iconic mills. Highlights included the 348-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) Turbo Thrust, the 427-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Turbo-Jet, and the 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter). But I'm actually here to talk about the 409-cubic-inch (6.7-liter) V8.

This mill was introduced alongside the Super Sport model in December 1960. It was available in various setups from model year 1961 through 1965, including a dual-quad, 409-horsepower version that got its own song by the Beach Boys. The 409 was replaced by the 396-cubic-inch (6.5-liter) V8 after only five years on the market, but it remains one of Chevrolet's most celebrated powerplants.

Moreover, it spawned a few of the rarest Impalas ever produced. This 1965 station wagon is one of them. It's powered by the lesser, single-carburetor, 340-horsepower version, but it's one of only 82 grocery-getters equipped with this specific unit. It's very rare, even without having to factor in the options.

But the presence of a 409 V8 and the low production number aren't the only spectacular details about this Impala. According to the seller, you're looking at an unrestored survivor. And it's so clean we could also call it a fully-fledged time capsule. It's not rust-free, though. The owner reports "moderate rust issues appearing in the typical areas." But its condition is still pretty impressive for an automobile this old.

As you might have already guessed, this Impala spent a lot of time in storage. The original owner passed away in 1982, and the car sat in the family barn until 2024. That's a whopping 42 years. The drivetrain has been revived, and the wagon has been driven for about 300 miles (483 km) since then. The odometer shows 56,714 miles (91,272 km), but there's no info on whether it has turned over.

The wagon comes with no fewer than five builds and factory documentation, including the Protect-O-Plate, owner's manual, accessory booklet, and insurance book with records and registrations through 1983. The seller says this Impala is "arguably the most documented factory 409 wagon in existence," and I don't feel the need to argue.

The Impala is in Portland, Oregon, and is available for $49,950. The seller is entertaining offers. Is this gorcery getter worth $50K?