325 bhp, 396 cu. in. overhead valve V-8 engine, single four-barrel carburettor, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 119 in.

• SS package; 396 big-block engine

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Offered from the Zegwaard Collection

Once again for 1964, Bill Mitchell’s amazing styling section at General Motors gave the full-size Chevrolets an all new look, though the wheelbase remained unchanged. The look was modern and fresh and was accented by a new stamped grille. To complement that new exterior, Chevrolet offered some of the very best engines in the business, with offerings from a sensible straight-six through to the versatile small-block in its many guises and all the way to a selection of 396- and 409-cubic inch big-blocks.

The Impala remained the most luxurious and most expensive of the full-size Chevrolet cars, and when equipped with the SS package and the right engine, it could be very sporty indeed. With the SS box checked, additional equipment included bright wheel well mouldings, the deletion of lower body trim mouldings, special fender and grille badging, full wheel covers, full interior carpeting, vinyl trim for an interior that incorporated front bucket seats, and more, including an engine vacuum gauge.

This particular 1965 Impala SS spent an earlier part of its life in New York and is equipped with the mighty Turbo-Jet 396 CID engine rated at a conservative 325 horsepower. To keep all of those American ponies in harness, the car is fitted with a four-speed manual transmission with a floor shifter mounted in the centre console. For those who feel more information is always better, a factory fitted manifold vacuum gauge sits in the centre of the dash and is complemented by three auxiliary aftermarket gauges that provide readings for oil pressure, volts, and water temperature.

This is a brutally fast machine with a subtle metallic hue and a light beige interior, which downplays the car’s exceptional performance. The older restoration remains in very good condition, with a pristine interior and a fine-looking engine.