1965 Chevrolet Full-Size Cars Fact Sheet

Chevrolet Grows
In Size

Chevrolets had larger bodies for 1965, and over all size increased by four inches. Styling returned to a rounded look similar to the 1962 cars.

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General Year Information

Chevrolets had larger bodies for 1965. Body Style Numbers changed this year with a “6” inserted into the number (example: 1469 became 16469). A new stamped grille had an extension below the bumper, which had a slight “V” toward the center. Curved window glass and tail lamps mounted high at the rear was prominent in the new styling. Rear fender lines had a prominent kick-up and, overall, a blunter and more rounded shape.

In the first part of the year 409 CID V8 engine returned as the high performance option with a single 4-barrel and 400 HP. Mid-year, the new Mark IV 396 engine would replace the 409, in 325 and 425 HP versions. All other engine options were the same as 1964.

The Impala Supper Sport was again the top model, with features similar to the 1964 model of the same name.

Models Offered

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The Biscayne had thin body sill moldings, thin rear fender ridge moldings, bright windshield moldings and dual-style rear lamps with “Biscayne” in script on the rear quarters. Standard equipment for all Biscaynes included heater and defroster, foam-cushioned front seat, oil filter, electric wipers, front seat belts and five black wall tires. Interiors were vinyl and pattern cloth and all-vinyl on Biscayne station wagons.

External decor on the Bel Air included a narrow full-length body side molding, roof drip rail moldings, rear accent band and “Bel Air” in script with Chevrolet emblems on rear quarters. All features found on Biscaynes were included: heater and defroster, foam-cushioned front seat, oil filter, electric wipers, front seat belts and five black wall tires with the addition of a glove compartment light and power tailgate window on nine-passenger station wagons.

Interiors were plusher, with vinyl and pattern cloth trims.

Impala styling included wide, lower, bright body side moldings with rear fender extensions, bright wheelhouse moldings, bright rear cove panel trim, triple-unit tail lamps and full wheel covers. Bright garnish moldings were on all Impalas. Additionally, the Impala featured electric clock, parking brake light, trunk light and backup lights. The four-door hardtop sport sedans had dual roof side rail lamps.

Interiors were more detailed with luxurious vinyl/pattern cloth trim combinations on pillared sedan models. Both convertibles and station wagons featured all-vinyl trims. Black all-vinyl upholstery was available in sport coupes and pillar-less sport sedans. Instrument panels had bright center panel moldings and wood-grained lower panel facings.

Caprice Custom Sedan was Option RPO Z18. It was only available on the Impala Sport sedan 4-door hardtop. Its styling mimicked the Impala Sports Sedan and included wide, lower, bright body side moldings with rear fender extensions, bright wheelhouse moldings, bright rear cove panel trim, triple-unit tail lamps and full wheel covers. Also included were right garnish moldings. as in the Impala, it had an electric clock, parking brake light, trunk light, backup lights and dual roof side rail lamps.

Only available on the 16439 Sport Sedan, it included a stiffer frame, heavy duty suspension, black accented front grille and rear fascia trim panel where the “caprice” nameplate was found. It also had slender body sill moldings, Fleur-de-lis roof rear quarter emblems, color-keyed body side stripes, Caprice specific full wheel covers, and “caprice” hood and dash emblems.

Interiors were similar to the Impala, with luxurious vinyl/pattern cloth trim combinations on pillared sedan models. Instrument panels had bright center panel moldings and wood-grained lower panel facings.

The Super Sport, the prestige Chevrolet, was set off by bright wheelhouse moldings, but without bright lower body moldings. “Super Sport” in script was placed on the front fenders, and a black-filled rear cove band with an “Impala SS” badge at the right side. A similar badge was also on the radiator grille, at the left. Specific Super Sport full wheel covers were used.

The SS interior featured full carpeting, all-vinyl trim with front bucket eats and bright seat back outline moldings, combination vinyl and carpet door trim with bright accents, foam cushions, courtesy lights, “SS” identification badges on the door panels, and a console with a built-in, Rally-type clock and vacuum gauge.

Engines

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Turbo-Thrift 230: Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 230 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 140 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 220 @ 1600 RPM. Four main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Valve Timing: (includes ramp) Intake (300°) 252°, Exhaust: (300°) 252°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3350″, Exhaust 0.3350″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: SMT 7025003; AMT 7025000.

Turbo-Fire 283 V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 195 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 285 @ 2400RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (includes ramp) Intake (300°) 250°, Exhaust (300°) 250°, Valve Lift: 0.3987″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GV two barrel: SMT 7024101; AMT w/AC 7024112; AMT 7024110.

Turbo-Fire 327 V-8. (RPO L30) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 2800RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration (Includes ramps): Intake: (300°) 250°, Exhaust: (300°) 250°, Lift: Intake 0.3987″, Exhaust 0.3987″. Overlap 78°. Carburetor: (SMT) Carter four barrel #3846247; (AMT) w/AC Rochester 7025121; (AMT) Rochester 7025122.

Turbo-Fire 327 V-8. (RPO L74) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 2800RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration (Includes ramps): Intake: (300°) 250°, Exhaust: (300°) 250°, Lift: Intake 0.3987″, Exhaust 0.3987″. Overlap 78°. Carburetor: (SMT) Carter AFB #3826004; (AMT) Carter #3826006.

Turbo-Fire 396 V-8 (RPO L35). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 396 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.094 x 3.76 inches. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 410 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 322°, Exhaust: 322°, Lift: Intake 0.3983″, Exhaust 0.3983″. Overlap 87°. Carburetor: (SMT) Holley 3874898 or Rochester 7025201; (AMT) Holley 3868864 or Rochester 7025200.

Turbo-Fire 409 V-8 (RPO L33). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 409 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.3125 x 3.50 inches. Compression ratio: 10.00:1. Horsepower: 340 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 420 @ 3200RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (includes ramps) Intake: (312°) 266°, Exhaust: (320°) 274°, Lift: Intake 0.4005″, Exhaust 0.4119″. Overlap 90°. Carburetor: (SMT) Rochester 4GC 7025123; (AMT) Rochester 4GC” 7025124.

Turbo-Fire 409 V-8 (RPO L31). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 409 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.3125 x 3.50 inches. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 400 @ 5800 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 3600RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 322°, Exhaust: 320°, Lift: Intake 0.5069″, Exhaust 0.5185″. Overlap 94°. Carburetor: Carter AFB model #3827324.

Turbo-Fire 396 V-8 (RPO L78). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 396 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.094 x 3.76 inches. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 425 @ 6400 RPM. Torque: 415 @ 4000 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 336°, Exhaust: 336°, Lift: Intake 0.5197″, Exhaust 0.5197″. Overlap 108°. Carburetor: Holley 3869933.

Chassis Features

- Wheelbase: 119 inches.
- Overall length: cars – 213.1 inches, station wagons – 213.3 inches
- Front tread: cars – 62.5 inches, station wagons – 63.5 inches
- Rear tread: cars – 62.4 inches, station wagons – 63.4 inches
- Width: 79.6 inches.
- Height: sedans & coupes – 55.4 inches, sport sedan – 54.5 inches, sport coupe – 54.1 inches, convertible – 55.1 inches,
- Tires: six-cylinder passenger cars 7.35 x 14, V-8 passenger cars 7.35 x 14, convertibles 7.75 x 14, station wagons 8.25 x 14, 327 cubic inch V-8 cars 7.75 x 14 and 409 and 396 CID V-8 cars 8.25 x 14 tires

Powertrain Options

- V-8 327 cubic inch 250 horsepower L30 engine ($95).
- V-8 327 cubic inch 300 horsepower L74 engine ($138).
- V-8 396 cubic inch 325 horsepower L35 engine.($158). Available January 1965
- V-8 396 cubic inch 425 horsepower L78 engine. ($438.20) Available January 1965
- V-8 409 cubic inch 340 horsepower L33 engine ($242.10). Discontinued January 1965
- V-8 409 cubic inch 400 horsepower L31 engine ($320.65). Discontinued January 1965
- Four-speed transmission with 340/400/425 horsepower V-8s ($237).
- Three-speed manual transmission was standard in all models.
- Overdrive transmission ($107.60).
- Powerglide automatic transmission on six-cylinder models ($188.30), on V-8 models ($199.10).
- Turbo-Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with 325 HP 396.
- Four-speed manual floor shift transmission with 250 horsepower V-8 ($188.30), with 300, 325,340 and 400 horsepower engine ($236.75).
- Posi-traction rear axle ($43).

NOTE: Base V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.

Significant Options

- Air conditioning, size 7.75 or larger tires required – not available with 400 horsepower 409 or 425 HP 396 ($363).
- Deluxe front seat belts with retractors ($8).
- Divided second seat on wagons ($38).
- Foam front seat cushion on Biscayne ($8).
- Front bumper guards ($16).
- Heater/defroster delete ($72 credit).
- Horn, tri-volume ($14).
- Padded instrument panel ($18.30).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power steering ($96).
- Power windows, not available on Biscayne ($102.25).
- Radio AM. push button ($59).
- Radio AM/FM push button ($137).
- Radio AM/FM with stereo ($244).
- Radio, AM, manual ($50).
- Rear bumper guards, not available on wagons ($10).
- Rear luggage compartment lock on six-passenger wagons ($11).
- Rear seat speaker ($13).
- Rear window defroster ($22).
- Roof luggage rack on wagons ($43).
- Six-Way power seat, not available on Biscayne, Super Sport or with four speed transmission ($97).
- Sport styled steering wheel ($32).
- Tilt steering wheel ($43).
- Tinted glass on all windows ($38)
- Tinted glass, windshield only ($22).
- Vinyl interior on Biscayne sedan ($5).
- Vinyl roof cover: on Impala, SS sport coupe, Impala Sport Sedan only ($75).
- Windshield wipers, electric two-speed, with washer ($17).
- Wire design wheel covers, not available on Impala SS ($75).
- Wire wheel design wheel covers on Impala SS ($57).

Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1965 Chevrolet

		A Tuxedo Black
		C Ermine Ivory
		D Mist Blue
		H Willow Green
		J Cypress Green
		K Artesian Turquoise
		L Tahitian Turquoise
		N Madeira Maroon
		P Evening Orchid
		R Regal Red
		S Sierra Tan
		V Cameo Beige
		W Glacier Gray
		Y Crocus Yellow

1965 Chevrolet –
Current Market Values

Caprice Option

NOTE: The Caprice Option (RPO Z18) was only available on the Impala Sport Sedan 16469 model. It had special interior and exterior trim. See Models Offered for specifications.

Super Sport Model

NOTE: The Super Sport is a separate Impala model with special interior and exterior trim: 16447 (Sport Coupe) and 16467 (Convertible). See Models Offered for specifications.

Powertrains

Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios

I-6 and 283 CID V-8: 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
327 CID V-8: 1st – 2.58:1, 2nd – 1.58:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.58:1
409 and 396 425 HP V-8 Heavy Duty – 2.41:1, 2nd – 1.56:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.41:1

Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios

327 CID V-8 all: 2.56:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1.41:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.64:1
396 & 409 CID V-8 close ratio: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.27:1
396 & 409 CID V-8 wide ratio: 1st – 2.56:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1.41:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.64:1

Rear Gear Standard Ratios

I-6: 3-Speed SMT and Powerglide – 3.08:1, Station Wagon All – 3.55:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.70:1, Special Purpose Sedans & Coupes – 3.55:1; Performance – 3.36:1
283 CID V-8 195 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.70:1, Powerglide – 3.36:1, Impala and Super Sport Models – 3.36:1, Special Purpose – 3.55:1; Performance (Standard Sedans & Coupes) – 3.36:1
327 CID V-8 250 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Powerglide – 3.07:1
327 CID V-8 300 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Powerglide – 3.31:1
396 325 HP & 409 CID V-8 340 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, Powerglide – 3.07:1, Turbo Hydra-Matic – 2.73:1
409 CID V-8 400 HP: s-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Optional (Posi-traction available) 4.10:1 & 4.56:1, 4.88:1 optional
396 CID V-8 425 HP: 4-Speed SMT w/2.20 low gear – 3.31:1, Optional (Posi-traction available) 4.10:1 & 4.56:1, 4.88:1 optional

NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.07:1 to 4.88:1.

Related Images

Related Images to the 1965 Chevrolet Line will appear below

1965 Chevrolet Caprice Sedan

The 1965 Caprice Sedan was an upscale Impala Sport Sedan. It was an attempt to move Chevrolet upstream.

1965 Chevrolet Caprice Interior

The 1965 Chevrolet Caprice Interior was designed to mimic that of the more upscale GM brands. It was a response to buyers in those years wanting more luxury.

1965 Chevrolet Caprice Dashboard

The 1965 Chevrolet Caprice Dashboard featured more stainless and a unique “Caprice” dash emblem.

1965 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible

Like the SS sport Coupe, the 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible had its clues to performance. Surprisingly, Chevrolet sold 3,600 six-cylinder versions of this and the Coupe.

1965 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe

The 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe Was Chevrolet’s top of the line two-door. This on is displayed in Evening Orchid, a rare GM color.

1965 Chevrolet Impala SS Interior- Exterior

The 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS Interior and Exterior were unique to the line. The “SS” badges were on the front grille and rear cove. Unique wheel covers and a sport-like bucket seat interior along with a console were part of the package.

1965 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe

The 1965 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe would feature a bench seat, high quality interior, but looked little different than its SS counterpart. Of course the 396 425 HP engine was available and a majority of that engine and the 325 HP version found its way into this model.

1965 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

Like the Sport Coupe, the 1965 Chevrolet Impala Convertible was more about luxury than performance. Of course the 409 and later 396 could be had if speed was your game.

1965 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan

The 1965 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan was a luxurious 4-door hardtop. “Sport”, for intent, meant “hardtop”.

1965 Chevrolet Impala 4-door Sedan

The only other Impala was the 1965 Chevrolet Impala 4-door Sedan. It was for more sedate owners, looking for a quality interior but more modest price.

1965 Chevrolet Impala Dash

This is the 1965 Chevrolet Impala Dashboard. The SS version had alumiized panels where you see “Impala” as well as a “SS” emblem. The Caprice had faux wood trim in the same location.

1965 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan Interior

the 1965 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan and Sports Coupe interiors were deluxe, but had no sporting clues. Impala meant luxury in 1965.

1965 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sedan

The 1965 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sedan was very popular because it combined a lower price with nice styling and and sturdy interiors.

1965 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sedan

Only some bright work and a slightly higher quality interior separated the 1965 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sedan from its Biscayne.

1965 Chevrolet Bel Air Interior

The 1965 Chevrolet Bel Air Interior was just a bit more flashy than the Station Wagon’s, but certainly below that of the Impala.

1965 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-door Sedan

The 1965 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-door Sedan and 2-door (not shown) were practical and designed for hard work. They did their job well.

1965 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon

The 1965 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon was Chevrolet’s top of the line wagon and came in 6- and 9-passenger configurations.

1965 Chevrolet Bel Air Station Wagon

The 1965 Chevrolet Bel Air Station Wagon was a step up from the Biscayne, with a bit more chrome on the outside and a nicer interior. It came in 6- and 9-passenger configurations.

1965 Chevrolet Bel Air Station Wagon Interior

Here is the 1965 Chevrolet Bel Air Wagon Interior. You can see that it was more upscale than the Biscayne, but still sturdy.

1965 Chevrolet Biscayne Station Wagon

The 1965 Chevrolet Biscayne Wagon was the lowest priced Chevrolet station wagon in that year. It was only available in a 6-passenger configuration.

1965 Chevrolet Biscayne Interior

1965 Chevrolet Biscayne Interiors were staid, but designed to hold up under hard usage.

1965 Chevrolet 283 CID V-8

The venerable 1965 Chevrolet 283 CID V-8 developed 195 HP in the full-size car configuration and was only available with a 2-barrel carburetor and single exhaust. If you wanted more oomph, you had to pony up for the V-8 327 cubic inch 250 horsepower L30 engine.

1965 Chevrolet 250 CID I-6

The 1965 Chevrolet 250 CID I-6 was the workhorse of the full size car line, but due to the size and weight of the large car, V-8 engines predominated.