1965 Chevrolet Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet
1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Chevelles were mildly restyled for their second year. The line was expanded to “Chevelle ‘300″‘, “Chevelle 300 DeLuxe”, “Chevelle Malibu” and “Chevelle Super Sport” (“SS”). The SS 396 (RPO Z16 375 horsepower 396 CID V-8) was a mid-year introduction.
1965 – The Chevelle Gets the Brand New Big Block
The line was expanded to 4 separate offerings and mid-year the RPO Z16 SS-396 package, that included a 375 HP, 396 CID V-8 was offered. It had it’s own series of special options.
General Year Information – 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle
Chevelles were mildly restyled for their second year. The nose had a slight “V” outward, and a new grille was used. At the rear were new tail lamps. Otherwise the car was outwardly the same as the 1964 car. There were now three distinct lines: Chevelle 300, Chevelle 300 DeLuxe, Chevelle Malibu, and Chevelle Super Sport.
A Super Sport 396 was released called Option RPO Z16. This “SS-396” package included a 375 horsepower, 396 CID V-8, with dual exhausts and chrome accents, four-speed transmission, special shock absorbers and HD suspension, 160 mile per hour speedometer and AM/FM stereo multiplex radio. It had specific exterior trim that included Malibu SS emblems mounted on front fenders, special rear cove panel and “396 Turbo-Jet” front fender emblems. Also it had a “SS 396” emblem mounted in the dash. Fifteen-inch wide simulated mag style wheel covers were included. The cost for RPO 216 was $1,501 and a total of 201 cars were so equipped.
You can see the listing for this option in the 1965 Chevelle SS-396 CID AMA Specifications Sheets HERE. You can also see the factory Z16 Press Release photo HERE.
1965 Chevelle Factoids
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The 396 CID Mark IV big block was released for the Chevelle in one trim only – a hydraulic lifter version of the Corvette engine – mildly de-tuned and rated at 375 HP, versus the Corvette’s 425. It was a potent performer.
1965 Chevelle Facts – Models Offered
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Chevelle 300 models had lower body sill moldings, “Chevelle 300” rear fender nameplates and emblems, bright ventipanes, windshield and rear window reveal moldings, single unit tail lamps with bright bezels, rear bumper backup light opening covers and small hubcaps. Interiors were pattern cloth and vinyl trim (all vinyl on station wagons) in a standard grade, with vinyl floor covering. Standard equipment included: heater and defroster, front foam cushions, electric wind shield wipers, front seat belts and five 6.95 x 14 black wall tires (station wagons had 7.35 x 14 black wall tires).
Chevelle 300 Deluxe models also had “Chevelle 300” rear fender emblems, and additionally higher bright body side trim strips, roof drip cap moldings and rear cove outline moldings (except station wagons). Interiors had upscale vinyl and cloth, with all-vinyl door trim and a unique dual-spoke steering wheel with horn ring.
Standard equipment included: heater and defroster, front foam cushions, electric wind shield wipers, front seat belts and five 6.95 x 14 black wall tires (station wagons had 7.35 x 14 black wall tires) and included padded arm rests.
NOTE: The El Camino is defined as “2-door Sedan Pickup” and is considered a Chevelle 300 Deluxe for all specifications.
Malibu Series features added to and/or replaced the 300 Deluxe equipment, and included color-accented body side moldings, bright wheelhouse moldings, “Malibu” in script on rear fender along with with Chevelle emblems, hood windsplit moldings, ribbed upper and lower cove trim panels, backup lights in rear bumper, and a ribbed tailgate lower trim panel on station wagons.
On the inside was much more luxurious pattern cloth and vinyl interior trim, color-keyed deep twist floor carpeting, foam cushioned rear seat, specific dual-spoke steering wheel with horn ring, electric clock, bright glove compartment facing molding with a “Malibu” nameplate and a glove box light.
The Super Sport had wide bright body sill moldings, rear lower fender moldings, “Malibu SS” rear fender logos, a deck lid “SS” emblem, black-accented grille and rear cove (except a silver rear cove was used with a black exterior), specific Super Sport full wheel covers, and front bucket seats with bright trim ends. On the interior, there was a center console with four speed or automatic transmission shifter, and all-vinyl luxury seating and trim. A special instrument panel featured temperature, ammeter and oil pressure gauges.
The El Camino model, once again, came in Base and Custom trim. The base model was trimmed as a Chevelle 300 and the Custom was trimmed as a Malibu. Colors were as set for the regular line, including the famous Evening Orchid.
1965 Chevelle Facts – Engines
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- 194 CID I-6 120 HP
- 230 CID I-6 155 HP
- 283 CID V-8 195 HP
- 283 CID V-8 220 HP
- 327 CID V-8 250 HP
- 327 CID V8 300 HP
- 327 CID V8 350 HP
- 396 CID V8 375 HP
Hi-Thrift 194 Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 194 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.562 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 120 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 177 @ 2400 RPM. Four main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Valve Timing: (includes ramp) Intake (336°) 286°, Exhaust: (336°) 286°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3318″, Exhaust 0.3318″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: Standard Transmission: 7025105; Automatic Transmission 7023108.
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: 155 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 215 @2000 RPM. Four main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Valve Timing: (includes ramp) Intake (336°) 286°, Exhaust: (336°) 286°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3318″, Exhaust 0.3318″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: Standard Manual Transmission 7025003; Automatic Transmission 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 @ 2400 RPM. 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: 3-spped and 4-speed manual transmission 7024101; Automatic Transmission 7024110.
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: 220 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 295 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (includes ramp) Intake (300°) 250°, Exhaust (300°) 250°, Overlap 78°. Valve Lift: 0.3987″. Carburetor: Rochester 4GC four barrel:3-speed and 4-speed Manual Transmission 7025127; Automatic Transmission 7025128.
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: 3-speed and 4-speed manual transmission Rochester 4-barrel #7025127 ; automatic transmission Rochester #7025126.
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: 300 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 360 @ 3200 RPM. 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: 3-speed and 4-speed transmission: Carter AFB #3851761; automatic transmission:Carter #3851762.
Turbo-Fire 327 V-8. (RPO L76) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 350 @ 5800 RPM. Torque: 360 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration (Includes ramps): Intake: (342°) 292°, Exhaust: (342°) 292°, Lift: Intake 0.4472″, Exhaust 0.4472″. Overlap 104°. Carburetor: 4-speed Manual Transmission: Holley #3863150.
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: 375 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 420 @ 2600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 342°, Exhaust: 356°, Lift: Intake 0.4614″, Exhaust 0.5000″. Overlap 122°. Carburetor: Holley 3869933.
1965 Chevelle Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 115 inches.
- Overall length: Station Wagon: 198.8 inches; Others: 193.9 inches.
- Front tread: 58.0 inches.
- Rear tread: 58.0 inches.
- Width: 74.6 inches.
- Height: Sedans: 53.2 inches; Sport Coupes: 52.8 inches; Convertible 52.9.0 inches; Station Wagon 55.1 inches.
- Tires: 7.35 x 14 black or whitewall tubeless; 7.75 x 14 in blackwall, whitewall and gold stripe optional.
1965 Chevelle Facts – Powertrain Options
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- Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
- Overdrive transmission ($108).
- Powerglide automatic transmission on six-cylinder ($188), on V-8s ($199).
- Four-speed manual floor shift transmission ($188).
- Six-cylinder 230 cubic inch 155 horsepower L26 engine ($43).
- V-8 283 cubic inch 220 horsepower RPO L77 engine ($54).
- V-8 327 cubic inch 250 horsepower L30 engine ($95).
- V-8 327 cubic inch 300 horsepower L74 engine ($138).
- V-8 327 cubic inch 350 horsepower L79 engine ($349).
- V-8 396 cubic inch 375 horsepower Z16 engine part of a complete SS-396 package, not sold separately (Total package Price $1,501).
- Positive traction rear axle ($38).
- Heavy-duty clutch, on six-cylinder only ($5).
NOTE: Base I-6 and base V-8 price included in base model pricing. Available rear axle 2ear ratios: 3.08:1: 3.31:1: 4.70:1: 2.73:1 and applications shown in Powertrains Section.
1965 Chevelle Facts – Significant Options
- Air conditioning ($364).
- Antenna, rear. Not available on station wagons (no charge).
- Bumper guards, front ($10)
- Bumper guards, rear not available on wagons ($10).
- Heater and defroster deletion ($72 credit). Horn, Tri-volume ($14).
- Instrument panel safety pad ($18).
- Luggage rack on station wagons ($43).
- Paint, Two-tone ($16). Power seat, Four-way not available on four-speed, SS or 300 Series ($64).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power steering ($86).
- Power tailgate window on wagons ($27).
- Power top on convertible ($54).
- Power windows, not available on 300 Series ($102).
- Radio, AM/FM ($137).
- Radio, Manual ($50).
- Radio, Push-button ($58).
- Radio, Push-button with rear seat speaker, not available on convertibles ($72).
- Rear windshield defroster ($22).
- Seat belts, Deluxe with retractors ($8).
- Second seat, Divided on wagons ($38).
- Steering wheel, Comfort-lift with four-speed or Powerglide ($43).
- Steering wheel, sport-styled ($32).
- Tachometer on V-8s ($48).
- Tinted glass on all windows ($31), windshield only ($20).
- Vinyl roof cover, black on Sport Coupes ($75).
- Wheel covers, full excluding Super Sport ($22).
- Wire wheels, simulated excluding Super Sport ($75).
1965 Chevelle Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1965 Chevrolet Chevelle
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1965 Chevelle Facts –
Current Market Values
1965 Chevelle Facts –
Powertrains
- Powerglide Transmission Ratios
- I-6, 283 CID V-8: 1st – 1.82:1, 2nd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.82:1
- 327 CID V-8: 1st – 1.76:1, 2nd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.76:1
- 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
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6, 283 CID V-8 and 327 CID V-8: 1st – 2.56:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1.41:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.64:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6 194 CID: 3-Speed SMT and Powerglide – 3.08:1, Overdrive – 3.70:1; Optional w/3-Speed: 3.36:1
- I-6 230 CID: 3-Speed SMT and Powerglide – 3.08:1, Overdrive – 3.70:1; Optional w/3-Speed: 3.36:1
- 283 CID V-8 195 HP: 3-Speed & 4-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, 3.36 optional;
- 283 CID V-8 195 HP: Powerglide – 3.08:1
- 283 CID V-8 220 HP: 3-Speed & 4-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, 3.36 optional;
- 283 CID V-8 220 HP: Powerglide – 3.36:1
- 327 CID V-8 250 HP: 3-Speed & 4-Speed SMT – 3.07:1, Powerglide – 3.07:1
- 327 CID V-8 300 HP: 3-Speed & 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Powerglide – 2.73:1
- 327 CID V-8 350 HP: 3-Speed & 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1
- Posi-traction optional for all V-8 equipped vehicles where axle allowed.
NOTE: I-6 and 283 CID V-8 overdrive transmission vehicles used a 3.70: 1 rear gear. Optional, dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.73:1 to 4.56:1 depending on axle manufacturer.
1965 Chevelle Facts –
SS-396 Z16 Powertrains
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 396 CID V-8: 1st – 2.56:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1.41:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.64:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- 396 CID: 4-Speed SMT – 3.36:1
- Posi-traction optional.
NOTE:
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- No 3-speed manual transmission or Powerglide transmission available for this engine.
- Dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.08:1 to 4.56:1.
1965 Chevelle Facts –
Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1965 Chevrolet Mid-Size Chevelle Line will appear below:
1965 Chevrolet Mid-Size Cars Brochure
1965 Chevrolet Mid-Size Car Print Advertisements
1965 Chevelle SS-396 Z16 Press Photo
1965 Chevelle SS-396 Intro and Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1965 Chevelle SS-396 Test – Popular Hot Rodding Magazine
1965 Chevelle SS-396 Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1965 Chevrolet Mid-Size I-6 & 283 CID V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets
1965 Chevrolet Mid-Size 327 CID V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets
1965 Chevrolet Mid-Size Z16 396 CID V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets
1965 Chevrolet Mid-Size Car Production Figures – Includes El Camino
1965 Chevelle Facts –
Related Images
Related Images to the 1965 Chevrolet Mid-Size Chevelle Line will appear below
1965 Chevelle Malibu Super Sport Convertible
The 1965 Chevelle Malibu Super Sport Convertible was the top-end Mid-Size Chevrolet. It could be had with the 350 HP 327 CID V-8, making it an excellent performer.
1965 Chevelle Malibu Super Sport Sport Coupe
1965 Chevelle Malibu Super Sport Sport Coupe was the highest level Coupe for this year. The Z16 398 CID 375 horsepower Chevelle was built on this model’s platform.
1965 Chevelle Malibu Convertible
1965 Chevelle Malibu Convertible was the entry-level convertible in the Mid-Size Chevelle line.
1965 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe
The 1965 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe was the entry-level Sport Coupe in the 1965 Chevelle line.
1965 Chevelle Malibu 4-door Sedan
The 1965 Chevelle Malibu 4-door Sedan was the top line 4-door Sedan. It was distinguished by a more luxurious interior and additional exterior trim.
1965 Chevelle Malibu 4-door Station Wagon
The 1965 Chevelle Malibu 4-door Station Wagon was the top of the line mid-Size Wagon. It had Malibu trim and a high-level interior.
1965 Chevelle 300 DeLuxe 2-door Sedan
The 1965 Chevelle 300 DeLuxe 2-door Sedan was the upscale version of the 2-door. Interior upgrades distinguished it from the lesser series.
1965 Chevelle 300 DeLuxe 4-door Sedan
Like its 2-door brethren, the 1965 Chevelle 300 DeLuxe 4-door Sedan was merely an upscale interior trim version of the base 300.
1965 Chevelle 300 DeLuxe 4-door Station Wagon
The 1965 Chevelle 300 DeLuxe 4-door Station Wagon was an upscale interior trim version of the base 300 wagon.
1965 Chevelle 300 4-door Sedan
The 1965 Chevelle 300 4-door Sedan was the entry-level 4-door Chevelle.
1965 Chevelle 300 2-door Sedan
The 1965 Chevelle 300 2-door Sedan was the lowest-priced Mid-size Chevelle for 1965.
1965 Chevelle 300 2-door Station Wagon
The 1965 Chevelle 300 2-door Station Wagon was the only 2-door wagon in the line.