1965 L78 Impala

[JEFF GHILANI]

I've got a serious buyer for a documented, matching numbers 1965 L78 (396/425 HP) Impala. Preferably restored or nice original condition. We are interested in any leads you may have and will seriously consider all of them. Docs and matching drivetrain are a must.

Thanks.

[mssl72]

Well, I have an acquaintance that has his car going to auction. Here's a link:

1965 SS L78 (https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail/WA0615-215104/0/1965-Chevrolet-Impala-SS-Convertible/4-Speed/)

[JEFF GHILANI]

Yeah, I talked to Warren about that car. I am considering it. One thing that concerned me about that one was that according to the POP, all three units (engine, tranny, rear) have the same date stamp. And they're really close to the car build. I was trying to go over the odds in my head as to whether I believe that coincidence or whether it's easier to believe that someone didn't realize that those items were date stamped at three different factories and whacked them as if they were like the partial VIN that does get put in the engine and tranny at the same time at final assembly. The car has great docs, but I've been seeing more and more high end cars (cars that are "worth" faking) with really good forged docs....

I've been trying to rationalize the chances on this one. Any comments, boys?

[JEFF GHILANI]

I appreciate the heads up, though. Keep 'em coming.

[leach]

Yes looked at one of these convertibles in Georgia for sale and the docs looked great until someone checked the paper and figured that it was faked real good but was not old original paper from that era then passed on the car. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[SS427]

Sadly they are getting VERY good with fake docs any more. I do not even pay attention to POPs and/or window stickers any more as they have all but mastered those. Buildsheets are not far behind. Now I have to research the history of the car back as far as possible to see if all the previous owners remembered the paperwork.

[my69rat]

As I always say paperwork can be faked.

[JEFF GHILANI]

Indeed paper can be faked, but there are so many informational things on paper that have to dovetail together and make sense that paper has always been the best insurance against forgery <span style="font-style: italic">provided</span> you have a seasoned expert who can notice the subtle discrepancies in all the data. Stamping the correct partial VIN into a block requires much less knowledge, which is what the thieves usually possess. They are getting smarter, though, there's no doubt. Docs will always be king. You just gotta be your own expert.

I appreciate any additional leads you guys can give me.

[tom406]

Another one popping up at the auction here in Seattle this weekend. Afraid I've never seen it around before and can't speak to its authenticity.

https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail/WA0615-215270/0/1965-Chevrolet-Impala-SS/4-Speed/

TOM

[mssl72]

Some things are not correct on that one.

[JEFF GHILANI]

Thanks, guys. I'll follow up with Mecum.....

[JEFF GHILANI]

Talked to Mecum. The owner is not claiming originality or docs. Back to the drawing board.......

[SS427]

Seems to be the norm lately. More and more cars have docs but when pushed more and more are using that as an excuse to get out of the liability also. Sad.....

[mssl72]

Yep...

[JEFF GHILANI]

Well, Impala guru Don Bock answered the call and we finally have the car we were looking for. Original family car, real SS, matching numbers, excellent window sticker and POP, solid as a rock, recent repaint and engine bay refreshed, otherwise original. Even has the rare code for M21 on the data plate. Needs a few detail items and corrections. Practically impossible to find a matching documented one of these. Several I've seen have been forgeries or wishful thinking. Still looking for more of them.......

Here are some pics. I won't show the docs, numbers or data plate publicly without permission from the new owner. Not to mention spreading info to the fools I've run into trying to fake these cars. It's surprising how many of these cars are fake.

First two pics are before paint and engine compartment detail.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/10/full-416-32903-img_1995.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/10/full-416-32904-img_1994.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/10/full-416-32905-img_3370.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/10/full-416-32906-img_3366.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/10/full-416-32907-img_3734.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/10/full-416-32908-img_3372.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/10/full-416-32909-img_3363.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

GORGEOUS ! !

[miket1]

That brings back a ton of memories, my first car was a 65 Impala SS 396/325/ 4speed, got it with 20,000 miles for $1500.

[SS427]

Very nice. Congrats on the find.

[Steve Shauger]

Beautiful car. We have a twin coming to MCACN except white interior. This is an unrestored original owner L78 that will be Vintage Certified.

Congratulations!!!!

[JEFF GHILANI]

I already have my eye on that one. I would like to be the next owner eventually. Can't wait to see it. I'll be there!