Reader's Ride: Chris Bailey's 1965 Chevy Impala SS
Man, we’ve been talking a lot about Chevy Impalas lately. There’s something about these cars that just inspires creativity—whether you’re writing about them, dreaming about them, or, in the case of Chris Bailey, restomodding them. The project manager from Illinois has created an awesome 1965 Impala SS restomod, and oh boy, does it deserve to be talked about. Chris has been a fan of the ’65 Impala for many years, the natural result of his father owning one when he was a kid. There’s certainly a lot to love about the ’65 SS. There were 243,114 of them made that year, in both coupe and convertible guises. They got SS fender badging, a new center console with vacuum gauge, and a wide choice of engines, some of them legendary. These could be paired with a Powerglide automatic or a three- or four-speed Synchromesh manual. But that’s enough about the original car. We already know how cool they are. Let’s look at Chris’ resto, and discover what makes it so great.
So, very obviously from the picture above, the engine’s changed somewhat. This particular Impala SS originally came with a 396 Turbo Jet, but that’s gone the way of the dinosaurs. In its place sits a Gen IV 454 bored .040 over, topped with Edelbrock heads, Hilborn electronic fuel injection, and backed by a Tremec five-speed transmission. A Holley HP fuel management computer keeps this thirsty beast from draining the tank too quickly.
Take a look at that pristine body. The car has been lowered dramatically thanks to a full Ridetech tubular suspension with coilovers, dropping the body four inches. The rear axle is shortened 3 inches with 3.73 gears and a TruTrac differential. The new Rushforth wheels measure 295/40-18 up front and a meaty 305/35-20 in the rear, giving it that perfectly tubbed stance. Wilwood 6-piston brakes with 14-inch rotors sit behind all four corners.
All in all, the car took Chris four and a half years to restore after picking it up on St. Louis Craigslist. It was in decent shape but needed paint and a new heart. He’s not a professional mechanic—just a seriously talented hobbyist who did everything in his home garage (without a lift!). This Impala is currently his only car and far from a trailer queen—he drives it to shows and cruise nights regularly.
The hardest parts? Upgrading the suspension without a lift and modifying the transmission tunnel for the Tremec. Future plans include full leather upholstery, a modern sound system, and new carpet. The dash has already been upgraded with Dakota Digital gauges.
“The car has been very well received at car shows and has won Best Chevy a few times. Also, in the Big Rock Classic – 60 Years of Impalas Show, the car won 1st place Impala in the 1961–1970 Class. It always seems to draw a crowd at shows.”
Many thanks to Chris for sharing his incredible build! Got a restomod you’d love to see featured? Hit us up on Facebook—we love Impalas, Mustangs, AMCs, Caddys… anything retro with a fresh twist.
Full Spec Sheet
- Full roller 454 Gen IV bored .040 over
- Edelbrock cylinder heads
- Hilborn electronic fuel injection
- Holley HP fuel management computer
- Ridetech tubular suspension with coilovers (4" drop)
- Ridetech antisway bars
- Tremec 5-speed manual
- Shortened rear axle with 3.73 gears & TruTrac differential
- Dakota Digital dashboard
- Rushforth wheels – 295/40-18 front, 305/35-20 rear
- Wilwood 14" 6-piston brakes all around
