1965 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Deluxe

The automobile marketplace was changing significantly during the early 1960s and became highly competitive in the smaller-sized car segments. The domestic Big Three automakers, (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler), were responding to the success of American Motors' compact Rambler American and Classic models that made AMC the leading maker of small cars for several years and increasing Rambler on the 1961 domestic sales charts to third place behind Chevrolet and Ford. The innovative Corvair and the Chevy II, which was designed to compete with Ford Falcon, were losing ground. Ford released the mid-size Fairlane in 1962, to which Chevrolet responded with the 1964 Chevelle based on a new A platform design. Built on a 115-inch wheelbase, the new Chevelle was similar in size, simplicity, and concept to what were classified as the "standard-sized" 1955–1957 Chevrolet models. The Chevelle was the U.S. auto industry's only all-new car for 1964 and was positioned to fill the gap between the small Chevy II and the full-size Chevrolet models. Introduced in August 1963 by Bunkie Knudsen, the Chevelle filled the gap in market coverage for Chevrolet and achieved sales of 338,286 for the year.

Looking at this rarely seen version of the 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle 300, it's hard to believe that this car spent 30 plus years in hibernation. Not often that cars of this ilk are put away and forgotten about, especially in this day and age of 6 figure pricing on tribute cars and almost weekly auctions being broadcast either across the boob tube or streaming on your favorite device. Our consignor is one of the lucky ones who found this gem hidden away in a garage patiently waiting to show off its California black plate glory. Read on and learn about this mostly original time capsule from 1965.

Exterior
Paint code C denotes Ermine White paint, and Chevelle wears a large part of its original coating with pride. Dings, chips, and dents are apparent throughout the body. Paint burn through is on some of the sharp edges from someone less than skilled with a buffer and we see a few areas of paint wear off on some of the horizontal flat surfaces. An all-original horizontal ribbed grille with Chevy badge in the center has dual headlights and a shiny bumper below. As we work our way rearward, good gaps and britework are noted throughout. This car is badged with its original 230 fender emblems, along with the original Chevelle 300 Deluxe badges on the rear quarters. 15-inch body matching steel wheels on all 4 corners and are wrapped with staggered width rubber front and back.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we greet 1960s styling with a red vinyl panel making up much of the door covering below a red steel upper strip. This panel has the door actuators and window cranks as well as a red vinyl covered pull/armrest. Inside we see the red tuck and roll vinyl split bench seat with some chrome trimmings on the sides and added red 3-point seat belts. The original black and red rubber flooring surrounds the seats and console and is clean with only a few minor tears. In back is a red vinyl bench with some armrests built into the sides. An inverted V style aluminum dash drips of 60' bowtie styling, the original center gauge cluster, which is flanked by the speedo on wheel left, and a temp, oil, fuel and amp cluster to wheel right. An aftermarket MoonEyes tachometer is strapped to the center of the column and blocks the middle gauge. Original pull knobs function perfectly, and the original AM radio is residing within its original location. As I look around this clean red and white interior, I'm dreaming about Michelle Phillip's cute little overbite belting out “Dedicated to the One I Love”.

Drivetrain
Long gone is the pedestrian 230ci inline 6-cylinder and now within the clean and fully restored engine bay is a 327ci V8 circa 1968. This nice orange/red block is now topped with an Edelbrock intake and carburetor. Also, on the back, a non-original 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission that sends power to the ground via a 10-bolt axle. All is very nicely done under this hood.

Undercarriage
Power front disc brakes along with power rear drums have been added as well as headers and dual exhaust with glasspack style mufflers can take you down the road safely and loudly. You can be secure in the fact that there is a strong frame which is showing off as a rust-free environment with only the factory undercoating and some minor surface rust patina is seen.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and on the test track it performed nicely with great acceleration and smooth shifting from the automatic. All functions were operational during our drive but we did note that it appears the steering wheel has been installed upside down.

A good example of the '65 Chevelle 300 Deluxe with a few upgrades, a mostly original interior, and a few extra cylinders to boot. A rust free undercarriage and only a few minor frowns but it is one of only 9,391 built, making it much rarer than a V8 Super Sport of the same era. Engine is looking great and performs as such. I'm California Dreamin'.

VIN DECODE
133115Z146147
1-Chevrolet
33-Chevelle 300 Deluxe
11-2 Door Sedan
5-1965
Z-Fremont, CA Assy Plant
146147-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
05B-2nd Week April Build
ST 65 113311-1965 Chevelle 300 Deluxe 2 Door Sedan
BDY BF707-Fremont Body #
TR 778D-Medium Red Radiant Cloth, Imitation Leather
PNT CC-Ermine White

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.