1965 Chevelle

For 1965 Chevrolet only slightly changed the appearance of the 65 Chevelle from the previous model year. These changes included a newly redesigned grill and taillights. During the 1965 model year Chevrolet also took the 300 series Chevelle and split it into two models, the base model 300 and the 300 Deluxe model. The 300 Deluxe model was just an upgrade package of the standard 300 model. The Chevelle Malibu and Super Sport options were also available for 1965.

The 65 Chevelle also had two new engine options available. The first was the availability of an inline six cylinder engine that was available in the Super Sport, with 7,452 65 Chevelle Coupe, and 1,133 65 Chevelle Convertible produced with this option. The best engine option that was available in 1965 was the Z16 option. When you purchased a Z16 Chevelle also commonly known as the Chevelle SS 396 option, you received a powerful 396 cubic inch engine that produced 375 hp @ 5600 rpm and 375 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm. For the first time in the Chevrolet Chevelle line up it was able to compete head to head with the Pontiac GTO.

Unfortunately to be able to compete head to head with the Pontiac GTO the Z16 Chevelle came at a steep price tag of $4,100. With this new engine package tacking on an additional $1,300 to the price of a Chevelle SS 327 it was just too expensive for most people, and as a result only 201 were produced. For those lucky 201 people who were able to afford the new 1965 Z16 Chevelle they received a whole host of upgrades including, chrome engine components, dual exhausts with special manifolds, a four speed transmission, upgraded shocks, reinforced suspension components, larger 11” drum brakes and a 160 mph speedometer.

1965 z16 Chevelle

1965 Z16 Chevelle Yellow

1965 Chevelle Models

Chevy Chevelle 300

300 sedan, 2-door 6 cyl (production – 11528)
300 sedan, 4-door 6 cyl (production – 14924)
300 wagon, 2-door 6 cyl (production – 1015)
300 sedan, 2-door V8 (production – 2004)
300 sedan, 4-door V8 (production – 3060)
300 wagon, 2-door V8 (production – 653)

300 Deluxe, 2-door sedan 6 cyl (production – 9391)
300 Deluxe, 4-door sedan 6 cyl (production – 22566)
300 Deluxe, 4-door wagon 6 cyl (production – 6314)
300 Deluxe, 2-door sedan V8 (production – 2672)
300 Deluxe, 4-door sedan V8 (production – 6911)
300 Deluxe, 4-door wagon V8 (production – 4751)

1965 Chevy Chevelle 300

Chevy Chevelle Malibu

Malibu, 2-door coupe 6 cyl (production – 25032)
Malibu, convertible 6 cyl (production – 3388)
Malibu, 4-door sedan 6 cyl (production – 27940)
Malibu, 4-door wagon 6 cyl (production – 6500)

Malibu, 2-door coupe V8 (production – 55634)
Malibu, convertible V8 (production – 7249)
Malibu, 4-door sedan V8 (production – 32877)
Malibu, 4-door wagon V8 (production – 18373)

Chevy Chevelle Super Sport

Super Sport, coupe 6 cyl (production – 7452)
Super Sport, convertible 6 cyl (production – 1133)
Super Sport, coupe V8 (production – 64532)
Super Sport, convertible V8 (production – 7995)

1965 Chevelle SS evening orchard

1965 Chevelle Engine Options

Inline Six Cylinder Engines

194ci 120 hp @ 4400 rpm 177 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
230ci 140 hp @ 4400 rpm 220 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

Eight Cylinder Engines V8

283ci 195 hp @ 4800 rpm 285 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
283ci 220 hp @ 4800 rpm 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
327ci 250 hp @ 4400 rpm 355 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
327ci 300 hp @ 5000 rpm 360 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
327ci 350 hp @ 6000 rpm 360 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
396ci 375 hp @ 5600 rpm 375 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

65 Chevelle 327 Engine

1965 Chevelle Performance Statistics

1965 Chevelle SS 396 6.0 sec 14.7 sec @ 99.8 mph 396ci/375hp Popular Hot Rod
1965 Chevelle SS 396 6.7 sec 15.3 sec @ 96 mph 396ci/375hp Standard Catalog of Chevelle
1965 Chevelle SS 327 7.6 sec 16.0 sec @ 90.0 mph 327ci/350hp High Performance Car

Chevelle Drag Racing