Since Chevy’s introduction of the Impala in 1958 as their top-of-the-line Bel Air model, there has been no doubt that GM is and has been in the past the pioneer of true American, luxury performance that doesn’t sacrifice the very best in elegance and style.

A car that introduced several structural and performance firsts to the Bowtie world, the very first generation of Impala introduced lines that gave the illusion of an overall longer body from the 55-57 era cars.

Underneath, an all-new X-shaped chassis offered greater undercarriage strength while allowing for a lower-sitting passenger compartment. The full-size could be ordered with a straight-6, a 283 – of which the fuelie version is the most rare and sought-after – or the 348 “W” motor that would become the automakers first production big-block.

The Impala signaled a full-sized sedan milestone for the General. Throughout the early ’60s it became one of Chevy’s fastest big-block cars in professional drag racing, as the introduction of the 409 marked the beginning of a horsepower war like none had ever seen.

Our featured find is a rescue from the east Kentucky mountains, and aside from being abandoned this ’65 Sport Coupe is one of the finest specimens of the now 54-year-old Impala marquee. It was recently spotted after not running and sitting outside for 7 years, until the previous owner got tired of watching the car sit and go to waste.

Not only in relatively straight condition, but apparently our featured GM B-body is also a very nicely-optioned sled, as the hardtop Impala features a 327 and Powerglide 2-speed chasing a 12-bolt rear with 85,000 original miles on the odometer. According to the current owner, the car still runs in spite of sitting for so long, “I dropped a little gas in the carb, hit the key and it fired right up!”

This ’65 Sport Coupe from Kentucky is obviously one that’s seen its share of wear-and-tear, but let’s face it: How often do you find an original car with these kind of options just lying around?!