The 65 Chevelle initially appeared in the fall of 1964. Nicely refined, the 2nd edition A-body SS featured a revised chassis that made the car almost an inch lower. It also featured new wraparound bumpers with the front wearing a more pronounced “point” in comparison to the 1964 forerunner. Various trim tricks, a much cleaner grille and bigger taillights were also added. The Chevelle SS also came with a blacked out grille for the first time.

In 1965, the big news for Chevelle fans was not only a 327 with 350hp, but the addition of the limited edition 396, known as the Z-16 package. With just 201 of these pavement pounders produced, 200 were hardtops and one was a convertible.

For 1965, the Chevelle buyer had four model choices to choose from, the Chevelle 300, 300 deluxe, Malibu and Super Sport. The 300 was available as a 2 door sedan, a 4 door sedan and 2 door wagon. The 300 deluxe offered a 2 and 4 door sedan and a 4 door station wagon. The Malibu was available as a 4 door sedan, 2 door sport coupe, 2 door convertible and a station wagon. The Super Sport was offered only as a 2 door sport coupe and a 2 door convertible. Fifteen color choices where also available to choose from.