Published 2016 Updated 2022
1965 1500
Discussion
Major changes were made for the 1965 SPL-310. Many of the changes will be familiar to those with the 65-67 1600. Only about 1100 65 1500s were made.
The third seat was removed and replaced with a parcel shelf. The front bucket seats were reshaped and more fore and aft adjustment was added. A new soft top was designed and it was moved from the trunk to the parcel shelf with a new top boot to cover it. The three piece chrome rear trim around the rear to the passenger compartment was replaced with a one piece vinyl covered type.
The dash was totally revised. It now had a large speedometer and tachometer and individual small gauges for temperature, oil, ampere, fuel; and a smaller clock. The dash was now surrounded by a pad. There are four toggle switches mounted to control headlight, wiper, heater, and fog lights (different order than the 1600).
These gauges are the same as the later 1600, except for the temperature (which rests on the right side) and the fuel gauge. These two gauges require the 1500 senders and the 1600 gauges will not work. There is no instrument voltage regulator in the 1500, so they operate with the full running voltage.
The radio console has been changed. The radio knob position is slightly wider. The map light has moved to under the dash, near the glove box. The ashtray is mounted into the console plate, which is one piece from the top to the bottom, rather than the two pieces that the 1600 has. A new type rubber shift boot is installed.
A center console has been added.
The vent windows now open and there are only two latch receptacles on the windshield frame for the new soft top.
The one piece hood emblem has been replaced with individual letters.
The trunk latch has been replaced with a handle and trunk mounted latch.
Rear emblem of the 65 1500-also used on the 64.
The single center mounted window “squirter” has been replaced with two side mounted.
The battery has been moved from under the third seat to the engine compartment.
The radiator and shroud have been redesigned. The 65 radiator is longer than and not as tall as the 63/64.
