Can’t afford that big-block first-generation Camaro you wanted? That Chevelle SS 396 out of your budget? Is a two-seater big block Corvette too expensive and too impractical? Want your hair blowing in the wind as you lower your convertible top and promptly drive down a winding country road? Look no further than this here 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS 396 convertible! Okay, dealer antics aside, this 1966 Impala SS 396 might be the most affordable way to experience the pleasures of a big block, 4 speed manual transmission, and a convertible body style, or as I call it in layman’s terms, having your cake and eating it too. Find it here on Hemmings in Hudson, Wisconsin, with an asking price of $14,500 obo, with a partial trade for an ATV considered.

After a total redesign for 1965, Chevrolet’s Impala and other full-size cars received nominal changes for 1966, the biggest being the newly available big block 427, a different grille than the 1965 model, different tail-lamps, and minor trim changes. The Impala SS was considered the sportiest of the full-size Chevrolets and, as an Impala was available as both a convertible (like this car) and a coupe. This Impala is a true 16857-code SS convertible and looks attractive in red with a black convertible top. It’s one of 119,300 Impala SSs produced, and one of 38,000 Impala convertibles; it should be noted that the Impala was the #2-selling convertible that year, being only behind the Mustang, which outsold it 2 to 1. A restoration appears to have been started but must have stalled at some point, but a lot of the heavy-lifting appears to have been addressed.  The seller has all the necessary pieces and a ton of spare parts, including 4 pairs of bumpers, several spare deck lids, extra top cylinders, additional used chrome pieces, and all kinds of other spare parts. From first glance, I would definitely ditch the cheap aftermarket wheels and swap in a set of steel wheels with either SS spinner hubcaps or a set of simulated mag wheel hubcaps, shod in either red-line, gold-line, or thin white-line tires. Overall, however, the car’s body and paint appears to be in good shape (though the driver’s side fender raises a bit of concern) and, once the necessary pieces are fitted, should make for a nice-looking car.

This particular car is an SS 396 model, so it is equipped with the L35 396. Rated at 325 horsepower, the L35 is no slouch, but was and is still overshadowed by its big-block 427 siblings. Though the Turbo 400 3 speed automatic was newly available for 1966, this car was built with the four-speed manual transmission (I’m guessing either a M20 or a M21; a M22 was available for 427-equipped full-size models, but I doubt for 396 cars). This car’s drive train benefits from a rebuilt engine, new clutch, and new exhaust.  All those wires in the engine bay concern me a little, however–hopefully they can be tucked away when the restoration is finished. I would ditch the small air cleaner and Edelbrock valve covers and source a correct air cleaner (I’m not sure whether or not it’s an open-element one or a single-snorkel one; if you know, please leave the information in the comments section) and valve covers.

Oh, how I wish interiors were like this today. For the most part, the interior is nearly complete and in great condition; thus far it looks to be the best part of the car. The door panels have not been fitted yet, and there’s some wires that need to be tucked away. Overall, however, the interior is stunning, and I definitely dig the black bucket seats with the console and console-mounted gauges. The four-speed shifter and factory tachometer are huge pluses as well, and I’m digging that red and white steering wheel. Overall, there are some details that need to be sorted, but once this car’s restoration is completed, this would be an awesome car to show and cruise. What would you do with this big-block four-speed Impala SS?