4-Speed Project: 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS 396

The Impala Super Sport became so popular that Chevrolet promoted it to series status in 1964. That meant it got its own body code, which made it easy to verify this 1966 Impala as being a real SS. And it came with a 396 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed, though both are out of the car, somewhat in pieces, and not photographed. Located in a carport/barn in Summertown, Tennessee, this rolling project may need everything from A to Z. It’s offered here on craigslist for $9,000. Thanks go to Barn Finds reader Chuck F for the tip!

After selling a record one million Impalas in 1965 (a pinnacle that would never be repeated), sales were understandably off in 1966. The ‘65s were totally new, so the ’66 only received a minor facelift, which was most easily noted by a placement change of the triple taillights. Overall, full-size Chevy sales were down by 20% or more, yet the GM division still delivered 119,000 Super Sports (coupes and convertibles). The 396 V8 was a popular installation for these cars; the 427 bruiser would soon replace that engine.

The seller’s SS 396 may be a restoration project that didn’t get past the engine and transmission being removed. We’re told they’re in pieces, but numbers matching and should go with the sale. He/she suspects some of the smaller parts may be missing, and the heads could be for a 1970 or later 454. Once you get Humpty Dumpty together again, it should be a screamer (for a car that big).

We gather that the blue paint is original, as the selling dealer’s placard is still affixed to the trunk lid. The title holder doesn’t think the car has ever been wrecked, but it has been whacked in the rear by the left tip of the bumper, which is pushed in. The interior seems complete, but also in need of an extreme makeover. As was correct for Super Sports, this car has bucket seats and a console. One of the window panes is MIA. Who’s ready to make this SS sing again?