Ah, the 1960s! An era when horsepower ruled the roost, and high-performance cars were the kings of the road. This 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS 427 Convertible certainly possesses muscle credentials, but it is more than a one-trick pony. The seller has attacked this build as a “total” package, meaning that not only does it look stunning and have the space for five adults to stretch out in complete comfort, but the suspension and brake upgrades give it the handling and stopping power to cope with its prodigious power. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Impala listed here on Craigslist in Oregon City, Oregon. The seller’s price of $49,995 isn’t peanuts, but most readers will agree that the buyer will be getting a lot for their money when they hand over the cash for this classic.
Chevrolet’s Fourth Generation Impala range broke cover for the 1965 model year. The company adopted a more rounded appearance compared to its predecessor, which still managed to look crisp and clean. It found immediate favor with potential buyers, setting a sales record in 1965 that the badge never surpassed. Buyers were spoiled for choice when it came to body types, with this car’s first owner selecting a 1966 Impala SS Convertible. Describing it as stunning almost feels like an understatement, because there appears to be nothing about this classic that warrants criticism. Its Regal Red paint holds a mirror shine, cloaking panels that appear flawless. There is no rust to ruin the ownership experience, while the new Black Stayfast canvas power top with a glass rear window fits as tight as a drum. The trim sparkles beautifully, and the seller has fitted chrome fender trims since these photos were taken. Rounding out the exterior are iconic 15″ Rally wheels that are wrapped in Hankook “ Kinergy” Tires.
Okay, it’s time to confront the business end of this Impala. Buyers could order the SS version with a 427ci V8 under the hood, with the company’s Sales Brochure quoting an output of 425hp for the most potent version. The seller states that the big-block hiding under the hood of this Convertible churns out 435hp, which is understandable considering the engine wears an upgraded intake, carburetor, headers, and a dual exhaust. The remaining major drivertrain components include a three-speed TH-400 automatic transmission with an external cooler, and a 12-bolt Posi rear end with Summers Brothers axles. That isn’t the end of the mechanical story, because the car has received a four-wheel disc brake conversion, adjustable coil-over suspension on all corners, and large sway bars at both ends. The engine bay cosmetic enhancements suggest that this Impala is in excellent health, and they don’t flatter to deceive. The seller states that the Chevy runs perfectly and that it drives like a new car. Hitting the road for immediate motoring pleasure is a realistic expectation.
The seller didn’t ignore the interior during their build, retrimming it in Red vinyl to match the exterior. They added Impala mats to protect the carpet, enhancing the visual appeal for potential buyers. This car features the console-mounted sports gauge cluster and a factory tachometer in the dash to monitor the health of the beast under the hood. The only jarring note for me is the aftermarket stereo, which doesn’t look “right” in this dash. Maybe a retro-style stereo would be more appropriate, but I must stress that this is a personal opinion, and you might be happy to leave things untouched.
This 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS 427 Convertible isn’t totally original, but I don’t view that as a bad thing. It ticks so many of the right boxes that I know that plenty of our readers will find it appealing. The big-block’s power and the mechanical upgrades should provide a rewarding driving experience, while its immaculate presentation will guarantee that it draws people like moths to a flame at any show or Cars & Coffee. Okay, it isn’t cheap, but there comes a time in life when we can justify spoiling ourselves by purchasing the classic of our dreams. If you’ve reached that point, would this Impala be a contender to park in your garage?
Those wheels don’t look too good on this car,but that could be changed.
Why did they have to paint the front valance red? I always thought that
they looked great in silver.
Valances came from the factory in car color. Nice car with a hefty price tag.
Not on 65 and 66 Impalas. Those were silver.
I agree with your comments, but I would put thin white walls on it, but I come from the era that white walls were on most cars, very few without. Price is pretty steep.
Every stock Impala like this came from the factory
with a Silver front valance.
Great looking car, expensive.
Rear bumper looks a little bent.
Great looking Impala. With all these extras I am surprised it does not have power windows and power seat! The price tag is high because you are paying for the powertrain and suspension and brakes. My personal taste is I don’t like the square box design Impala. Early one yes. Or 68 and up. One thing I would add is AC. You always can’t drive with the top down 95+ temperature. Good luck to the seller. 🐻🇺🇸
Picture attached, I had the exact same year and color with the 283 PG drivetrain. No rocket by any means, but it got alotta attention wherever I drove it. Purchased in 89, installed new lower rear quarters, trunk and floor pans. It was Bolero red with black interior and white top. Same 8″ rallye’s with BF’s. I kept this car until 2001 and wish I hadn’t sold it.
Correct on the front valance being silver. I had a car just like this one, red inside and out, but mine had a 327 engine and powerglide, and factory a/c. Why the steering wheel from an earlier chevy? The factory steering wheels on the 66 looked great with plenty of chrome on the horn hub and horn ring.
I noticed the early 1960’s steering wheel too. Still a nice car!!
I find the ’59-’60 steering wheel to be jarring, in addition to the modern stereo. Still, it’s a real Impala SS, and judging by the 7000-rpm tachometer, it’s either a genuine 427 car or the subject of a thorough conversion.
I wouldn’t think a modern stereo would be needed with that 427. I would return it to the OE AM radio. Nice car.
Great looking car with the Caprice taillights and rear bumper. The 8″ Rally 1s really set it off.
Is it me, but that steering wheel looks like it came out of an earlier model. I owned a 67 Impala SS and it had a three spoke steering wheel. It just looks out of place in a 66.
I bought a well used 66 Impala SS 427, 425 hp 4 speed conv from a doctor that took it back from his idiot kid that was pretty tired. But with a little work got it back to running extremley well. It was a lot of fun, big old boat that got up and scooted. Looking at this one for sale brings back memories.
Actually it doesn’t have caprice taillights. The caprice had the same lights with the addition of horizontal chrome strips in them.
The GM/Chevy stock 427/435hp motor, I thought, came with a six-pak carb set-up???
your rt it did and I don’t think you could get a automatic with it also 427 435hp did come out till 1967 1966 427 was a 425hp 4 barrel I bought a new 427 425hp vette in 66
way too much red under the hood for my taste as all the a/m gack on the motor. this car imo needs to be a bit nicer for what the seller wants for it. no mention of any docs to authenticate it being a real 427 car from the factory. yeas all of the impala’s lower valance were an argent silver
A nice-looking car for sure and certain. That said, let’s be correct in references. The Chevrolet Impala “SS427” PACKAGE was only on the 1967-69 models. Yes, it’s true a 1966 may’ve been able to have a 427 engine in it, and also be a Super Sport model, but it wasn’t an actual SS427. A small detail, I grant you, but in serious collector car circles, details matter :)
435 is a misprint or best guess, I seriously doubt the engine has been dynoed and we for certain aren’t talking RWHP. The 425 came factory with a Holley. 435 (L88) to answer someone’s question didn’t come out until 67 and did have 3 deuces. That tac for sure belongs to a solid lifter engine. This probably is a factory 427/425. Who knows what’s in there now. One of my older brother’s good friends ordered this car new but with a 4 speed. Everything else identical. Unusual for someone to click that engine choice and automatic. He got a brain tumor shortly after receiving the car which was a death sentence in 66. His dad, an old farmer, kept the car and would never sell it, used it pretty much as a farm truck. I quit asking years ago what ever happened to it. Last time I saw it I don’t think it had a straight panel on it.
The L88 was not a tri-carb…
The steering wheel looks 59-60. Not bad to each his own. Don’t like the console. Again as I said. 50k for this, a bargain.
or 1958 the 58 59 60 Impala used same steering wheel
For that price, I need original, unmolested. I don’t care for the suspension or brake changes. That hurts this car’s value in my eyes.
Console gauges were added. Factory gauge package had padded trim from door to door over the stainless trim. Car was also originally equipped with a clock not a tach.
The tach replaced the clock when ordered with one. This is also the correct tach for a solid lifter motor.