450 Horsepower! 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS 396

Some owners will strive to extract the maximum performance from a classic car, creating a beast that commands respect on the highest level. Such is the case with this 1966 Impala SS. The most potent version of the 396 a buyer could order in that year was the L35, producing 325hp. However, this owner wanted more. A lot, lot more. The big-block under the hood of this SS churns out a claimed 450hp, which means it should stand up and get moving with even the lightest tickle of the loud pedal. It presents well, but its most pressing need is a new home. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Southern New Hampshire. You could drive home in this classic by handing the owner $45,000. Barn Finder Pat L. has done a fantastic job spotting another amazing car for us, so thank you so much, Pat.

Chevrolet released its Fourth Generation Impala in 1964 for the 1965 model year, performing only minor styling updates for 1966. The seller indicates this Ermine White SS underwent a prior frame-off restoration, but it is unclear when this occurred. They say it is rock-solid and rust-free, and the underside shots support this claim. The paint shines nicely, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The glass is flawless, as is most of the original trim. The exception is the bumpers, which sparkle as they should since they’re new. The only mystery with this Impala’s exterior revolves around the wheels. In some shots, it wears wide Rally wheels with nice center caps and trim rings, but I spotted aftermarket alloys in others. If I had to choose, I’d opt for the former, because I believe they better suit this car’s character.

Impala buyers in 1966 faced a wide selection of engines to power their new purchase, ranging from mild to wild. The most potent version of the 396 was the L35, producing 325hp. If a buyer craved more, they could go for broke by ordering the L72 version of the 427, which churned out 425hp. The original owner seems to have selected the L35, which offered a ¼-mile ET of 15.4 seconds when bolted to a four-speed manual transmission, as we find in our feature car. However, this seller wanted more, slotting in a freshly rebuilt 396. It isn’t clear whether they commence the build with the numbers-matching big-block, but it features plenty of desirable components to help achieve a claimed 450hp. These include Keith Black dome pistons, a Competition Cams “Mutha’ Thumpr” camshaft, an Edelbrock aluminum intake topped by a Holley 750CFM dual-feed carburetor, Headman headers, and a 3″ Flowmaster exhaust. The Impala applies its power to the road via a 12-bolt 3.55 rear end, while power steering and power front disc brakes remove the hard work from the driving experience. This package is fresh, clocking a mere 700 miles since the build ended. Although the seller provides no information on how the car runs or drives, their meticulous attention to detail should mean this baby will get up and moving if the driver so much as breathes on the gas pedal.

The overall tidy presentation of this Impala continues when we examine its interior. The original owner ordered it trimmed in Red vinyl, with bucket seats, a console with integrated sports gauges, and an in-dash gauge cluster including a factory tachometer. The seller added an aftermarket stereo with parcel tray-mounted speakers, but I can’t spot any further additions beyond a wheel wrap. There is no evidence of wear or abuse, and although describing its condition as “showroom” may stretch credibility slightly, it should cause its new owner no shame when they’re seen in public behind the wheel.

Any 1966 Impala SS 396 will command respect because it provides excellent performance in a family-friendly package. However, this car is a subtle vehicle that lifts the performance stakes far higher. The supplied photos suggest it needs nothing but a new owner ready to appreciate all it offers. The asking price isn’t cheap, but the buyer receives a lot of steel and muscle for their money. Determining the value of a modified classic isn’t as straightforward as for an unmolested vehicle, but recent sales provide a guide. They suggest the seller is in the ballpark and may even be slightly modest with their figure. The new owner will drive away in a vehicle that will turn heads on the road and at any Cars & Coffee. Could you be that person?