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502 Big-Block! 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible

Having owned a 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible for many years, I always lock-up on any similar example that surfaces. I enjoyed my big-block powered car for years but this example has quite a few upgrades over my long-departed convertible. This Chevy will not disappoint! It is located in Columbia, South Carolina and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $33,000, one bid tendered so far.

From 1964 through 1967, the Impala SS carried its own VIN identification. In ’68 the SS model returned to option status under Regular Production Option (RPO) Z03. It was discontinued entirely for ’69 leaving just the SS 427 version, known as RPO Z24. And this Impala’s VIN, second through fifth digit ID of 6867, qualifies it as an eight-cylinder, SS convertible. While the SS model was available with an in-line, six-cylinder engine, the convertible mandated a V8 only.

Right off the bat, this Impala SS is sharp looking! It is listed as being finished in Marina Blue, which may or may not have been its original color, only the trim tag can verify that with certainty. The seller states that this Chevy has never been in an accident and it does show as straight and true. Rust is the enemy of this vintage convertible but there is no sign of any lurking in the usual places. The problem is that the drainage channels, designed to whisk away rainwater that finds its way between the rear filler panel and the convertible top, get clogged and cause a back up that ends up in the trunk and then under the rear seat floor. Speaking of the convertible top, it’s in fine shape and utilizes a glass rear window as opposed to the commonly found, and easily fogged clear plastic version. The cowl induction hood is obviously wrong for this car, it’s an item that I would rather not see on anything other than where it belongs – a subjective call on my part of course. The rest of the exterior, including the chrome and trim, are in excellent condition. The ubiquitous Chevrolet rally wheels didn’t make their first appearance on an Impala until 1967 and they were skinnier rims than those employed here, measuring six inches in width, and utilizing the original, smaller “flat cap” center. No big deal, upgrades such as these are very common. The engine fender badge is the small block variety utilized on either 283 or 327 CI engine equipped cars, but in this case, the size indicator has been replaced with an aftermarket piece revealing what’s under the hood.

So, what is under the hood? How about a 502 CI, big-block V8. This motor is a 502 HP, “Ram-Jet” fuel-injected variety and available from Chevrolet Performance Parts, a performance parts division that is a GM subsidiary. The ’66 Impala convertible had many different engine options available from a low of 195 gross HP, all the way up to 425 via the 427 CI, RPO L72 engine option – no way to know with certainty what this car originally had unless the build sheet is available. How’s this one run? The seller states, “Car runs and drives like new” I bet it runs better than that. My ’66 had a modified 396 CI motor and it was no slouch, I believe this one probably nears lift-off speed. A 700R4, four-speed automatic transmission is in place, substituting for the original Powerglide or Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic unit. Additionally, this Impala has undergone a conversion to a dual circuit master cylinder as well as experienced suspension upgrades.

The interior is in magnificent condition! The dash, instrument panel, door cards, carpet, and console are all as intended when this Impala rolled off of the St. Louis assembly line. There are auxiliary gauges installed under the center of the dash, quite helpful as Impala’s vitals of this generation relied on idiot lights. Though that said, my Impala did have optional factory-installed gauges, complete with a vacuum gauge that either didn’t work right or was incapable of delivering a meaningful measurement. A close up of the console indicates that the original gear selector has had its detent modified for the four-speed O/D transmission. Also, it looks as if the original radio is still in place – always good to see. Often replacements require cutting the plastic instrument panel insert and once that’s done, you can’t go back. This Impala is air-conditioned and appears to be using the original control head – a part so commonplace that you can still buy a new one today.

Well, it’s not a Chevelle or a Camaro but Impala SS models of this generation, specifically the ’65 through ’67 model years, do well in the collector car market and present a more reasonable alternative to their aforementioned, smaller siblings. If this example doesn’t move off of its current bid, a bid which may be a sort of “reserve” bid if you know what I mean, this car, with all of its modifications, will prove to be a reasonable buy. I have moved on from Impala convertibles but if you have an interest, this is one to consider, wouldn’t you agree?

Comments

  1. Avatar EPO3

    I agree but I hate the hood did I tell you I really HATE THE HOOD

    Like 14
    • Avatar Claudio Mallone

      Did I tell you…there is nothing wrong with the hood…nothing wrong with the hood…

      Like 3
  2. Avatar SirRaoulDuke

    The 502 RamJet is a VERY formidable engine. Love the matching blue interior…I wish car makers would bring back classic colors like that.

    Like 5
  3. Avatar Keith

    Way to much blue for me . I never liked a blue interior and the older cars with everything blue inside is just toooo much blue. Love the outside blue and have had a lot of blue cars in my years.That motor is a screamer and that car should come with a box of depends. LoL

    Like 0
    • Avatar JoeNYWF64

      & you think that’s worse than too much grey – today? Or should i say – since the ’90s?
      I’m actually very upset it doesn’t have the stock steering wheel, which should also be blue.
      & i bet you could also get blue steelies with hubcaps on lesser models.
      & maybe a blue convertible top.
      & blue fender skirts here …
      http://i1.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/1968-Chevrolet-Full-Size-16-e1347038439174.jpg
      lol
      You must hate the interior of this ’68 caprice coupe in chevy’s tv commercial
      search
      1968 Chevrolet Caprice Commercial in San Francisco
      on youtube

      Like 0
      • Avatar Keith

        Yes back in this time frame you could get almost the same color interior as the outside color. The red, green, gold,blue and sometimes two different shades of the color were to match as close to the outside as possible. I just did not like the all blue everything. I had a few cars in this combination and did not keep them long. Wife liked the blue interior and hated the 1970 Chevelle I had that was Cranberry red with the red interior. If we were all the same it would be a boring world we live in.

        Like 0
  4. Avatar Curtis

    Not crazy about the hood, but it’s probably necessary for clearance with that monster in the engine bay. I bet it’s a blast to drive.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Glenn C. Schwass Member

    Nice.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Everett

    I have 30 grand cash. Give me a call 727-288-3436

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Mike Akerman

    I bought one of these same color with white top and interior 325 hp 396 4 speed on 1972 for $75.00. It smoked and didn’t shift right . I put new valve cover gaskets and tightened the shifter linkage . No more smoke and shifted fine . Now the guy I got it from 48 years ago is still mad at me.

    Like 3
  8. Avatar Josh

    Friend had one of these. Looked great on the outside but the frame was eaten away and the doors started to bind because it was sagging in the middle.

    Like 0
    • Avatar john hugh

      good to know..

      Like 0
  9. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Keith, you won’t like this Caddy in season 1 flashback on the Sopranos
    ck out the color of the convertible top too …
    http://pics.imcdb.org/0is706/sopranos1966cadillaccou.4612.jpg
    http://imcdb.org/vehicle_28030-Cadillac-DeVille-Convertible-1966.html
    lol

    Like 0
    • Avatar Keith

      That is one Bad A** car and I always liked the big cars no matter what especially drop top versions of them.

      Like 0
  10. Avatar ERIC WARREN

    Nice car!! 😃

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Bryce Davis

    Just so you know….I was the original owner when the 502 was added. It replaced the original 327 and myself and some great mechanic friends of mine built this car as you see it from an original 66 SS in 2005 thru 2012. We had Torque Thrust II mags on it then and electric cut outs that would scare the hell out of unsuspecting bystanders or rubber necking motorists. The Hydro-boost brake system runs off the power steering pump and provided sure stopping power effortlessly. Tubular A-arms and aftermarket disc brakes were also added as well as numerous upgrades with a deafening sound system and insulation. I had about 80k in it when I traded it for a new GMC pickup but I’d like to explore the possibility of getting it back. If anyone knows who has it now and can put me in touch with them I’d really appreciate it.I can answere a miriade of questions even if they don’t want to part with it. Thanks much.

    Like 0
    • Avatar ERIC WARREN

      Hey Bryce, I actually own the car now. Have had it since 21. Give me a call 216-324-7551 Eric

      Like 0
      • Avatar Bryce Davis

        Hi Eric. Thanks for the contact. I’ll call this evening. BD

        Like 0

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