Chevrolet’s Impala hit a sales record in 1965 that is likely to never be beaten. More than one million cars were produced, excluding the Biscayne and Bel Air. That’s a hard act to follow, and sales dipped a little in 1966 with enough cosmetic changes to set the two model years apart. The seller is an elderly gentleman who began a restoration of this ’66 Impala and almost finished it. That includes a new 350 cubic inch V8 (replacing a 283 or 327?). Located in Portland, Oregon, this Mist Blue Sport Coupe is available here on craigslist for $27,500.
The 1966 Impala had internal competition that it didn’t have before. The luxury Caprice debuted in mid-1965 as an Impala extension, then became a series of its own in ’66. It stole sales from the Super Sport because of the higher level of trim, but competition from the Chevelle Super Sport also played a factor when muscle cars came to mind. For 1966, the big Chevies had different headlights and a grille, and the triple taillights in the back went from being three circles on each side to rectangles.
We’re told this Chevy is restored, but that’s not quite accurate. The paint is rated at 8.5 on a scale of 1 to 10, so that’s not perfect or recent. The bench seat interior matches and makes for quite an attractive package, especially with Rally wheels, which the Impala didn’t receive as an option until 1967.
The new engine (not period-correct) doesn’t look quite complete (carburetor?), and we’re told the hood is detached. The listing was posted by a neighbor who says to call the seller directly, so if you click on the link for the “show contact info” it should be there.
His phone number is 503-490-7459 and his name is Tony. It’s in his Ad.
I had a ’66 in the same colors with a 283 PG. I liked that car.
He must have come back and added it as it wasn’t there at our write-up. I’ll correct the piece.
There’s a link in the Craigslist ad to the car owner’s phone number and the neighbor says to go ahead and call. It’s a handsome car.
Nice looking car. I like that color blue. Even though the 350 isn’t original and we can’t see a carburetor or air cleaner, the car seems to have been restored with originality, in mind.
Pricey for an unfinished project. There was a time when projects sold at a heavy discount because potential buyers have no way of predicting exactly what will need to be done to get a car running and driving, unforeseen problems should be expected. Once purchased the buyer assumes all of the downside risk.
Steve R
This is the hard truth right here
Indeed. A brutal truth but one that’s worth mentioning!
Drive it
I’ve got a 1 owner 66 caprice with 427 400 TH trans for sale. Mostly original. Email for specs and pictures.
Take some pics & list it here on Barn Finds. That’s what the site’s for.
I would like to see some pics of your caprice. Is the 427 number matching . I own a 1968 I love my car let me know what you want for it. Thanks
Numbers match. Original bill of sale,original pink. Cant send pictures yet.Tried signing up but website keeps kicking me out. Will call tomorrow.
almost only counts in hand grenades and horseshoes. nice car but 30k with the motor apart that’s a tough sell for me.
In my eyes one of the nicest vehicles to come out from Chevrolet.
I had the same car in the 80s. 327 Power glide Power windows and seats. Also had a/c.