If one car said “America” in the 1960s, there’s a good case for the Chevy Impala. Yearly, hundreds of thousands of people chose a new Impala as their family car, and in 1966, over 100,000 bought the Impala Super Sport alone. While full-size muscle cars were on the wane in 1966, this hardtop has a lot going for it, including low miles and a big block under the hood.
It’s not the hottest Rat on the option sheet, but even an L35 396 with 325 horsepower looks imposing in that spacious engine compartment. The seller says that it “runs good.” It is an original air-conditioned car, but some of the components are obviously missing, so a new buyer could remove the air conditioning, restore it to original, or upgrade it to a more modern unit. The original radiator has been replaced by a modern aluminum one.
The owner apparently found this Impala in a horse barn, and claims that it has a true 43,000 miles. The interior is mostly complete, although it would benefit from a new carpet at a minimum.
Like many sporty big cars of the 1960s, this Impala has buckets, console, and a floor shifter for the Turbo 400. You can see the air conditioning vents in the dashboard. There’s also a 12-bolt with Positraction out back.
Like many collectors, the seller says that he planned to get around to restoring this car but has too many other projects in line. Since s/he’s been collecting parts for a while, the stash will come along with the car; this includes body panels such as doors and quarters, along with some trim.
The Impala Sport Coupe was arguably one of the most attractive cars of the mid 1960s, and even though they were sold by the truckload, they’re still highly coveted today. This one will need a full restoration unless you like the “Hot Rod Black” look, but it comes with a load of parts and is, according to the seller, a true SS car. It’s currently for sale on Craigslist in Virginia for $14,500. Thanks as always to Tony Primo for the tip.
Low Rider
God, I hope not. What a waste that would be.
You are right there are more than enough small block Impalas around, there is no need to do it to a factory big block car. It would be much more interesting as a day two street machine.
Steve R
To me, 1966 was the year both Ford and Chevy got everything right in their full size car designs. I think the full sized Ford and Chevy that year were both extremely tastefully designed… the best either did in the 60s.
That said, that seems like a really high price given the condition.
Amen.
Right on, JDC…like you, I thought that the ’66 Ford was a real looker and ended up buying a new one… Galaxie 500XL 2DHT she was, a solid dark green with a saddle interior…plus a 390 with a 4speed…I had always owned Chevy ragtops but this time ordered A/C instead of a drop-top just to get that glorious concave back window… ah, yes…
I disagree that it’s over priced. If it were a ’65 (my preferred body style) .I’d be all over it. $20K would put a decent paint job on it and fix most of the other stuff. All the important A/C stuff looks like it’s there, need compressor, mounts, maybe a condenser at minimum. But you’d have a reliable, any weather car if you live in the South.
It looks like $20K will bring this car to at least a high #3. No mention of matching numbers, so an expert in decoding VINs of ’66 Impalas is needed. I’ve seen #2 examples sell for $40K, so the price seems spot-on. Just don’t turn this into a lowrider please.
Nice example of 60’s muscle. Love it.
Wish the sellers would learn to mention whether the cars they’re selling have a valid, clear title.
43,000 miles and already lost major parts……pass….