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Barn Find 396: 1966 Chevy Chevelle SS

This 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS never traveled far from the dealership it was sold at in Floyd, Virginia, being discovered recently a mere 17 miles from the original site of Floyd Motor Company. The Chevelle sports a desirable combination of the 396/325 b.h.p. drivetrain, Powerglide automatic transmission, and 12-bolt rear end. It does have rust in the typical Chevelle trouble spots but has a nicely preserved interior. Find it here on eBay with bidding approaching $8K and the reserve unmet.

The pictures are wonderful, showing the Chevelle extracted from its resting place since 1986. It is largely original with the exception of the left front fender being replaced and a repaint happening in the early 1980s. This was likely done more out of the desire to freshen the Chevelle’s appearance up than any sort of attempt at restoration. The seller notes the original color as Lemonwood Yellow.

The Chevelle retains many of its original parts, including the engine, transmission, rear end, heads, intake, distributor, alternator, and more. The carburetor and air cleaner were previously replaced. The engine does still turn freely by hand but will require total restoration like the rest of the car. Other factory-installed parts still with the Chevelle include hubcaps, radio and antenna, and the entire interior.

The interior looks surprisingly clean for a car stored as long as this one. The floors and surface covering look quite tidy, although the bucket seats will need upholstery work. Other factory options include the center console. Here’s where the other shoe drops, however: the seller notes the frame has rot and will need to be replaced, in addition to numerous other areas. Is this Chevelle SS worth the needed rust repair?

Comments

  1. Avatar Mark

    BIg block with a Powerglide? Never heard of that factory combination. Anyways, this is a true, wonderful find.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Steve R

      The TH400 wasn’t available in the Chevelle until 1967.

      Steve R

      Like 8
      • Avatar 68custom

        corvette either or at least you could order a 427/PG combo in 66? lot of work but might be worth saving?

        Like 1
    • Avatar Gaspumpchas

      yep fixed one that was rearended in 1970 and it was a pg. All business–nail it, shifts once, hang on. Great days indeed. Too bad this one is so far gone. Know what you are getting into. Seller seems honest. almost 8 large and hasn’t hit reserve. Mighty spendy for this roach. good luck to the new owner. Apparently seller has the bj syndrome, possibly having his buddies pump the bids. I couldn’t see any gold lining in the pictures.
      Cheers
      GPC

      Like 14
      • Avatar Steve R

        I’m not sure how the seller can be considered honest if he has his buddies “pump the bids”.

        Steve R

        Like 6
      • Avatar Superdessucke

        I know. I’d hate to see the definition of dishonest!

        Like 4
  2. Avatar jerry z

    Bucket seats and console seems like the only options on the car. BB Chevelles command big money but this car needs another parts car to make complete!

    Like 1
  3. Avatar gbvette62

    The TH 400 was first offered in the 65 full size Chevrolet. The Chevelle and Camaro got it in 67, and the Corvette in 68. While the TH 350 was introduced in 1969, the Powerglide continued to be available till the end of 72, but from 70 to 72, it was only available with the 250 6 and 307 V8.

    I had a high school friend who had a 68 SS 396. It was a 396/325 with a Powerglide and an open 3.07:1 rear. As muscle cars go, it was quite a dog.

    The rust issues are a concern, but when restored, a yellow with black gut 66 SS 396, would be a pretty nice car to have!

    Like 7
    • Avatar 68custom

      Had a 68 Nova SS equipped with 396 /PG combo, It was a tire shredder!

      Like 0
  4. Avatar The Chucker

    The good news, it’s original! The bad news, it’s original!

    Like 7
    • Avatar James Martin

      Oh look another crust over priced chevelle. Gee let’s see if it hit 10000 g’s stupid is what stupid does

      Like 5
  5. Avatar John

    When did Powerglide become desirable?

    Like 1
    • Avatar Terry Bowman

      John, power glides are used often in drag racing with high HP motors.

      Like 6
      • Avatar Norman Wrensch

        But the powerglides for that purpose are highly modified, but they use less horsepower then any other automatic trans.

        Like 1
  6. Avatar John

    And 30 year old receipts for tires. Value-adders for sure!

    Like 1
  7. Avatar moosie

    Rusty frame, seller says it needs replacing, a very desirable car but the rust issues are too overwhelming no matter what the price. At least for me.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Dan

    Powerglides are a very strong, bulletproof transmission. Had one in my Chevelle.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar pwtiger

    I remember a guy named Randy P. in Bayside NY had one just like this yellow/black that he bought new, not sure if it was 325 or 350HP. That thing would do about 70 MPH in first gear…the good old days

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Bob

    Looks like are spending $8700.00 for a bunch of receipts!

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Terry Bowman

    Yes pwtiger, the power glides were only a two speed and the first gear was like a overdrive and gave you that extra mph then others, but with added HP, that would give you a little advantage over the 3-speeds. As Norman stated, you do have to dig down a little in your pocket for upgrades to it.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Marty Parker

    Terry, first gear in these PG’s was in no way similar to an overdrive gear. In fact first gear was 1:82 to 1 ratio (later ones were 1:76 to 1) with 1:1 high gear.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Mike eanes

    I bought this car and yal should see it now

    Like 0

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