- Seller: Allan T (Contact)
- Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Mileage: 4,500 Shown
- Chassis #: 671637006168
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 383 cui Stroker V8
- Transmission: 5-Speed Tremac Manual
UPDATE – The seller was able to put this rare Canso on a lift to take underside photos, so we are rerunning the auction. They also spoke with the previous owner and got more information about the engine build. That information is included below, along with additional photos and the car’s GM historical document.
Barn Finds is hosting an auction for a 1966 Acadian Canso with a strong backstory, a well-documented build, and the promise of a car built with serious attention to performance and drivability. The seller reports that this Canso benefited from a major build completed around 2002, with over $80,000 invested at the time, underscoring the level of parts, workmanship, and detail involved. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the car shows just 4,500 miles and is offered with a clean title and a long list of mechanical and interior upgrades.
The drivetrain centers around a 383 Stroker V8 fitted with aluminum heads and paired to a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission. According to the seller, it produces about 485 horsepower and is routed to a 10-bolt Positraction rear end with 3.55 gears, offering a well-balanced setup for both street use and spirited driving. Supporting hardware includes an H-pipe exhaust system and a Heidts front suspension, a popular upgrade for small-body GM cars wanting tighter steering and improved road manners. The seller notes that the car “runs and drives beautifully,” and given the components listed, it’s easy to imagine this Canso making a strong impression out on the road.
Engine details from the Previous Owner
– High nickel block
– 11:1 compression ratio
– 485 HP
– Comp Cam 12-246-3
– Steel crank
– Aluminum heads
– Roller rockers
Inside, the car features bucket seats, a center console, a Dakota Digital dash, a tilt column, and a Kenwood stereo system. The interior combination suggests a build focused on modern comfort and usability rather than strict originality, which fits the overall character of the car. With the Acadian nameplate being something seen far less often than its Chevrolet Nova counterpart, this build brings a mix of rarity, personality, and performance that stands out in the marketplace. The seller notes that the VHX dash wasn’t installed until 2010, so the car already had some miles on it already. They believe it has about 15,000 miles on it since it was built.
The Acadian line was unique to Canada, which already puts this car in a different category from most small-bodied GM classics. According to the seller’s research, just 302 V8 powered Cansos were built in 1966, making this a rare find. Add in the high-quality build and performance-oriented parts list, and it becomes even more appealing for anyone wanting something distinctive without giving up drivability.
With its clean presentation, reported strong running condition, and period-correct yet tastefully upgraded build, this 1966 Acadian Canso should make a compelling case for bidders who appreciate a well-executed restomod that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. If you’ve been waiting for a small-block, manual-shift classic that’s already sorted, this one is worth a closer look.
Bid On This Auction
freeman bid $5,000.00 2025-12-02 17:43:53
What’s not to like about this car? It’s outfitted with the right engine, right transmission, even the gearing is something I’d prefer. Not to mention, killer dash and very nice interior. I even like its looks better than its American counterpart. The rear gives a ’67 Ford Fairlane vibe and that’s not a bad thing.
Thanks for the positive feedback. It’s a beautiful car.
Just a little added information.
The prior owner owned the car for nearly 35 years. According to him the car has around 60,000 miles on the car since new, and about 15,000 miles on it since the build in around 2002. The Dakota digital dash was installed in 2020, so the mileage on the odometer is since that time. The car has made a couple trips from Edmonton to Vancouver as well as a couple of trips from Edmonton to Washington state. It has also been to the huge car show in Radium BC a couple of times.
If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll respond as quickly as I can.
Regards,
Allan
I just want to pay you a compliment on your car Allan. Its absolutely beautiful. Great color too. My favorite Novas are ’66 and ’67, they, along with pretty much all of GM in the 60’s had beautiful lines, from the full size models right on to the Nova ( and Acadian) and Corvair. Great V8 and trans combo too. Just really nice. Best wishes on the sale and to the purchaser too, whoever buys this will no doubt have a blast with it.
-Dave
Thank you.
I have been keeping my eye open for a Canso for awhile to add to my Chevy I collection. Unfortunately I am an originality guy. Still, a really nice car. Something to be proud of.
Well, to a Yankee Doodle Dandy, it LOOKS like a Chevy ll, something odd however, AHA! It’s from Canada,,,hey, with unusual names. Every once in a great while, a Canadian car would drift over the line to Milwaukee, and we stood aghast trying to figure out what it was. Oh sure, we were used to Canadian nickels turning up, but cars too? Kind of a bizarro world thing. I always wondered if Canadians felt the same way upon seeing a CHEVY Chevy ll or getting a US dime. Proof positive, we aren’t alone when it comes to cool cars..
At the same time frame we did also get Chevy Chevy IIs up in Canada, at the usually combined Chev-Olds dealerships. The Acadian and Acadian Canso were sold from the Pontiac-Buick dealerships. We didn’t get the LeMans/Tempest until I believe 1970.
I always enjoy finding US coins in my change! Worth over 30% more these days.
Does anyone know what hassles and fees there would be, importing to the US?
There are no issues shipping the car from Canada to the US. I am trying to clear some of the herd, so am selling a few cars. I just sold a couple of weeks ago on Barn Finds a ‘58 Impala that went to Kentucky. There were no issues getting the car into the US, even though it was a Canadian built Impala. You obviously have the cost of transport, and some $ for brokerage (I think around $250) so the paperwork is correct at the border crossing, but other than that, it’s just a normal registration and titling process for an out of state car at your DMV. The car will be sold with a bill of sale and my Alberta registration (which is all you need to apply for a title in your state).
Allan
A clarification question: Since this vehicle is located in Canada, is the bidding in U.S. or Canadian dollars?
US$
I am not typically a fan of restomods in general, but I must admit this one is done right. Very tasteful. Even the “digital” dash just works. Nice job, Allan.
Thank you.
Sweet!
Looks like maybe a Mustang II type front suspension conversion? Undercarriage pics would be helpful!
Sorry, missed the Heidt’s reference(twice). Still need undercarriage shots, though.
This is the only undercarriage photo I have. Unfortunately my lift is tied up for the winter. The car is really solid, but could use a good detail underneath. It’s been driven.
The car also has hidden signals in the side mirrors that activate with the signal lights and brakes.
I just talked to the previous owner and he gave me a little more information on the engine build.
– High nickel block was used
– Steel crank
– 11:1 compression ratio
– Roller rockers
– Comp Cam 12-246-3
He also has the original dash cluster that he will be getting to me.
Allan
I appreciate these little chevy IIs and the fact that the CA version is probably pretty scarce, but even if the build was 10 years ago, $80K CAD would still be about $60K USD, and I’m just not seeing it. 383 SBCs are no joke, but they are super cheap and easy builds, and since the awesome Tremec TKX only came out about 5 years ago, I’m thinking the trans could be a limp wristed T5. Neither a T5 or 10 bolt axle will tolerate the repeated application of torque from a stout 383 for very long. Also, the serpentine drive and master cylinder look like oem third/fourth gen camaro items. Not high-end build sort of stuff. It all just seems like pretty common stuff for a 60K investment. Maybe if that included the purchase cost of the car itself…
Nice car, great powertrain choice. Good luck with the sale, I hope you get a high bid that makes you happy.
Steve R
Thank you.
Beautiful looking car. I find it way more attractive than our Chevy II Novo.
I agree! lol
Allan
Josh at Bf fixed me up .Thank you so much .
Happy to help!
I look under the hood and see the following.
Empty and new looking coolant recovery bottle.
Empty and new looking washer fluid bottle.
Fuel filter resting on a heater hose.
I suspect that the under the hood shot was just after assembly/not current.
And would I never preheat the fuel. It can only have a negative effect.
Just sayin’.
The fuel filter is not laying on the heater hose. There is approx. an inch of clearance between the filter and the heater hose.
As far as the coolant overflow and washer fluid jugs, those are both current.
Nothing that can’t be changed, don’t be picky.
THAT is a SUPERB looking ride!!! It may be a “Resto” but she’s RIGHTEOUS!!
This is a really nice car! Someone is going to get something they should be proud to own and drive. Best of luck with the sale.
Thank you. It’s a great car.
What’s the reserve on this car?
I’m not sure if I can disclose that?
It’s a reasonable reserve considering the quality of the car.
It is under $40K.
Josh,
If I am not allowed to disclose that, please delete.
Allan