- Seller: Bruce R (Contact)
- Location: Boise, Idaho
- Mileage: 89,609 Shown
- Chassis #: 166476L111041
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 427 V8
- Transmission: Turbo 400
Like a number of models, the Caprice started life as a trim level, specifically the Impala. The option made the already comfortable Impala a true luxury cruiser. In 1966, it was introduced as its own model and could be optioned as a Gentleman’s Muscle Car. The example being offered here as a Barn Finds Auction started life with the optional 325 horsepower 396 V8 but is now powered by a 427 and is a comfortable and quick cruiser. The seller discovered it in a lean-to in Northern Idaho but has since relocated it to their home in Boise, Idaho.
The Caprice became its own model in 1966, but it was still based on the same B-body platform as the Impala. It was offered in several body styles, including an Estate Wagon, a 4-door hardtop, and a 2-door coupe. Unlike the Fastback styling of the Impala, the 2-door Caprice received a formal roof, which does give the car a more “grown-up” look. Keeping with the luxury features, the option list included a vinyl top, power everything, and a range of drivetrain options.
From day one, the Caprice featured a more upscale interior, with tufted upholstery (either in cloth or vinyl), wood grain dash trim, and an impressive range of options. This example features the cloth and vinyl bench seats. The seller notes that the headliner has been replaced, a set of gauges has been added to the bottom of the dash, and the front seat fabric may have been replaced, but overall, the interior looks to be quite original. It isn’t in perfect condition, but is very lovely for a nearly 60-year-old car!
The 396 was an impressive engine, but the 427 that’s currently installed offers more power and a fantastic exhaust note. The seller isn’t sure when the engine was swapped, but they know the previous owner had the car for over 30 years and did the work during their ownership. To make sure it’s running its best, it’s been recently tuned up and received new fluids in the engine, transmission, power steering, brake system, and differential. It starts and runs great. Based on the engine numbers, this is the 390-horsepower version of the 427. The major systems work, except for the A/C. The air conditioning system is complete but must be gone through to get it blowing cold. The wheel cylinders, brake drums, and shoes have been serviced and work as they should.
We had the opportunity to view this Caprice in person when photographing it, and while it isn’t in perfect condition, it presents nicely and drives great. There are some minor rust issues in the trunk and surface rust showing underneath, but there doesn’t appear to be any serious corrosion. It’s best described as a driver that is ready to enjoy. With a little work, you could take it to the next level, but we would just fix the A/C and drive it as is! What do you think? Will you be bidding on this Muscle Cruiser? If so, cast your bids below.
Bid On This Auction
Johnny #7 bid $13,000.00 2025-02-18 19:46:31
JamesP bid $12,000.00 2025-02-16 10:40:14
hotrod75 bid $11,500.00 2025-02-15 08:49:45- JamesP bid $11,000.00 2025-02-14 13:11:43
trenfrow53 bid $10,500.00 2025-02-14 11:39:27
Scratch Gravel bid $10,000.00 2025-02-13 14:38:52
cashtango bid $7,500.00 2025-02-13 14:11:43
FredMN bid $7,000.00 2025-02-13 14:04:54- cashtango bid $6,500.00 2025-02-13 09:26:27
Dispatcher54 bid $5,000.00 2025-02-12 09:37:03
I like this car but the black is a bit much and the formal roof line doesn’t excite. Yes I know it’s a Caprice. That being said they did one heck of a nice job on the upholstery. That story about finding it in a lean to in northern Idaho though, did it belong to Ted Kaczinski?
I thought Ted was in Montana?
Lincoln, Montana, 24 years with his brother. Brother turned him in.
Thanks for the write up Josh. Glad you got to see the car in person and take the pics and video. If anyone would like to see the car in person please don’t hesitate to message me or send a message to Barn Finds to contact me.
Thanks for letting me come take a look at it! It’s a sweet machine.
Bruce, I just want to compliment you on your ’66. Its beautiful. Love the interior. My Grandpa had a ’66 Impala SS with a 396, so any ’66 Chevy is a little more near and dear to me than other years. Very beautiful, best wishes on the sale and to the buyer as well.
Thank you. 👍
I like the way that the 396 call outs have been retained. Always nice to be packing some extra cubes!
Beautiful nicely optioned car, I wish I could buy it. My first car was a 66 Impala, with few options at all. I hope it finds a good home.
nice car , appears to need some sway bars , that black is sharp looking. some time ago i really tried to purchase a blue bucket seat 66 caprice, but missed out. a black 69 427 impala ss is an impressive full size too
This black beauty versus the red and white 55? Estimated ETs? Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?
Always liked this formal roofline. I had a ’70 & ’72 coupes. Fairly loaded up for it’s time.
I can’t tell if the rear speakers are Delcos or aftermarkets because if they’re aftermarkets, the difference in ohms could be overheating the amp in the Delco AM- FM. Trust me, I know. Neat to see the radio stereo unit underdash.
This has to be a record for the # of photos of a Barn Find vehicle.
A decent car and nicely done with the engine swap, although black plug wires would look nicer imo, And, I’ve said this 50 times, please vacuum out the car before the pic taking.
Have to fix the a/c too.
When I photographed the car, I didn’t think to take the interior photos first, so dirt got tracked into the car while we were moving it around to get different angles. That was my bad!
Dream car! I’ve already started working on it (in my dreams!).
Excellent driver. Normally not a big fan of that roof line but with the vinyl top personally I think it makes it look smart. My 2nd car I owned was a 68 Impala fastback but when I was a kid my uncle had a 66 like this in the driveway that I used to play in all the time. My 3rd car was a 66 Chevelle and I have always been a fan of the front end of both the Caprice and the Chevelle. Would like this mostly because of the 427 under the hood. Love the dumps on the headers. Nothing as sweet sounding as a big block running open headers. Unfortunately way out of my price range. GLWTS. Hope you get all it’s worth.
This would have been exciting with the 396. A 427 is even better. Loaded with tilt, power windows and MPx radio. Cool. Doesn’t anyone recall the accessory on the roof of the car in the print ad?
Accessory on the roof? Boy does this car conjure up some good old memories. I turned 18 in the summer of ’68 and my cousin (who was also my best friend) had just bought a ’66 427 L-72 4 speed Caprice from his older brother that had purchased it new when he returned from Viet Nam. On a whim we packed up a few clothes and drove that car from Portland Oregon down to Escondido California to visit an old high school friend whose family had relocated down there. I will never forget that trip, two 18-year-old best friends driving through California in the summer in a big block Chevrolet with the windows down and the radio up. If this car was a factory 4 speed. I would be tempted to try to convince my wife that we needed to add on to our garage. what an absolutely cool car!
I think it is a very nice car that jut needs a little cleaning up. It’s a beat with that engine and the turbo 400 trans/ 12 bolt rear and other numerous options. I am impressed with all the detailed photos. Its the most photos I’ve seen in a while!
The first Caprice was a 65, not a 66. Chevrolet introduced the Caprice in mid 65 as a 1965 model
Decor group on the Impala in 1965. Became its own model in 1966.
The 65 had Caprice badging of it’s own, as did the Impala.
Two different models (although extremely similar) Just like a
Crown Vic and an LTD
Ford scooped Chebby again in ’65 with the LTD. Chebby playing catch up (again) with the mid-year Caprice.
I love it, quick question. Why are there two different tire sizes on the rear?
The right side is a 235/60R15 and the left side is a 245/60R15. How long has it been like this?. If only it was closer to Mich.
Good eye Ronald
Looks like maybe front and rear are flip-flopped on the Passenger side. There is no close-up picture of the passenger front tire to be sure (the driver side front is pictured twice).
Awesome car!!
Was the vinyl top added? Paint code says AA, which is solid black paint. I would expect A2 for a black top car. Unless that assembly plant did strange things.
as far as I know it was originally a vinyl top car. If they did add it then they did a great job adding the trim pieces to the roofline.
Bruce, I agree with you. If it’s not factory then it was well done. Beautiful car. Good luck with the sale.
I’m going to go on a limb here. I think theres a good chance it’s the original vinyl top. GM had two seams on either side of the roof, like this car has. Usually if its been replaced, you see one seam in the center. I’m not saying all replacement vinyl tops were done that way, but thats what I’ve seen over the years.
Well, strange turn of events, to say that least. I can’t believe that the seller didn’t already know this. Too bad, pretty car on the surface.
Old Rodder,
I did not call Jesse. I believe he posted this on here by mistake.
I don’t know.how I didn’t notice it, but in one of the underside photos you can clearly see a rotted out hole in the frame rail, (which the photographer had to have also seen)
Jesse,
I don’t know who called you but it wasn’t me. The frame rails are not rusted out on the 66 Caprice. Please double check what auction you are referring to.
Bruce
That was a fake post. We will delete the thread.
What happened to the comments about the frame rails?
Hacker got into Jesse’s account. I never called him or said the frame rails were rusted out. Also the pics show that they aren’t rusted out. Hopefully Josh and Jesse will jump in and clear it up.
Well, that is a drag. I hope that they get it worked out ’cause if I saw it, so did a lot of other people.
I agree. Hopefully people are wise enough to know that the car is a solid car. The pictures don’t hide anything. I do not sell junk and anyone that’s interested in it is more than welcome to come check it out.
Good luck. Like I said earlier, if I had the room I would buy it.
I just wanted to address a fake comment that was made by someone who was trying to impersonate me. They claimed that there were rust issues with this car but that is not true. We know Bruce personally and can vouch for his integrity and the presentation of the car. Josh took the photos and inspected it himself. So bid with confidence. Thanks!
Thank you Jesse. Hope this sweet ride finds a new home.
I just watched the YouTube video. This really looks like a nice solid honest car. Hope it goes to a good new home.
How long ago was this beauty repainted? And record of rust repair at that time? Thank you.
Robert, The Caprice was repainted approximately 20 years ago. The gent I bought it from had it repainted the same time he was restoring a GTX.
The Caprice was an option package for the 1965 Impala. In 1966 it became its own stand alone model.
Nice looking car in black. Not a big fan of the Caprice roof line, but the black helps me overlook that. Nice ride and good luck with the sale!
Hi, all. No plans to bid on this car but I do have a question. And, pardon my ignorance. I’ve never considered this before. How would you verify the engine in a(ny) car that is being sold with an as stated swapped engine (aside from documentation from a reputable shop)? I’ve seen plenty of cars on this site where the seller says, “283 replaced by 350” or “318 replaced by 340”. How do you verify the engine is what the seller says it is?
Mick,
engine stamps or block stamps verify what the engine is.
Oh. A tricky but necessary step if you are buying a car based on the engine. I am guessing it might be difficult to find that number.
Thank you!
Lots of positive comments on this car – hope it finds a new home here with a BFer!
Thanks PRA4SNW. Great username BTW. The last car I listed here on BF sold and the guy was super happy with it. He told me it was in better shape than he thought it was. That was my 49 DeSoto.
This Caprice is a great car and hopefully the next owner will love it for the beast it is.
Thanks back to you, Bruce.
I used to love skiing, I had this as a vanity plate. Now, after a full knee replacement and moving to GA, it is now just a memory. Although, I brought some of my gear down here, just in case.
One day to go. It is getting close to the reserve. Sure hope she goes to a new home.
Final hours. This beast may find a new home.
Of course, I did not make the above comment.
The bid increment has been lowered!
Top bidders, please feel free to reach out to me. Lets see if we can strike a deal.
Jesse: You are a much better man than I and I hope that you can get this B.S. worked out.
What’s your beef with us?
Hi yeah just purchased the Black 66 Caprice 3/13/25 . Site unseen. Wish me luck.Cars on West Coast I’m on EAST coast. Couple weeks till I c it. Thank you Barn Finds.
Congratulations! This looks like a very nice car that I would love to own. Please let us know how it works out.