- Seller: David B (Contact)
- Location: Traverse City, Michigan
- Mileage: 2,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 138176A142827
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 427 cui 470 HP V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
The 1960s was a golden era in American automotive history. It signaled the arrival of the muscle car, with manufacturers pushing the envelope to maximize performance and gain a competitive edge over their rivals. Chevrolet’s decision to slot a 396ci V8 under the hood of the Chevelle created an icon that is more desirable today than when it was new. This 1966 Chevelle is a genuine SS 396 that presents superbly. However, its party piece hides below the surface, with the engine bay housing an updated motor that provides power unimaginable when this classic rolled off the line. The seller wants it to head to a new home with an enthusiast who will appreciate what is an all-round package. Therefore, he has listed the SS exclusively with us at Barn Finds Classifieds with an asking price of $80,000, which is negotiable.
There’s a lot to unpack with this Chevelle, which started life as a genuine SS 396. The first owner ordered it in Danube Blue. It has since undergone a thorough refurbishment under a previous owner, receiving a color change to its current Marina Blue. Faulting its presentation is almost impossible. The paint exhibits an exceptional depth of color and shine, cloaking laser-straight panels. This car’s beauty is more than skin deep, and it is worth scrolling through the image gallery to appreciate how impressive this classic is. The underside is spotless, with every component either beautifully painted and detailed or wearing the correct undercoat that has helped this Chevy to remain rust-free. The build included replacing the weatherstripping and the front and rear glass seals. Close inspection reveals a couple of minor trim imperfections, including a small scratch on one headlight bezel and marks on the aluminum rocker guards. However, the overall appearance means that this Chevelle could proudly hold its own at any show. The wide 15″ Rally wheels and new Cooper Cobra tires provide a subtle hint that this classic is more than a pretty face.
The first owner ordered this Chevelle as an SS 396, teaming the big-block with a four-speed M20 manual transmission. The seller believes that the car may have a competition history, with a previous owner replacing the original engine with a 427ci beast with a 1968 casting code. Its subsequent owner detected a noise in the big-block, with further investigation revealing broken rockers and bent pushrods. Not wishing to cut corners, they pulled the powerplant and treated it to a comprehensive rebuild. The list of new parts includes rods, valves, valve springs, rockers, solid lifters, new bearings, and a camshaft from Competition Cams. A shiny new Holley 750cfm carburetor receives its fuel from a matched Holley pump, with spent gases exiting via Hooker headers and a dual 3″ stainless exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers. The seller estimates power output to be between 450 and 475hp, which is well beyond the 375hp produced by the range-topping L78 version of the 396 offered by Chevrolet in 1966. An aluminum radiator and a pair of electric 1,600cfm fans keep the big-block cool. That isn’t the end of the story, because this SS retains its four-speed manual transmission, along with power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. The previous owner installed a new Hayes clutch, flywheel, and throw-out bearing. The braking system benefits from new lines, a master cylinder, and other components. The boxed lower control arms, new springs, shocks, hydraulic lines, power steering pump, and QA1 adjustable upper control arms mean this potent beast possesses stopping and handling capabilities that match the engine performance. The seller confirms that this Chevelle runs and drives perfectly, with the suspension updates allowing it to feed its power to the road without fighting or trying to “get away” from the driver.
With the exterior presenting so beautifully, the previous owner decided that this Chevelle’s interior should be equally impressive. Therefore, the seats received new Black vinyl covers in the correct pattern, along with new springs, and were rebatted. They laid new, matching carpet over fresh sound-deadening material and insulation. They added a new parcel tray, underdash gauges, a column-mounted tachometer, and a retro stereo that matches the factory radio. The seller describes the interior as being of show quality, and it is impossible to argue with that assessment. There is no visible wear, broken plastic, or signs of UV damage. Its appearance will draw at least as much praise as the exterior wherever this classic goes.
It is rare to find a classic with almost six decades of active service under its belt that nearly defies criticism. This 1966 Chevelle SS 427 is simply stunning, with the photos confirming that its condition can legitimately be rated as a high #2 vehicle. The new owner could enjoy relatively sedate motoring if they desired, although this SS could effortlessly transform tires into smoke if provoked. It raises the concept of the traditional muscle car to a higher level. This Chevelle is worth serious consideration if you are searching for something genuinely special to park in your garage.
VERY NICE!!!
Although my preference is the ’67, this is a beautiful ’66 in my favorite color; however, I’m sorry, but that exhaust installation is horrible! A good friend that operated a Midas Muffler shop would have NEVER let a car leave his shop with such a terrible job! GLWTA!! :-)
You do realize that’s 3″ pipe under that A body, which is no easy feat. My 64 Tempest with the 428 the best my guy could do with the equipment back then was 2 1/2″. Getting it over the differential is the tough part. Not a lot of real estate to work with. By the way car looks amazing and with the added displacement is probably a lot of fun to drive.
Unconfuse me. What’s wrong with the exhaust system? Been building my own systems all my life and this one looks just fine.
LOL!!! If this looks “fine” to you, I know where I am definitely NOT taking my car for exhaust work!
Don’t like it don’t buy it. Bet the owner likes it.
The tips are too long and the right side looks like it’s hanging low. Poor workmanship.
I agree 100% these are not even the same distance from the ground. maybe cut about 5 inches off each pipe and paint the rest black.
I logged on specifically to reply to you. I was going to say the exact same thing about that exhaust. I would have to rip out those tailpipes and get new ones made that are tucked up a lot more. These look like the hanger broke and the pipes are ready to start dragging on the asphalt.
Other than that, it’s a beautiful car. Shame they don’t have the original motor for it. Kinda steep for a non numbers matching car. I would give 20-25k less, but not much more.
agreed, these are great looking cars. I’ve built a lot of hot rod cars and when I go to a show and the first thing that catches my eye is the exhaust then something is wrong, if the car is the first thing and I enjoy and have to look for the exhaust then something is right. A fine exhaust is under the hood and this car would look great even in primer if the exhaust wasn’t dragging
Gotta agree with @Moparman, the post-axle exhaust pipes need to be tucked. Other than that, it looks like a nice car, and I imagine it’s a lot of fun to drive.
Beautiful! Oh that sound as it rumbles into the myrtle beach run to the sun car show, raw power bragging out the tailpipes, operator occasionally ripping a quick rev to keep from over loading emitting a command for respect.
A marina blue `66 Malibu SS. Almost as much of a cliche as a red `57 Chevy.
Wow… Don’t get much better then this…
There is PLENTY of room to tuck that exhaust deeper. $80K is steep for a non-numbers matching SS. It’s a beautiful car, hope it finds a good home, and the new owner corrects that mess underneath.
yeah, those pipes really need some attention to detail. hanging down like that makes it look cheap. looks to be a nice car but not seeing 80k worth of Chevelle here IMO. best of luck to the owner with the listing
Do I see a piece of rubber installed on the right tailpipe against the gas tank to keep it from rattling?
With all the comments here about the exhaust I would think the seller make rethink his relationship with the plumber who installed the exhaust, admit the flaw, spend the money to get it right, and resend pictures of the new and improved work.
Absolutely beautiful ’66. Beautiful color. My only drawback would be the M20 4 speed. Would be better suited with an M22. Doesn’t mention what rear is in it .
What a car. The new owner is going to get a very fun car to drive with balls.
Expensive but it looks worth it if you have the cash.
That exhaust looks ridiculous.
Exhaust looks fine from the vantage points where 99.9% of people are going to be viewing from.
But, hey, people are gonna nitpick.
Nice Chevelle to be sure, but pricing seems quite optimistic for a non-matching #s car with repaint in an incorrect (albeit factory available color) spray job, even if it is nicely done. Negotiable price? I certainly hope so…..
Hi all,
Late getting to this.
I sold this car for the second owner to the third owner and now I’m representing it for the third owner.
As PRA4SNW stated, the photos make the exhaust look worse than it is when seeing in person, just walking around it. However, I do agree that it could probably be tucked up in a little more. If I were in the market, that slight bit wouldn’t keep me from buying this car and thoroughly enjoying it.
I’ve driven this car and it really hooks up and IS a blast to drive.
My opinion is that it is the epitome of a classic 60’s muscle car. The stance, the sound, the feel and even the smell of the high octane gas.
Any questions, I’ll be monitoring this, so feel free to ask.
Thanks for the comments and interest!
the exhaust looks like a JC Whitney mail order special I don’t like it being renamed SS427 either
Side pipes would solve the exhaust problems plus look extra cool with that 427 barking away.
I can’t agree with you on your exhaust idea. Imo, worse than the cows udders hanging down from it now. Super car otherwise. So cut the udders off.and enjoy a glass of milk when done