It’s one of my favorites, a full-size 1966 Chevrolet “B” body. I like them all, especially the Impala convertible as I owned one for seven years back in the ’90s. While the two-door hardtops and convertibles possess the most star-power for collectors, the four-door sport sedan, better known as the four-door hardtop like this Caprice example, located in Hutchinson, Kansas, is a sharp, refined-looking ride. It is available here on craigslist and can be yours for $9,500. Thanks to Pat L. for the tip!
The Impala was Chevrolet’s go-to sales model in the ’60s and ‘70s. In mid ’65, the Impala got one-upped by the new Caprice four-door hardtop. It was toe-to-toe competition between Chevrolet and Ford and the Caprice was developed to go up against Ford’s new luxury positioned LTD. The ’66 Caprice was a refinement of the introductory ’65 model.
The feature of this Caprice that immediately struck me is its interior – it’s in fantastic shape and makes quite a statement in bright blue vinyl. The dash layout on the ’66 Chevy is large, logical and simple, it makes the interior that much nicer a place to inhabit. In reviewing the images, it appears that the interior needs nothing.
Moving to the exterior of this 60,000-mile example we find Chevrolet’s classic four-door hardtop roofline, covered with a black vinyl covering contrasting beautifully with a still strong, original Ermine White finish. The body shows really well and the seller indicates that there are some minor dents and dings and a repair in the driver’s door that is not wearing well but other than that, it’s in excellent condition. The seller mentions that there are some very small rust spots and trunk surface rust but it is all minor in nature. As a suggestion, from my experience, I’d check the underside pretty closely – that’s a commonplace where corrosion will start on this vintage “B” body, specifically floor pans and front and rear frame pockets. The seller makes no reference regarding underside integrity but there is no indicative reason to assume a problem.
Under the hood is Chevrolet’s 396 CI, “Turbo-Jet” V8 engine, generating 325 HP. These are reliable and torque-strong engines, perfect for moving a car of this mass. The seller makes no mention as to how the engine runs but these are simple engines to maintain and/or repair. Any auto parts store can still provide most of the needed components to keep this engine in perfect operational condition. Two automatic transmissions were available in ’66 for this Caprice, the Powerglide two-speed and the more recently introduced and highly desirable Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic which, fortunately, this example possesses. AC is present too, no mention if it is operational.
This is a sharp-looking car that is in great condition, hard to believe it is 54 years old! The seller makes mention of an issue with the brakes but it’s probably minor, again, nothing is too complicated on one of these vintage Chevys. Beyond the brake issue, it sounds like this Caprice is good to go. My ’66 Impala was one of the best cars that I ever owned; I probably don’t want to take that trip down memory lane again, but how about you? This is a good candidate.
Pending inspection, what a ride this could be. If I were looking for an Impala of this vintage, this would do. Decent shape and AC, sign me up. Two-door snobs click on by.
I’d buy this a thousand times over that clapped-out rust-bucket Dodge Dart that sold for over 6 grand. I’m still shaking my head over that.
My first car was a 66 Chevrolet Bel Air with a 283 2 speed. It wasn’t extremely fast but it was solid and it ran smooth with air conditioning. I would love to take this big thing for a spin and perhaps take it home.
I have a 67 Two door that needs some work but I really like the 66 body style much better!! This car is very clean and original looking!!
Nice car unfortunately I am having a premonition that this car will become a “date code” motor donor to another 2 door Chevy SS model of some sort. This car will get a 350 transplant and be a cool driver for a Friday night ice cream fun run!
Hardly surprising it has a hitch. Could tow your house clean off the foundation.
Well, I was around when these car proliferated our streets, and while the “Big block 396” has us thinking wheel standing Novas, truth is, these were just oily slugs, that gulped gas, and was needed to haul “Big Mama” and the 5 kids around to grandmas farm in the sticks. Truth is, once one of the kids killed it, or rust, the motors were pulled,,,,and put into Novas. Fun to see a car like this again.
These were hardly “oily slugs”. I had a Chevelle SS with this engine. Outran a 440 six pack Dodge and any 390 Ford. Truly reliable and although not the higher horsepower versions, it could hold its own.
“Outran a 440 six pack Dodge […]”
With all due respect that must have been a very sick 440+6; it should have had you by 65 hp (390 vs 325) and that ain’t hay.
Just thinking of the Chevy from Dirty Mary Crazy Larry. Think that was a ’66 also. This would make a awesome sleeper.
Looks like a pretty solid driver overall, I’m having trouble seeing the body issues referenced in the ad. If it checks out, it would be a fun driver with some oomph behind it.
I like the 4 door hardtop much better than the 2 door landau top. Chevy “sports sedans” always appealed to me. As a Ford guy, I will admit this Chevy would tear up a Galaxie 390 with little effort.
The ‘66 trim was always my favorite of this generation body.
The tire chains in the trunk are never a good sign. I wonder what it looks like underneath. I can see some rust bubbles and rust on the lower rear wheel well and vinyl tops always worry me as to what is hiding underneath.
It seems to also have cruise control. I really like the style of these Chevy 1966 models. If the selling price was a few grand less I would be interested in going down memory lane again in this one.
The boys suggest that you get a ’67 4 door.
nice rare optioned car…….
RS. I do agree but they were rated at 375 horsepower. He had me by 50 horsepower. Could have been a little overweight, but regardless, it happened.
I had one identical to this. Great car. Same color with black vinyl top. 4-door 396 with the 3-speed Turbo 400 trans.