Hiding in this garage is a classic that will form the foundations of an excellent project build. It is a 1966 Chevrolet Imala SS Convertible. It is rock-solid, and the biggest challenge facing its new owner will be deciding what to bolt into its empty engine bay. If you already have a clear vision, you will find the Impala listed here on eBay in Patchogue, New York. The single bid of $6,775 has taken it beyond the reserve, meaning it will head to a new home in a few days.
Chevrolet released its Fourth Generation Impala for the 1965 model year. The latest offering owed little to its predecessor beyond its mechanical components, featuring new styling that was crisp and clean, becoming an instant hit with buyers. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1966, with its original owner ordering it in subtle Ermine White. The paint shows its age, but the news is positive from a physical perspective. The panels are extremely straight, with no significant dings or dents. The exterior shows no signs of rust, while the underside shots confirm this classic is as solid as the day it was born. The buyer will undoubtedly strip away much of the existing paint as part of a high-end restoration, but they won’t face hundreds of hours of rust repairs that can sour a build for some enthusiasts. The Convertible frame is intact, although a new top is required for excellent presentation and that all-important weatherproof status. I can’t spot any glass issues, and while most of the existing chrome and trim should be restorable or will respond positively to polish, there are a few missing smaller items.
The Impala’s interior continues the theme set by its exterior. That means it is essentially complete, but it is begging for a healthy helping of TLC. The radio has gone, but crucial items like the console and sports gauge cluster are intact. The upholstered surfaces aren’t riddled with rips and tears, but the wear and apparent signs of collapsing foam confirm a retrim is on the cards. A new pad and some small bright trim pieces will go on the shopping list, and the painted surfaces will benefit from a refresh. However, with the work complete, the dazzling Red interior will make a bold statement when contrasted with the White exterior.
The empty engine bay reveals what some may see as the biggest challenge facing this Impala’s new owner. It is unclear what originally resided under the hood, but evidence suggests it was bolted to a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The Impala confirms its luxury leanings with the original owner’s decision to order it with power assistance for the steering and brakes. The new owner could perform detective work that should uncover the truth about its drivetrain configuration as part of a faithful refurbishment. Alternatively, they could throw caution to the wind and bolt in a big-block, providing plenty of ponies under the right foot. A more modern engine and transmission as part of a restomod build is also a valid approach, and I’m sure most of our readers already have a clear vision of what path they would adopt.
Chevrolet had a hit on its hands with the 1965 Impala SS, as 243,114 buyers drove one off the lot. The count dropped significantly to around 117,000 in 1966 as the lure of the Chevelle SS, Pontiac GTO, and the emerging pony car sector tempted many buyers. This SS needs love, but it is a prime candidate for a build where the new owner can choose between the faithful and custom approach. The current bid figure is affordable, and an enthusiast with an appropriate engine and transmission squirreled away in their workshop may find it irresistible. Could that person be you?
A bargain, look, a car you can basically put an engine in and start driving. Probably a bit of an exaggeration. But some of the cars on here have incredibly high prices and you need to scoop it up with a dust pan just to bring it home. I know, it’s not a GTO or Mustang.
Must have been a 6 cylinder-no flags on the fenders. My 65 was the same-just the SS emblem on the back. Guess someone will find out when the chassis motor mounts don’t line up.
I saw flags on the fenders. Maybe I was looking at the eBay dealy.
there are emblems on the ebay site.and even on here you can see them if you look closely.
The possibilities are endless and easy and like said above. A car you can actually work with and not go broke.
Wow, a neat old chevy at a reasonable price. This car is within a 25 minute drive from me, too bad I can’t buy it. I’d put the most original drivetrain I could find and enjoy it for what it is. Hopefully, someone with deeper pockets than I will restore it to original, although a straight six would be boring, a 283 or better a 327 is a good start. My first car was a 66 Impala coupe, 283 2bbl w/ powerglide, gold outside with a black brocade interior.
Mine was too Zen, green on green tho. Was cruisin’ w/my 4 younger siblings & family dog , an Irish setter, at 65mph when engine blew. Turned out to be broken camshaft. Good news tho was an Elias Bros. Big Boy was right there for shakes till folks got there.
Only thing that puts me off about any Chevrolet from that period is the two-speed slushbox. I don’t think you could even Pay For a 3-spd auto. So, you’re stuck with a center console that can’t be accurate if you decide on a TH350/400… Maybe the bezel would fit in the same space from an Olds or Buick…
Good news, Summit, Jegs, Classic Industries all sell parts to change the shift indicator and shifter detents to go with a 3 speed (TH350/TH400) or 4 speed (700R4) transmission.
I’d look for a 4 speed console and use a Tremec TKX 5 speed (for overdrive) modified with the correct shifter and a Hurst stick to look factory stock, but that’s just me ;~)
actually the th 400 was available. I still have a tilt telescoping column with a 3 speed selector from a rust box 396 400th car I junked eons ago.
I stand corrected. The only ones I ever saw were 2-spd.
Where’s the beef?
Where’s the beef? 🍔
I’d buy it, put in a crate motor and trans, and clean it up, service as needed, and drive it until the cows come home.
I’d like to buy it and put in something like say a Ford flat head V8, ah I can hear it now the SBC crowd would sound like cats peeing on an electric fence. 😎👍
You be you.
Hell YES! A sweet old ’66 Impala drop top. I’m willing to bet a good wet sand and buff will bring this car to presentable condition as it is. Then replace the top, work on the interior as time allows. I wouldn’t hesitate to decorate even a nice running 305/700r4 for almost free to just cruise on nice days and enjoy the countryside without a care in the world.
Without breaking the bank you’ve got a nice ride! That’s what I’m talking about.
I like your take except for the 305 reference
305? Just go with a 350, the 700r4 with a big cooler & 3:42s out back.
I agree with Dan H. – change it over to a manual either 4 speed or 5 speed. It’s not like these are super rare anyway and the original drive train is long gone. It would make it much more fun to drive than a skushbox. I can attest to that from personal experience, because back in the mid 79s I was a 16 yr old high school junior and my driver was a 67 Caprice (non-metallic red, no vinyl top) factory 396 4 speed 12 bolt posi when I was 16 and a junior in high school. That rig really smoked the tures
Did I say I was 16 and a Junior in high school at the time? That’s what I get for writing a comment after I’ve had my pre-dinner tee martoonies
The engine bay is humongous , only a big block can look good in there and since we are really close to 2024 , electronic fuel injection and overdrive are not only for the wizards, overdrive transmission is also a must have