And now for something from the “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should” department. Today, for your review, we have, courtesy of Don’t Need Credit, a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle that has undergone the most unusual transformation. I’m all for creativity, but I don’t know about this one. Follow along if you will, and we’ll delve into this most unusual mashup. Morrison, Illinois, is where you’ll find it, and it’s available here on craigslist for $6,500.
There’s no denying the popularity of Chevrolet’s Chevelle – yesterday and today. In its 1966 third year of production, Chevelles of all stripes put up some big sales numbers, 447K units to be exact. Today, they are cherished collectibles, especially the SS396 high-performance variant. This example appears to be a Malibu two-door hardtop, but the seller claims that it was originally a lesser model 300, two-door sedan that he modified to look like a Malibu. The seller mentions that he took the body down to bare metal and then sprayed it with epoxy. It’s now wearing a terra-cotta-hued finish with what looks like a sprayed-on faux vinyl top. Jacked up? You bet, that’s because this Chevelle is sitting on a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria frame. Size-wise, it works as the Chevelle’s wheelbase is 115″ while the full-size Crown Victoria is 114.7″. Beyond that, there must have been a ton of fabrication required to pull this off. The seller adds, “First and foremost, this is an unfinished project that I put together in my garage at home. It’s far from perfect and needs work. Some aspects of the car are crude and unfinished.” What I find equally as intriguing is the two-door post to two-door hardtop conversion – the roof lines and quarter windows are different and the sedan didn’t have extended C-pillars with a “tunneled” rear window – I’d really like to see the VIN to verify this alteration; the seller states, “Car is licensed as a 1966 Malibu and title is current…”
Continuing the FoMoCo transformation is the Crown Vic’s 4.6-liter V8 engine and transmission, which is said to “Start, run, and drive and stops…It runs fine, but occasionally goes into limp mode, and I have not diagnosed that issue.” The rear axle is stated as possessing a 3.55:1 limited-slip gear set, but it’s not said if it’s the original Chevy unit or it’s the Ford component (The Chevelle has a 58″ rear track; couldn’t find a measurement for the CV).
Inside is “MoFo” as the Crown Victoria’s dashboard and front seats have been installed, but the rest of the interior looks gutted. The seller doesn’t offer any additional information beyond what the images reveal, but he does state, “Most lights work, but much on the car was just mocked up.”
Why, oh why, oh why? is my parting question. Clearly, the modifier has some extensive automotive and metalworking skills, but would those skills have been better employed in another direction? As I stated earlier, a ’66 Chevelle is a hot ticket collectible and has been for some number of years; this car, however…well, I don’t know what lies ahead for it. All that said, I appreciate the imagination and ability, and offer the seller a GLWTS wish; how about you?
Aaaa nope!
Had to be a sizeable bet at stake, to explain this endeavor 💸 💁♂️
Was alcohol involved?
Probably-before, during & after, most likely.
Lots and lots of alcohol was involved, did you look at the dashboard ? Many beers were consumed ! 🤣
Well, I’m going out on a limb, as usual, but I think many may have forgotten what it’s like to just have some fun. Blame it on our “cookie cutter” society, or we’ve become mindless slugs thanks to this machine I’m typing on, but give the person a break. Ruined a ’66 Chevelle? Big deal, one more the greedy won’t get their hands on. This is what America was made of, people doing their own thing, and I’ll support it. Am I interested in a ’66 Chevelle on a Ford frame, good heavens no, and the builder isn’t looking for praise, just maybe someone that might think like they do, if not, nothing lost. They did something with their free time, like I used to do before the ravages of age took hold. It upsets me that anytime something unusual is created, it must be under some kind of influence, but trust me, dope addicts and alcoholics don’t do things like this, it’s why they are addicts. Please, let’s not be so critical, I think this stuff is great!
The devil loves idle hands Howard ✋️ 🔧
Welp at this point may as well LS swap it
There must not have been an old 4×4 Blazer. chassis sitting in the yard the night they decided they needed to build this abomination.
Steve R
I have no idea why anyone would do such a thing but I’ll join Howard in giving props to the builder/seller. He had an idea and he went for it. Crown Vics have pretty stout roll8ng stock. Just ask police departments and cab companies. If someone can polish this it should be reliable and unique.
🤦♂️🤦♂️Why?Why?Why!!!!! Was there a bet involved?!!! 😭 this is insane!!😢
The “cheford” has been abused in so many ways. When I saw the title , I was hoping it could be sorted back until reading about dash and frame.
I guess some parts could possibly be sold should the front fenders not be butcherd to fit the Ford frame. Then the hood and trunk lid with some glass.
This poor car has been devalued and bastardized in so many ways.
I wonder if this happened during lockdown and the owner just thought it was the apocalypse so built what parts were in his driveway or field?
Just trying to give some out on the why?.
Not sure I believe the 300 to Malibu conversion but the whole thing is just a mess. Ar best, it’s a parts donor.
I believe 300’s have a different VIN than the 2dr hardtop, that might be a way to try and explain away the discrepancy.
Steve R
You’re correct, they do; that’s why I suggested that I’d like to see the VIN.
JO
Usually you see great ideas with porr execution. This was a bad idea with what appears to be pretty capable execution. My guess is this fellow had both cars sitting around, discovered the wheelbase similarity, and embarked on a “I wonder if this will work…?” project. She won’t win any awards but I bet she was a blast to slam together, swear at, and brainstorm through many garage beers. GLWTS!
This car is perfect for a Gen III Coyote swap!
This is what happens when your garage and your meth lab are under the same roof.
So many questions, but the big one is this: if it was originally a Chevelle 300 Deluxe, and it’s riding on a Ford Crown Victoria chassis, how is it registered as a Malibu, per the seller?
It is either a crown Malibu or a chevelle Victoria
That is a soup sandwich mess.
Depending on the soup, I’d rather have the sandwich
The VIN would not allow the BMV to register a 300 as a Malibu. Their computer would kick it out as soon as someone typed it in.
Just no
certainly will piss off a lot of GM fans boys at the car meets on Friday night..
I think this thing should be named “Revenge”, for all the bow tie powered Fords.
I think I would have used a flathead 8
Run Forrest…
RUN!!!!!!!
This is just sad…… Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Two cars (Three if you count the roof) converted into one giant parts car.
Demo derby
Is there a circle track class this could fit in?
Race of Lemons?
There were some crazy crown Vic race in Florida recently, maybe it could be a ringer there?
There is hope after all……. :)
This builder is very talented, shame that he could have spent the time on a worthy project instead of this Frankenstein
My eye first caught the high school shop hood scoop. After reading the attachment, I thought this is just morally wrong.
I’ guessing this guy forgot which body went on which frame after a bad drunken bender.
Just because you CAN, doesn’t mean you SHOULD.
My sentiments exactly.
Well it wouldn’t have been my choice for a lot of reasons but it’s kind of a pay back I suppose to all who have complained about about guys that have put Chevy engines in 30’s and 40’s cars. This guy definitely took it to another level.
All I have to say is WHY!!! Hard pass!
This is what hot rodding is all about….there are 100k+ Chevelles around and even more Crown Vics, nobody will miss either of the original cars. Dude had a vision and went for it….kudos to him I only wish he could have finished it. Homer Simpson would have been proud!
Guy behind the parts counter- What’s the year make and model?
New owner-Well…..
Why would someone remove a power train that has been proven for over 45 years to be bullet proof and replace it with a stupid computerized modern motor and all of its failure prone sensors?? I think this car is worth around $27 as is.
I don’t agree with Howard a lot, but this time I do.
All you haters, get over yourselves!
Don’t like it? Don’t buy it! But quit your whining.
My oh my, punched a little hot button huh. I don’t think anyone was “hating” anything, they were merely commenting on what I believe anyone would have to admit is a tiny bit loonie tunes. I also was not aware that one needed to be interested in purchasing a automobile to comment on it.
Point taken.At least we can still say what we want on BF. I quit BAT years ago because I was offending the sensibilities of the more money than brains no-nothings…
That really warms my heart. What’s the matter, bowtie boys, get your feelings hurt? After all the Ford cars and trucks you have disgraced with your chevy engines because it’s cheaper and you don’t know how to work on Fords. I think he did a great job.
YUK……………ABUSED US JUST TO LOOK AT THAT.
Disgusting.
A hard pass for me. All of the reasons for this are listed in the ad.
For some reason I like it. It seems to have a weird attitude just sitting there. I wouldn’t buy it, but I still appreciate the thought and work. at a cars and coffee you would certainty have some “splaining” to do.
Good point Jeff J.
Ooohhhh! The horror!!!!
But I love all the comments it generated.