Chevrolet redesigned its cars in 1965, and buyers loved them. They sold more than a million Impalas in ’65, a record that would never be bested. The seller has a 1966 Impala Super Sport, which is mostly the same car as a ’65 with different grille and taillight treatments. It appears to be in good shape but has some rough edges. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this V8-powered SS is available here on craigslist for $15,500. Mike F. gets an attaboy for the tip!
While Chevy dealers were no doubt thrilled with 1965 Impala sales (1,046,500 units), 1966 was met with disappointment. Afterall, it’s hard to top a record. And since the ‘66s weren’t hugely different, sales fell to 654,900 copies – a drop of more than one-third. And because the Chevelle Super Sport was scooping up buyers left and right because of its lighter package, the Impala SS saw sales decline by half. Also, the new-for-’65 Caprice was pirating customers, too.
The seller’s ’66 Impala has a 283 cubic inch V8, but no mention is made of its being from the factory. The engine has had an intake manifold and carburetor upgrade, so it’s no longer a true “Turbo-Fire.” The transmission is a 2-speed Powerglide automatic, which was common Chevy fare in the 1960s. The odometer reads 63,500 miles, which would not be a lot for a 60-year-old automobile.
We’re told there’s no rust, and the maroon paint looks like it could be a respray. The interior is showing its age, particularly with the carpeting and door panels, and the bucket seats may need recovering, too. This Chevy came with factory air conditioning, but the compressor is nowhere in sight. If you’re looking for a driver-quality SS and don’t need to have big-block power or a 4-speed, does this ’66 ring any bells?
Would be surprised if this lasts the remainder of the day. If I had the space, I’d go get it!
Absolutely…
Maybe the 65 sold more than the 66 but, the 66 was most certainly the better looking car.
Ney Sir…….the 65’s have a special place in my heart. 😀
No way, the 6 round taillights were the best
There probably isn’t a dimes worth of difference between 65/66 as far as looks go. Tail lights & some grill work. But to each their own. I like them both
Asking the ‘65 or’66 Chevy which do you prefer question is akin to picking Ginger or Maryanne. If you don’t know who they are google Gilligan’s Island. I learned to drive in my parents 1966 Belair; 283 with three on the tree and absolutely no accessories not even a radio. Both years are equally attractive to me but I would pick a 66 over 65 strictly for nostalgia. This one needs some TLC but looks like a good vehicle to start with. GLWTS.
What happened to the wipers? Wiper arms and wiper switch on the dash are both gone?
It does need some work, but you will not find a numbers matching Super Sport Impala with little rust for anywhere near this price.
I have a soft spot for both models, dad bought an Artesian Green 65 Super Sport 327 with white interior in 68 when I was in 1st grade. My first car was a 66 Super Sport, also owned a 65 396 4 speed Impala, non super sport, then my last was a 66 Impala 283 convertible.
It has Caprice taillights, and is a beautiful car. To find one apparently rust free is quite rare, and one with factory A/C is a nice find, too. It looks lowered to me, which is the first thing I’d have to fix.
It isn’t lowered it just needs new coil springs,the car is sixty years old!
It listed A/C but I don’t see a compressor.
Beginning with the ’62 Super Sport (one of my first cars) and going to the ’67 Super Sport, I have always considered the SS Impalas to be one of the coolest cars produced. This isn’t a great price for one in this condition but I would not be surprised to see it sell for something pretty close to this. One thing that I would think that a potential buyer might want to check out is its accident history. The missing engine size call out on the front fenders seems odd to me, like maybe the front fenders have been replaced and whoever did the work thought that replacing the Super Sport script was important but not the engine size script On less of course it was originally a 6 cylinder. (I can’t remember if the sixes had an engine emblem or not.)
Good morning Rodder, I have never seen a 283 emblem on a Super Sport or regular Impala that had one. The red one I restored (pictured) was a 283 and I purchased it from the original owner. I was the first owner to restore the car. Also worked with a guy with a 283 65 Super Sport 283 conv. which didn’t have them either.
I’m a little confused by your comment about engine call outs on a ’65 Impala, but I suppose that my not being exactly clear probably didn’t help. The 327 and the 396 equipped cars had the engine size displayed while the 283 cars just had the crossed flags indicating that it was a V-8. This car has neither.
Got it, I see exactly what you are saying, strange it has nothing, then the Caprice taillights is another weird setup. What makes me believe it is a true Super Sport is that it has the correct interior. Definitely worth a thorough checkup prior to bringing it home!
Just needs a little cleaning up mostly under the hood.
“a true “Turbo-Fire”.”
So, is this a thing now?