After a record sales year in 1965, Chevrolet had a hard act to follow in 1966 with its full-size cars. Depending on models, Chevy sold 20% fewer Biscaynes, Bel Airs, and Impalas in 1966, but the numbers were still huge. The seller has a well-equipped and upgraded ’66 Impala SS convertible that sports a 350 V8 with modern specs. Located in Columbia, Missouri, this red rocket is available here on Hagerty, where the current bid is $12,500. Many thanks go to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for this nifty tip!
Chevrolet promoted the Impala Super Sport to series status in 1964, and the car was still putting up big numbers in 1966. But full-size performance cars had begun to fall out of favor for lighter mid-size machines instead. You could get a ’66 Impala SS with any Chevy engine, and the fender badge of this drop-top says the popular 327 once lived under the hood of this stellar car. A 350 from 1971 has since replaced it (for whatever reason), but the original 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission may still be in play. The odometer reads 76,000 miles.
We’re told the seller acquired this SS in 2018, and it’s wearing a nice but imperfect coat of Regal Red paint (the original color, but not the finish). The seller or the previous owner put a ton of money into restoring and upgrading this fine machine, which includes adding fuel injection to the engine and front disc brakes for improved braking capabilities. Other new or newer mechanical goodies include vintage air conditioning, electrical components, cooling system, and a whole lot more.
While everything looks great, the Chevy is not Concours quality. And it’s not numbers matching either. So, if those things are deal breakers for you, then this Impala SS is not for you. But if you’re looking for what should be a great driver that will impress the Cars & Coffee crowd and serve as a great weekend cruiser, why not step right up?
It’s a shame when they were upgrading the drivetrain etc, they didn’t do something with the powerglide. IMO they can be set up for the drag strip but are sadly lacking on the highway. Regardless, it’s a good looking car.
An emissions 350 (they lowered compression in ’71 to make them more friendly to unleaded) teamed with a slushbox is not a good idea. Maybe they went cheap with the drive train conversion? Or hopefully they at least massaged the 350 to bring it back to pre-’71 specs..
If they didn’t “massage” the 350, the new owner can do so, if they so desire and their budget can stand it, LOL! Upgrades to the intake, cylinder heads and the exhaust system can restore what the EPA taketh away, and for relatively short money! If you really want to go crazy, upgrades to the bottom end of the motor, such as a forged “stroker” crank are available, albeit at extra cost. A 350 can become a 383 very quickly with a crank swap!
Plus a 2004R is literally a bolt in proposition. Much better than the old tried and true 350. This car probably has 331/336s. The overdrive would make for a great highway cruiser, has a lower first gear and makes a later addition of 373s or 410s a very real possibile upgrade
The callouts on this car should be returned to original. The Impala callouts on the fenders can go away. The Impala SS callout should appear on both the grill and rear deck in place of Chevrolet callouts.
The CGC engine was a 245 HP 350 from a Chevelle.
Beautiful car. Love the red, the convertible top, and the A/C. I think I’ll pay attention to the auction for the next 10 days. Never know where the bidding might stop and Missouri isn’t that far away from north Texas.
I am also from North Texas. I will be following closely!
Nice car here just get rid of those rims.
i really doubt this is real SS. looks like a wanna be i agree with nark the wheels need to go
It’s an SS unless someone has swapped out the ID plate
Hello, FYI, I checked the vin in several locations and it looks to be an original SS. I like your username because my name is Harry, I’m an Oldsmobile fan that’s owned 4 nice Oldsmobiles over the years, and one of them was a red 1968 442 back in the day. You have a great day!
Really nice car 2 hours from the house. It has a great factory/ original look to it with the exception of the tires and rims.
Why wouldn’t you put some rallies or some period correct wheels such as Cragar SS or Ansen Sprint type wheels with RWL or redline tires to complete the look? Maybe upgrade from 14 to 15 inch.
Nice car, but I’m not a fan of the Pioneer stereo replacing the factory AM Radio this car would most likely have been born with, ditto the control panel for the aftermarket A/C. The factory control panel would have been better, but at least the A/C vents look factory installed, even if they’re not. Otherwise, an outstanding presentation, even if the motor isn’t original. A definite “8” out of “10”! GLWTA!
The 12.5K that this car is at right now is very reasonable, compared to what everything else is costing lately. I guess we will have to wait until close to the end of the auction to see if it remains a bargain.
Gee.. I wonder if this is my brother’s car? Bought new in 66; he did quite a bit of traveling due to being in a band.
His name is Robert.
A.G. is right. The fenders should only read Super Sport, without the Impala designation above them. This looks like an Impala that is being passed as a Super Sport model.
If the vin number confirms it’s a SS, why the doubt?
It has Super Sport interior. Perhaps someone replaced the front fenders and didnt remove the Impala emblems. Both emblems are in their correct locations for either model. Pictured is the 66 283 powerglide I restored in 92.
A close look on the Hagerty website, it appears the doors are not properly aligned, as well as the trunk lid, and the front lip of the hood. The fenders should not have BOTH Impala and Super Sport emblems on them. Same with the emblems on the trunk.
SOLD for $32,100.
19 bids.