Chevrolet set a record for sales in 1965, so without many changes going into 1966, it was no surprise that sales with drop off (about 20% for the full-size cars, depending on model). Still, Chevrolet managed to build more than 236,000 Bel Airs in ’66, the second most popular model in the big car range. This edition is your basic 2-door post coupe that has had the same owner for nearly 25 years. With some mechanical tweaks, this solid Chevy is near Portland, Oregon, and is available here on craigslist for $17,500.
In 1966, the Bel Air was a step up from the basic Biscayne, but below the Impala, Impala Super Sport, and Caprice. That largely meant it had carpeting instead of rubber floor coverings and a few more trim goodies. The Biscayne was a taxicab grade car while the Bel Air may have been more for traveling salespeople. The 1966 numbers speak for themselves: 122,000 Biscaynes, 236,000 Bel Airs, 655,000 Impalas, 119,000 Super Sports, and 181,000 Caprices (these figures exclude station wagons)
Having potentially been lowered, this Bel Air has the looks of a sleeper with later Rally wheels, but there is no 396 or 427 in sight. At 142,000 miles, it does have its original 283 cubic inch V8 with some mild upgrades (rebuilt?) and a TH-350 automatic transmission replacing a 2-speed Powerglide. The front brakes have been updated to discs, a decided improvement for a somewhat heavy automobile.
The body is said to be rust-free, but the Willow Green paint (an older respray) is faded and may respond to some wax and elbow grease. The interior, though standard stuff, is nice with new carpeting and upholstery that was redone a couple of decades ago. This Chevy has only had one owner in the 21st Century who has lost interest in the vehicle over time. With a bit of TLC, this could be a nice cruiser for Cars & Coffee. But it’s not likely to win any streetlight battles.
My 1st car Russ in 72 was this car but an Impala with green interior. I’m the oldest of 5. Used to take my siblings & family Irish setter out on cruises. Fond memories. Dad was in Vietnam in 1966. Mom bought a brand new dark blue on blue 66 wagon to haul all us kids around. She only had 60,000 on her Bel-Air 283 when traded in 72. I should have bought it for a party wagon!
Ok lets get this going I think with out Google Rallies came out 65..
RW, you are correct that rally wheels came out in ’65, but I fail to see what that has to do with this car.
I don’t know where this is going but didn’t five slot rallies signify disk brakes and was stamped on the center cap?
First Chevy rally wheels like the ones on this car were offered in ’67.
Mine was a 1964 bel air 4 door 283 3 on the tree. Grandma’s car handed down in 1993.. fastest car out there until you had to shift to third!!!!😆
My 66 Impala with the original 283 had an oil filler tube. I don’t see that in the picture. Nice car with potential for a fun toy, preserved and enjoyed for what it is.
Looks like a non-factory intake.
Best friend had one in late 90s 427 4speed guy made uturn in front of us we T boned him sad end to a bad a$$ car
Preaty clean. I bought a 66 bel air running and driving. 283/t350. 2 door post. a little worn but still cool. Paid $1700 In 2023, sold it fixed a little bit more, sold for $4500 to a very happy guy in Portland. That was a buy that is few found today that I got it for. Good luck to seller, and buyer. These where nothing in the day, but now look at what they sell for. Wonder if these two guys know of each other?
Not a sleeper. Not a deal at that price. Could be a decent car, but….
Good point,no oil filler tube!
Back in 1972, we would get these for 50 to a hundred bucks!
Probably changed intake manifold to later version. Has pcv valve on one side and breather on other side. Valve covers could be originals
Modified to accept these, or could also be later versions.
Filler tube can be removed and hole plugged, same with road draft tube in back of block. This was common practice back in the day to
Convert to a pcv system.
Someone definitely changed the intake manifold and valve covers to accommodate the pcv valve. the pcv came out in 63 there would of never been a road draft tube on this car. The chrome valve covers are definitely not original.
Do disc brakes upgrade need to be power, just wondering.
Just begging for a 427 or some other massive big block and a T56.
A sleeper? For real? Maybe it will put you to sleep on a 0 to 60 run!
Well Charlie the the write up says later rally wheels,read complete before committing
I always think these full size 60’s Americans should have a big block in front of the tranny. And the tranny should be a stick. GM, Ford, Chrysler…