Occasionally, a car will appear that offers a wealth of possibilities. Such is the case with this 1966 Chevrolet Impala Four-Door Hardtop. It is an original and unmolested survivor that has remained part of the same family since Day One but is heading to a new home to settle an estate. It shows its age, but its solid nature makes preservation a viable option. The new owner could treat it to a light restoration, although it would also make an excellent foundation for a custom build. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Arlington, California. If you hand them $10,900, you could open the next chapter in this classic’s life. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder local_sheriff for spotting this remarkable survivor.
Chevrolet introduced its Fourth Generation Impala in 1965, with this car rolling off the line following the badge’s first annual update. The changes were largely cosmetic, although the company added some big-block power to the options list. The included Dealer Documentation confirms it was purchased by the original owner in Snohomish, Washington, in September 1966. It is unclear when it found its way to California, but it has remained within the current family since that fateful day it drove out of the dealership. Its original Artesian Turquoise paint shows its age, but that is common with many classics of this vintage. However, the panels are straight, the gaps are consistent, and the seller indicates that everything opens and closes as it did fifty-six years ago. The best news for potential buyers is the complete absence of rust. The exterior shows nothing beyond the occasional spot of surface corrosion, with the seller stating that the floors, trunk pan, and frame are rock-solid. The exterior trim, including the damage-prone hubcaps, sparkles surprisingly well for an unrestored classic, while the glass is flawless.
Although buyers could order their ’66 Impala with everything from a 250ci Turbo Thrift six to a 427ci big-block, this car’s original owner selected the safe middle ground with the L30 version of the venerable 327ci v8. This small-block produces 275hp, with the vehicle also featuring a two-speed Powerglide and power steering. Although considered purely as sensible family transport for up to six people, this Impala’s ability to storm the ¼-mile in 17 seconds undoubtedly commanded respect from those in the know. The good news continues coming thick and fast, with this classic retaining its numbers-matching status. It has never been dismantled or rebuilt and is in sound mechanical health. It has a genuine 105,000 miles on the clock, running and driving well. Its only need is a new battery, which will cost the buyer peanuts.
This Impala’s interior is as original as the rest of the car, with no evidence of modifications or aftermarket additions. The upholstered surfaces sport Black vinyl that shows no signs of significant wear or abuse. The carpet has faded, as have some surfaces on the dash fascia. However, there are no pressing needs, and the new owner could retain the car as a survivor with no associated shame. It isn’t highly optioned, but it does feature a factory AM radio for those wanting tunes on the move.
Regular readers are aware that the originality of any classic car draws me. Although I admit a leaning towards vehicles sporting the Blue-Oval badge, I have total respect for this 1966 Impala Four-Door Hardtop and its history. Many readers will see the restoration path as the most obvious to pursue, while others might yield to the temptation of adding a more potent powerplant and other touches as part of a custom build. Considering its history and current condition, I would find it hard to resist preserving this car as a proud survivor. Do you agree?
This is the kind of car that you’d actually see in your
neighborhood in the ’60’s/’70’s.I miss those days when
neighbors would drop by to see your new car.
That right front fender appears to be repainted.
Price seems reasonable but why couldn’t the seller at least get a used battery if he/she is too cheap to buy a new one? I just don’t understand some sellers.
I love any car that has stood the test of time and had an owner that had enough sense to take care of their purchase and actually treat it like part of the family. loved family member With that in mind it should go on being cared for as such as if going on to assisted living and being treated and pampered, not carved on and painted up like a lady of the night.
Slight disappointment to see black vinyl inside instead of matching turquoise brocade, but otherwise what a great old car.
Good point on the interior color as most seemed that the exterior and Int. where color coordinated-but black is common. I just sold a 66 Belair 2 door post that was beige in and out also years ago i had a impala65 that was same color outside but it had the matching color in the interior. I did have a Belair I think a 66. It was white and white interior w/black carpet, it always seemed a odd combo.
My grandmother bought a 66 Caprice 4door new. It was blue with blue interior. She came to visit the family for Thanksgiving, it was the most beautiful car we had ever seen.
This was one of the first cars I drove as a teen, thanks for the memories Adam.
At this asking price it won’t last long.
“Car was never tooken apart.” I guess that’s an excuse for by-passing the heater core.
My Dad bought a new 1966 Belair: appliance white, four door post, red vinyl and cloth interior, 283, three on the tree, not one accessory. He even had the dealer delete the radio. I learned to drive in this car. And he let me have it for dates. Fond memories. Price seems reasonable for this Impala. I like it but don’t have anywhere to park it inside as my garage is already full. Of course as usual it’s on the opposite coast from me. GLWTS.
I love cars like this. Well kept survivors that show a little age but still hold themselves proud. Just preserve, maintain and enjoy.
I picked up a Buick Riviera recently in similar shape, so solid and honest, miles of metal to clean and polish. Every time I touch it, it looks a little better. And the drive…such a lovely floating barge.
If you have never experienced a good 60’s or 70’s American car like this, you really should.
You’d love my ’65 Skylark
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I love this body style, it had the good look of the two door with the practicality of the four door. The black vinyl interior would have been a common option during those years. I have a 65 Monza with the mist blue outside and black leather interior. Love this car, it would make a good companion for the Monza.
Impala hardtops are definitely not the ugliest 4 doors, although I prefer the ’67.
Gives me flashbacks of high school. ’69 4dr with the 350 & automatic. Kind of a bronze-gold color with matching interior. Not knowing any better I beat that car like a rented mule & it took everything I threw at it. Loved that car. Spring’ 84 I was at a stop sign & had to inch up to see past some bushes when a drunk lady weaved into my front left fender/bumper area at about 40mph. Helluva jolt. Totaled her mid ’80’s Buick Regal. I had less than $700 damage. Good chunk of that was getting my radiator repaired & flushed. Wish I still had that car.
I worked part time at a Chevy dealership in Southern Florida in 1973. A customer came with a ’66 Impala for the motor mount recall. I didn’t get to see it as closely as I would have liked. It was beige and I think the interior was as well, 4 doors. I nearly drooled looking at it! Of the ’60’s vintage Impala’s, the ’66 is #1 on my list. At 70, I wouldn’t mind having a ’66.
As you can see in the engine pics, this car has the “fix” for the engine motor mounts installed. They were simple cable & clamp tie-downs. I used to grab these anytime I came across them in the junk yards since they actually worked. Having done quite a bit of street racing back in the day, I experienced the ‘side effects’ of a motor mount breaking under ‘launch’ conditions. When the drivers side broke the engine would literally torque-roll up & over onto the passenger side, which would effectively lock the throttle fully on. At that point the only thing one could do to alleviate the full throttle effect was to turn the key off. Think fast!
Do not suggest turning this into a custom build. It’s too complete and well preserved to ruin. I’ve seen similar cars with nightmare “improvements” and modifications. Hopefully the new owner will keep this as original as can be, and just limit the improvements to parts made for this model.
I agree Alan, but too many will see it & the first thought will be the same, lame idea: “drop an LS in it!” ……how stunningly unoriginal! Ha Ha Ha!!