While it might not have quite the cachet of a genuine SS, this 1966 Impala could hold its head high in that company. It is an original survivor that is remarkably solid. The fact that its engine bay houses its numbers-matching big-block V8 is the icing on the cake. It would benefit from a light cosmetic restoration, but its next owner could retain it as an original survivor without feeling ashamed. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for spotting this pearl for us. It is located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and has been listed for sale here on craigslist. Compared to what you might expect to pay for an equivalent SS, this Impala looks like a bargain at $12,500.

The owner recently located the Impala sitting in a barn, a spot it had occupied since 1981. When he examined the car closely, he was pleasantly surprised. The Mist Blue Metallic paint proved to be tired, but it is acceptable for a survivor-grade car. The owner states that it looks nicer in the photos than in person, so I suspect that the buyer will probably treat it to a repaint. The panels have a few dings and bruises, the worst of which are in the passenger side front fender and rear quarter panel. These appear to be repairable, so the buyer would not need to fork out the cash for replacement steel. However, all of that was the entree because the main course is that this car is not riddled with rust. The panels look extremely clean, and if there is anything present in the underside, the impression is that it would be fairly minor. This could be a pretty straightforward restoration project if the underside is as clean as the seller suggests. The trim seems to be in good condition, as is the glass. The Impala rolls on a set of Rally wheels, and these appear to be in as-new condition.

It seems that the original owner might have wanted the performance credentials of an Impala SS, but in a more subdued and subtle package. It looks like he grabbed the Order Form and a pen and then went for his life! What the buyer will receive for their money is a numbers-matching drivetrain that features a 396ci V8, a 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, a 12-bolt rear end, power steering, and four-wheel power drum brakes. With 325hp available under the driver’s right foot, the 4,118lb Impala could conquer the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds. Left to its own devices, it would eventually find its way to 124mph. When the owner revived this classic after four decades in hibernation, he was pretty thorough. The list of parts he replaced is extensive and ranges from the alternator and water pump to shocks, wheel bearings, plugs, wires, and the carburetor. He flushed and replaced the fluids, while the brakes benefitted from a new booster, wheel cylinders, shoes, and springs. That list is merely the tip of the iceberg, but all of that work has paid dividends. He says that the car runs and drives perfectly and that he would be happy to drive it anywhere.

When you scroll through the supplied photos, it is easy to get the impression that this Impala was treated with respect before the previous owner placed it into storage. There’s no evidence of abuse or mistreatment, and the interior condition seems to support this. There is some wear on the wheel, but that is one of the few signs to indicate that we’re dealing with a 55-year-old classic. The seats and other upholstered surfaces are in excellent order, as are the carpet, dash, and pad. There are no signs of rips, tears, cracks, splits, or any other issues that can be an unavoidable part of any find like this. The owner only identifies a couple of problems for the buyer to consider. The factory AM radio doesn’t produce noise, but this could be as simple as a faulty connection or failed speaker. There is no glove box liner, but with these readily available for around $20, it is hardly likely that this will bankrupt the buyer. Otherwise, it seems to need nothing, and the factory air conditioning should make life pretty pleasant on those warmer days.

We’ve featured a few examples of the 1966 Impala SS over the years here at Barn Finds, and some of the feedback makes interesting reading. While few people have anything critical to say about the cars themselves, a group of enthusiasts with young families find a two-door classic to be impractical. They would long for an equivalent vehicle, but one that offers the versatility of four doors. That is what this Impala would seem to provide, which those people will find attractive. The other thing that might tip the scales is the price. If this were a genuine ’66 Impala SS 396, I would expect to see it listed for around $18,000 to $20,000 in its current state. Those two additional doors might impact its value, but for the right buyer, they could be a blessing at a bargain price. This classic has only been on the market for a few days, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it finds a buyer pretty quickly. Could you be tempted?