This 1966 Chevrolet Impala looks like a mild-mannered classic but hides a potent secret below the surface. Its engine bay houses the car’s original big-block V8, guaranteeing it has the muscle to match its good looks. It is a tidy and solid vehicle that a new owner could drive home, but there is scope for them to place their mark on it, tailoring the car to their taste. The Impala is listed here on Craigslist in Jupiter, Florida. The seller set their price at $16,600, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this fantastic classic.
Chevrolet’s Fourth Generation Impala first appeared in showrooms for the 1965 model year, and the last cars were produced in 1970. The company’s latest and greatest featured an entirely new design, with little beyond some of the the major mechanical components carried over from its predecessor. The original owner ordered this Impala in striking Artesian Turquoise, and various aspects of this classic make me believe that it is a restoration project that stalled with the finish line in sight. The paint holds an impressive shine with no major flaws or defects. The panels are as straight as an arrow, featuring tight and consistent gaps. There is no evidence or mention of rust in the photos or listing, with the susceptible lower body extremities looking clean and solid. The trim is excellent, and the glass is crystal clear. We must examine the photos carefully to discover a couple of subtle badges warning the unwary that this Impala is more than a pretty face.
Chevrolet’s big-block V8s are renowned for producing impressive power and torque, and the numbers-matching 396ci beast lurking in this Impala’s engine bay is no exception. It sends 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque to the 12-bolt rear end via a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission. Power steering ensures the driver doesn’t need enormous biceps to maneuver this Chevy in tight locations. The Impala’s curb weight of 4,118 lbs is about average for a vehicle of this size from the 1960s, but the big block allows it to storm the ¼-mile in 16.1 seconds on its way to 129mph. There are modern four-cylinder cars that can improve upon both figures, but the torque delivery of the V8 guarantees effortless acceleration, making open-road overtaking a breeze. The seller recently installed new brakes, indicating the car is in excellent mechanical health. They state that the new owner can slip behind the wheel and drive this baby home.
One look at this Impala’s interior reveals why I believe it is an unfinished restoration project. It is serviceable, but the seatcovers aren’t correct for an Impala of this vintage. There is no door or rear trim, and a hole in the dash where the radio should be. However, the dash and pad are excellent, and the carpet looks new. The new owner may wish to return the interior to its former glory, and the shopping list will be relatively long if that is the goal. It includes door trims, seat covers, a headliner, and a new parcel tray. The available items will add around $2,000 to the car’s initial purchase price. Aftermarket additions include a column-mounted tachometer and a set of under-dash gauges to monitor the health of the big block.
This 1966 Impala presents well, and adding the finishing touches to guarantee it turns heads won’t break the bank. That work could occur at the new owner’s leisure, although it is almost certain that they will want to whip the interior into shape ASAP. The drivetrain configuration should score points for street cred, and the seller’s price is realistic compared to recent sales results. The Impala has only been on the market a short time, and I doubt it will take long to find a new home. If you have previously owned a ’66 Impala, was the experience enjoyable enough to tempt you to pursue this one further? I wish you luck if you do.
This is a nice Bel Air 2 door post. I believe the only Impala 2 door post offered was in 1961. Big Block, with PS and A/T seems uncommon. A friend had a simular build, but with a 3 speed on the column and no power steering.
I didn’t think the aftermarket built an interior kit for the Bel Air, just the Biscayne, Impala, SS and Caprice. Hopefully the market has changed.
I’m thinking standard gear was 2:73, I wonder what it is now?
Seems the fun/value ratio is favorable at or below the ask of $16,600…
Boy they took him , ordered a Impala and got a Bel-Air..
I think the author is confused. Just because it’s a big Chevy, doesn’t mean it’s an Impala.
😂😂😂
I’m not convinced that even the Bel Aire badging is correct. I think that all 2 door post’s were Biscaynes. One thing is for sure though, it ain’t an Impala.
Yes, I caught that, too. Not an Impala. We had a 66 Biscayne when I was growing up. Same body style, interior and even tail lights.
there was a bel aire 2 door post in 1965
You are so right, 1961 the only year a 2dr. Post Impala was offered.
you are correct it’s a bel aire 1961 only 2 door Impala sedan
Hard to tell how stock anything is, it’s got headers and the freshly painted engine could well be hiding an aluminum intake, not that any of that is bad, personally I’d put heads and a cam in it as well.
The price seeks low if it’s anywhere as nice as the pictures suggest it is. The ad is 3 days old, either there is something really wrong with it or it’s a scam.
Steve R
Looks like it just had a rattle can rebuild.
Low rider.
Tacos back
Welcome back Taco!
If this is legit, this Bel Air is a very good buy. Maybe I am just too cynical but something has to be up? Would need to view and inspect in person but as presented, it looks like a deal.
Price increase! $19,450. 😆
Be interesting to see if and how much it sells for
Obvious scam!! Car would already be sold if legit !!
I agree with the scam idea. And it looks too good to be true.
If all you want is an old car to drive around in.
This is a Bel Air, not an Impala. Tail lights are different, along with the trim.
The Craigslist ad says it’s a Bel Air (which it is–not an Impala) and they want $19,450.
What is going on here? There’s more wrong than right. My 1st car was a nice green 66 IMPALA SS 396. This is not the same. Someone failed to “check, check double-check everything.”
With a 4 gear it may be worth the money. An auto drop the price.
Stoplight sleeper. Love the dog dishes.
Had a 1966 Impala 283 factory 4speed deluxe interior with a bench seat when I graduated from high school in 77’ red with black interior
It’s a Bel Air, not an Impala.
I had a red 1965 Biscayne, 327, 4-speed, bench seat. Loved that car.
That one would be a dream to own now!
It was a great car. I think the only options we the engine, transmission, rear end and an am radio. It was a two door post.
No such animal as a 2dr.-post Impala…….except in ’61.
What’s up with the four backup lights.
John, it’s an Impala rear bumper
I’m not sure why Adam calls this an Impala. It’s a Belair. FWIW, the seats aren’t covered in Belair material. Regardless, this car has a lot going for it in my view. Even though it needs some interior trim; the 20K ask seems like a decent deal to me. Personally I’d prefer a four speed. But I could suffer with the automatic. 1966 Chevrolets are kind of nostalgic for me. I learned to drive in 1966 in my Dad’s brand new white Belair four door with a 283, three on the tree and power steering by Armstrong. GLWTS.
I had a 66 …427 4 speed S S DARK BLUE BENCH SEAT
I almost started to comment that there wasn’t a “bench seat” available in 66 Impala Super Sports, until I remembered the choices were either strato buckets or the strato bench (the seat backs looked like buckets and had a fold down center armrest, the cushion was a full width bench). Pretty rare to see now, but one of my favorites back then.
had a 1966 427 425 HP Corvette it was wild miss that car
I had a 65 …427 4 speed S S DARK BLUE BENCH SEAT
This car looks exactly like what the Oregon State Police used in 1966.
I’ve got almost the exact car setting out front for sale, except it WAS a 327 automatic with factory a/c. I left Montana at 15 driving a 66 Impala convertible.
If I was living in the USA I’d buy it!
U r both wrong 1960 offered a 2 door post Impala I know I had one
your wrong the 1960 Impala 2 door was a hardtop no center post only 2 door post was in 1961 it was a sedan yours was a 2 door hard top with windows down there was no center post all open
Really good bones. Too bad no A/C; in Florida of all places.