When thoughts turn to high-performance American models from the 1960s, it is generally classic muscle or pony cars that sit foremost in people’s minds. However, it was possible to buy vehicles that offered the space and comfort of a full-size model with anything but ordinary performance. This 1966 Chevrolet Impala perfectly encapsulates that philosophy. Its interior provides enough space for its occupants to sprawl with plenty of leg and shoulder room, while the big-block nestled under the hood means it can get moving when the driver pokes it with a sharp stick. This gem needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Medford, Oregon. It could be yours for $37,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this stunning survivor.
Chevrolet introduced its Fourth Generation Impala in 1965, and while some styling cues carried over from the previous models, the Fourth Generation possessed a sharper and significantly more modern appearance. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1966, and its condition is jaw-dropping. Tropic Turquoise was one of the most desirable shades Chevrolet offered that year, and it is the perfect color to cloak a classy vehicle like the Impala. It is unclear whether it has received any restoration work, but its overall condition is hard to fault. The paint shines like a mirror, with no visible flaws or defects. The same is true of the panels, which are laser straight. The Impala spent most of its life in sunny California, meaning its lack of current or previous rust issues is unsurprising. The sparkling chrome perfectly contrasts the Turquoise paint, and the tinted glass looks spotless. The original spinner hubcaps and narrow whitewalls add the ideal finishing touches to a car that oozes class.
Impala buyers in 1966 faced a wide variety of engine and transmission combinations offering something for everyone. The selection ranged from mild to wild, but this classic’s original owner went for the high-end of the middle ground. They ordered the Impala with the 396ci V8 that sends 325hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. Considering its luxury leanings, power assistance for the steering and brakes would provide an effortless driving experience. The Impala was a full-size model, meaning the big-block had to move 4,019 lbs. It did so effectively, taking 16 seconds to cover the ¼-mile on the way to 126mph. This Chevy is a two-owner classic with an engine bay that presents as impressively as the rest of the car. Looks aren’t deceptive, with the vehicle running and driving perfectly. The seller supplies a welcome combination of documentation, including the original Window Sticker and all paperwork dating back to Day One.
The seller doesn’t supply any interior shots, which is disappointing. However, if the exterior condition is an accurate guide, the presentation should be close to perfect. They list a few of the factory options, and life on the road would be pretty pleasant thanks to the combination selected by the original owner. It includes bucket seats, air conditioning, power windows, and a tilt wheel. The list may seem modest by modern standards, but it wasn’t shabby in 1966.
For a buyer looking for a classic that ticks all the boxes, it would be hard to go past this 1966 Chevrolet Impala. Its presentation is exceptional, it wears one of the most desirable paint shades offered in that model year and comes with significant documentation and a known ownership history. The V8 hiding under the hood is its crowning glory, making me believe it won’t be long before it heads to a new home.
OOOOH! What a BEAUTY, back from when GM was at the height of its glory! GLWTS!! :-)
I’d let that occupy a space in the fleet….beautiful ride……
You got the three years covered..I especially like the ’60!
Great car,being from the East and having traveled the west coast many times the cars out west are just so rustfree . I’d rather buy something like this than something that needs 90 percent of it’s medal replaced
Thirty-seven thousand dollars and not a single photo of the interior?
Several interior pics on the site. Buckets, console power windows.
396 and a powerglide? Will run forever I’m pretty sure Beautiful car, and yes all the right boxes were ticked. Yes it’s a lot of money… so is a new Honda, I’d prefer this one.
It’s got a three speed Hydra-Matic, not a Powerglide. Even better!
Terry, the three speed Hydra-Matic wasn’t available until 1969 in the Impala line. So if this 66 has a TH350 or TH 400 it isn’t stock, which is ok.
As an old Bracket Racer I happen to like Power-Glides, and would leave whatever is in this car as is.
Terry you are correct the turbo 400 came out in 1964 for Buicks and 1965 for Chevy. BRAKTRCR is thinking of the turbo 350 which came out in 1969
You are correct, but I don’t understand why so many guys have trouble figuring out the time-line for the TH400. The TH 400 came on the market in 64 for ‘big’ Buicks, Cad deVilles and Eldos (the Series 62 & 75 continued with the OLD Hydramatic until 65). In 65, the TH 400 was used in big Pontiacs and Oldses. Also, in the spring of 65 Chevy introduced two new changes–the new ‘luxury’ Caprice and the new 396 engine replacing the 409. The 396 was available with either the PG or the TH 400. In 67, big Chevys w/the 327 could be ordered with the TH 400. The TH 400 was also available on Chevelles w/a 396, which would make them an SS 396 since that’s the only model where that engine was available. The SS 396 could also have a PG, just like the 396 Impala. This continued on for a few more years where either a TH or PG was available with most V8 Chevys.
My mom and dad purchased a new ’66 Impala sport coupe (non-SS) with the 396 and Turbo 400 three-speed auto. It was a two-tone paint car with a black roof and silver lower with a black vinyl bench seat interior.
For less than the knackered up ’70 Barracuda elsewhere on the site, you can have this beauty. It’s a no-brainer as to which car I’d buy in a heartbeat.
whewww!….37 grand….dats alot….nice car tho
37k isn’t a lot of money for cars anymore it was years ago but not now
Right? I’ve mentioned this on a 1991 Z28 post, but I always thought this was high priced, until my son got into mid 1990s Supras. That car was meant to compete with the C4 Vette, and it flopped. The NA version, RH drive with a manual transmission is over $50k, and that’s a car with over 100k miles. Turbo version is more than double that. As the younger generation chases JDMs, and the older generation expires, I think we’ll eventually see prices on these older vehicles.
1968 turbo 400 got married to the 396/427 on the Chevrolet Impala & Chevelle. Two speed powerglide was in use on the big blocks in 67 and earlier.
And someone mentioned buick? In the early muscle years buick had the famous nailhead 364 & 401 bolted to the DynaFlow twin turbine automatic transmission!!! Prior to the turbo hydro 3sp automatic. I know, I lived it!
400 THM available behind big blocks in big Chevrolets starting 1965. Available behind big blocks in Chevelles in 1967. Available behind 327s starting on 1967.
Only behind SS396 is the turbo hydro automatic 3 speed allowed in 67 from what was a choice for the Chevelle.
And 396 ElCaminos in 1967. My brother has an all original 325 hp 396 67 ElCamino with a 400THM
Turbohydramatic WAS available on 396/325 and 427/390. Not available on 427/425.
My second car ever, just a 283, bench seat (some advantages for a young guy with a girlfriend)
Loved that car…..
As far as the 3 speed hydromatic, I had a new 67 Caprice Sport Sedan, loaded like the car listed, 396 and yes, the 3 speed hydro. So they were there
Yes, my Dad had one too. When I got my license in 1970 it was fun to drive.
Wow! Beautiful ride and priced right! That is not a lot of money these days! If it had 3 pedals I would own it! One lucky person will end up with it and hopefully many years of enjoyment! GLWS!!
Never understood Chevy in the day, they would advertise their engine size on their cars, while none of the rest of GM did on full size cars.
Yes, Chevy put the engine size on their cars, but so did Pontiac. 326 on the LeMans, 350 and 400 on the Firebird, 421 on the Catalina 2+2 back in the 60’s and 70’s. I think Caddy did for a short time when they sported that 4.1L engine. Can’t recall a Buick or Olds back then displaying the engine size on the outside . . .
Firebird and Lemans were never full size cars
You forgot 1966 Ford Galaxie 7.2 litre. Very rare.
Really nice car with all the options I would want, love the color as well. 37k is a lot of money in general but consider the prices on everything else and the condition of this one if I had the cash it would be mine already.
Yikes hopefully I didn’t make anyone mad. My mistake on the transmission for this car. I thought my memory served me better. Sorry folks.
I’m 11 years older than this car, and not in as good shape as it is
I am a real oldies..I bought the 67 Caprice brand new….planning 55th High School reunion
This car is referred to as an Impala Sport Coupe. The wheel covers are Super Sport items and the fender badges definitely say Super Sport. Help me understand! Not even the seller refers to the fact that it is an SS in the Craigslist ad. I can’t help to think an SS would be worth more than a Sport Coupe.
Impala Sport Coupe means it’s a 2 dr ht. An Impala SS Sport Coupe is a 2 dr ht w/buckets and console. So, this is an Impala SS Sport Coupe. It’s not brain surgery to figure that out! SS= Super Sport.
Yes. And no where does it refer to it as an SS.
In the later 60s a Chevelle was not a super sport unless it was equipped with a big block, hence SS396. The options you see on any Chevy with gauges, bucket seats were optional. The stock chevy ss396 had bench seats, idiot lights on the dash, manual 3speed, half moon hubcaps with the chevy emblem. SS was distinguished by its V8 396 engine.
This car also has the rare Comfortron Climate Control. They’re great if they work, but a PITA if they don’t. While is mentions it being from CA, it was NOT SOLD NEW in CA–it doesn’t have an A.I.R. (smog) pump which was required for cars sold in CA in 66.
Our new 1966 Impala SS 396 came in silver with black vinyl top, black interior and three-in-the-tree. Coupe with bench front seat.
That’s a really nice car for the price!
Tahitian turquoise beauty.Never liked comfortron.Always a pain the arse with their finicky sensors.I’m a 4 season s guy.What a nice car though.I’ve owned dozens of 65-70 b bodies including many 66’s.My favorite was my 66 ss 4 speed in the lighter artesian turquoise with a black vinyl top and interior. Mine had no ac but had the console gauges. Glwts.Fairly priced.She’s gonna sell quick I bet.
My Tahitian Turqouis Impala 396 was a Super Sport with a 4-speed, incredible low-end torque with the 325 hp engine. I was discharged from the Marines in May of 66′ and the poor dude that bought my car new had put just 9,000 miles on it when he got his draft notice and went to ‘Nam. I hope he made it home. With a 3:08 rear, it was a great cruiser. Also it had unbelievably a single exhaust. I went on to spend 35 years selling cars and always wondered what kind of turkey ordered that car, it still was fun though.