This 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS demonstrates the possibility of combining luxury motoring with plenty of power beneath the driver’s right foot. The first owner ordered the car with plenty of desirable factory options, with many believing the big-block under the hood to be the best of the bunch. It presents nicely and is ready for a life of adventure with a new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Impala listed here on Craigslist in Washougal, Washington. The seller set their price at $47,775, down from $48,760.
It seemed that most automobile manufacturers couldn’t put a foot wrong in the 1960s. Pony and muscle cars captured the public’s imagination, but Chevrolet’s Fourth Generation Impala set a new sales record when it was released in 1965. The company shifted over a million cars across all derivatives, a record that remains unbeaten to this day. The company chose not to reinvent the wheel in 1966, performing only minor cosmetic updates when this SS rolled off the line. It looks pretty stunning in Butternut Yellow with a Black vinyl top. The seller states that it has been repainted in its original color, but is unsure when this occurred. The paint shines impressively, and there is no evidence of vinyl deterioration or bubbles. The car retains its original floors, which are as solid as the day the Impala left the lot. The trim and glass are excellent, and the American Racing Torq Thrust wheels perfectly suit the car’s character.
This Impala would have felt pretty luxurious in 1966. The first owner ordered it with air conditioning, power windows, bucket seats, and a console with the sports gauge cluster. Someone cut the door trims to install aftermarket speakers, but it is unclear whether it also features a stereo in place of the factory radio. Trimmed in Black vinyl, the overall condition is consistent with a survivor of this vintage. There is no major wear, and the pad is crack-free. The carpet looks quite good, and the only other visible addition is a column-mounted tachometer.
Lifting the hood reveals that this Impala is more than a pretty face. It features a 396ci V8, a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The big-block produces 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque, with both figures higher than most owners would ever need. The seller states that the car retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. That is a genuine consideration for those contemplating the long-term investment potential. However, for enthusiasts more focused on motoring fun, the seller states that the SS runs and drives extremely well, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home.
Pretty as a picture, with a mountain of muscle. That probably best describes this 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS. This gem presents exceptionally well, and those craving originality could easily reverse the few changes to return the car to its factory form. However, enjoying the Impala as-is would be a viable option, and I suspect most potential buyers would adopt that approach. This classic has only been on the market for a few days, and the seller believes it will sell pretty quickly. Do you agree?
Very nice car but wrong wheels for the era.
Beautiful car, and the.only thing that would make it pretty close to really nice is it being a 4 speed.
Also, I disagree with Shuttle Guy re: the wheels, I think they are perfect for the period, and were it mine, I would either keep them or maybe put 8″ Vette rallies and TA radials on it.
Not to argue, but just to point out, these are period looking wheels, but are considerably different than the older Torq Thrust wheels. For someone that wants an accurate “day 2” car, they will find an original set. It’s like seeing two of the same year make and model of muscle car parked next to each other, one restored with all OE parts the other with reproduction parts. Some people will notice the difference, others won’t, but there is a difference that many will be drawn to.
Steve R
A few things here. This is a very nice Chevy. To bad there are speakers in the door panels, I would change the rims and touch up the rear of the gas tank.
I own a 65 396 4spd. headed for the resto shop and am interested in any Impala going up for grabs. I have realized that the 65 pulls a little more $ than the 66 but this particular one is top of the line for sure. Good luck seller, I’ll keep an eye on your listing.
Very very nice! My 1st car in 72-73 just in time for the gas crunch. Luckily, the high school was a mile up the road in a straight line. And drove it to work & back home. 10 gallons of petro wasn’t much for the hi-performance machines then. Like a neighbor & his 69 Chevelle, I spent more time in driveway with hood up & tinkering for awhile.
nice but from what i read it needs tranny work. for the price it should be 100% – any improvements you would want to make like different wheels/tires
Prefer the 65 over the 66..however, nice looking car..good luck with the sale
Way over priced. 325 hp 396 with an automatic has no special value. Just nothing special about this car. Granny’s grocery getter.
Well, I’m not too sure about how many folks are going to call a ’66 SS Impala with a big block “granny’s grocery getter”.
Granted, it ain’t an L-72 4 speed, but it sure as heck wouldn’t be for the meek of the earth.
I have owned, and still do, a 396 4spd full sized Impala, unless you’re looking to make $ at the track then you’ll want to build a big big block. For lots of torque and tire smokin HP a 396 will respond quite well. The package being offered here is just right for anyone looking for a big block powered 4 spd cruiser. Just get use to burning up a tank of gas every Fri. or Sat. cruise nite.
This one is an automatic, not a 4 speed.
Correct tail light lens for a true SS?
Yes. These are the correct taillights. You could dress it up a little with 1966 Caprice taillights (they have horizontal bars in them). I own a 1966 coupe, four door sedan, and a Caprice four door hardtop.
Nice car, and love butternut yellow but have to agree with hairy olds, for that kind of money it should be show ready and this is not even close. Drop it 10grand and and you would be able to do some repairs etc.
I think he is in the cheveel money territory! Probably more like a 25000-30000 car! Less if trans is slipping! Beautiful car! But way to over priced!
Ofical auto appraiser? He deffently is high on price! More like a dealers appraisal!
Nice car but it’s not a 47 thousand dollar ride maybe mid twenties nothing more