Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Original 396! 1966 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon

The majority of full-sized station wagons were sold as mundane forms of transport for the family. With a few notable exceptions, they did very little to instill a sense of excitement in their potential buyers. This 1966 Impala Wagon is an exception to that rule because it features a 396ci V8 under the hood. That means that it has plenty of ponies available to move the whole family pretty quickly. Located in Thomaston, Maine, you will find the Impala listed for sale here on Craigslist. Simply hand the owner $13,500, and you can drive away in this classic. The owner might also consider a trade for the right vehicle. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Ikey H for spotting the Wagon for us.

The Ermine White Impala presents quite nicely, and the Rally wheels give the vehicle an aggressive stance. The paint has a few minor flaws, but there are no significant paint issues that would require immediate attention. It looks like there might be some rust starting to creep out from under some of the chrome around the side and the rear glass, so that is something that should be checked sooner rather than later. The remaining panels and the rockers appear to be free from any issues. The floors and frame wear a dusting of surface corrosion, but I can’t spot any penetrating rust. All of the glass appears to be in good order, while the same is true of the chrome and trim.

At 4,394lbs, the Impala Wagon is not a lightweight vehicle. Therefore, opening the hood to find a 396ci V8 is a pleasant surprise. This beast pumps out 325hp, which finds its way to the road via a 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission and a 12-bolt rear end. The Wagon also comes equipped with power steering and power brakes. This combination is undoubtedly capable of getting the Wagon up and moving. A ¼ mile ET of 16.6 seconds is not too shabby for a classic of this size and weight. The Impala is not only a numbers-matching classic, but it is said to be in sound mechanical health. The owner states that the engine sounds strong, with no smoke or odd noises. The vehicle has recently been fitted with new brakes and shock all around, and the owner states that it goes really well. With a full dual exhaust, I’d be willing to bet that it probably sounds pretty good as well.

I would class the Impala’s interior as serviceable, but it will require some work to sparkle. The carpet is new, and the back seat is in reasonable condition, but plenty of items will need attention. The front seat will require a new cover, and the dash pad sports three cracks. The rear cargo area shows all of the wear-and-tear that is typical of this type of vehicle, and it will require restoration. It isn’t clear what state the door trims are in, but the headliner does have a few small rips. The Impala is fitted with air conditioning, but this doesn’t currently function. It looks like the original AM radio is still in the dash, while the wagon also features a rear power window and a tilt wheel.

Classic station wagons will always command plenty of attention in the market, and this is especially true if they happen to have a big-block under the hood. This one isn’t perfect, but most of the required work could be tackled in a home workshop. That could make it a great candidate as a Winter project. That way, it would be ready to take the whole family on a wealth of adventures when the weather turns warm once again. That sounds mighty tempting to me.

Comments

  1. Avatar Big_Fun Member

    This was on ebay with an asking price of $14,900 or best offer. I know that the tilt & telescope wheel is a nice option to have, it was added later, according to the build sheet.
    These are great to take to the swap meet. A friend of mine owned one, he had a hood stepped to his luggage rack, and a quarter panel in the back, just touching the back of the front seat.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar mike

    Another dreamer. $5000 max is all this is worth. It’s still better then any suv! lol

    Like 6
    • Avatar Gray Wolf

      Mike you are so wrong about the price. Try finding one with a big block, let alone numbers! Most of the wagons got stripped of the entire drive train and front clip, then made into a nice chicken coop! I looked for two years before I found mine with 49,232 miles on the speedo and no rust. I have had three offers north of $25,000 and I won’t part with it! Wagons are big along the Ca. coast.

      Like 9
    • Avatar Greg

      Price is very dependent on location. If this car were in So. Cal he could probably get $20K for it. Unfortunately for him he lives in a poor state and one that sees bad weather for 2/3 of the year. I think the price is fair.

      Like 2
  3. Avatar Jeff

    Why does it have a 1969 265 horse 396 air cleaner and if the engine is not original its a dud.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Big_Fun Member

      The air cleaner is correct, only the decal is wrong. Owner says it is numbers matching, even decodes it for us.

      Like 1
  4. Avatar local_sheriff

    Love it when sellers actually post pics of cowl tags and imprinted pads and even with a build sheet to back his claims 👍.

    I’ve found repro upholstery for the ’66 Wagon in 7 different colors – this beautiful green is not amongst those…so any new owner will have to w-a-i-t for it to become available or come up with something creative. Or maybe even resign and have it entirely redone in one of the available colors?

    It’s not the most exciting exterior color but on the other hand it’ll work with just about everything you may throw at it. Not sure it’s worth the asking but with the docs and how desirable 60s longroofs are – particularly with that drivetrain – it’ll easily sell in the 11-12k range. Very nice find, though I find the ’65 to be a lot better variant of this body

    Like 7
    • Avatar Steve R

      I think at a different time of year and in a more centralized location this wagon would sell quickly for its asking price. This might have been a $5,000 wagon 10 to 15 years ago, but not today.

      Steve R

      Like 4
  5. Avatar Mike Hartman

    I’ve owned a few of these 60s wags plus many others. I did a 68 in 2k that I put a 402 in, lowered it, painted it a wild blue with airbrushed trim. Made a bunch on that one. If this car is clean the price is fair because they are, in the last 20 years, the thing to have. I’ve owned over 50 wags since my 64 Impala in 1975. Still have a few.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Gibson

      My dream car is a ’64 Biscayne/Impala wagon. It was our families first car that I remember riding in.

      Like 2
  6. Avatar SourPwr

    We traded our 66 chev wagon (283 auto ) in on a new 1974 Gremlin for $50.00. After the deal was done the salesman took our wagon for a test drive and was angry saying we ripped him off and wanted his $50.00 back!

    Like 7
  7. Avatar Greg

    Price is very dependent on location. If this car were in So. Cal he could probably get $20K for it. Unfortunately for him he lives in a poor state and one that sees bad weather for 2/3 of the year. I think the price is fair.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar HC Member

    Whay a find! 1966 Impala wagon with a big block and factory A.C. and very little rust. Price is very fair.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Douglas

    This wagon just sold (a bargain) again for $15,000, easily a $20,000 wag. IMO

    They are only original once and to some that is a huge draw.

    Like 1

Leave a Reply to HC Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.