After a record-breaking sales year in 1965, it was no surprise that demand would be off a bit for the full-size 1966 Chevrolets. 20% fewer Impalas were produced in the second year of the fourth-generation Impala, but the numbers were still impressive at 655,000 non-SS copies. The seller’s car is one of them and no claims are made as to it being a Super Sport, even though it does have the popular 396 cubic-inch V8 engine. Located in Freshwater, California, this partially restored beauty is offered here on craigslist for $22,000 OBO. Hats off to Rocco B. for another Chevy tip!
After a redesign in 1965, Chevy only made small changes in 1966. The grille and headlight treatment was different up front, and the circular taillights were replaced with rectangular ones (apparently not something collectors are in favor of today). The 396 V8 was in its second year, having replaced the 409. The seller tells us this Impala has the 396 but doesn’t mention if it’s original or whether it’s had any work done to it. The motor is paired with an automatic transmission, presumably a 2-speed Powerglide. The odometer reading is 75,000 miles.
More photos would help display a car that has had a lot of recent work done to it. The floor pans and truck floor have been replaced along with the gas tank and body bushings (they must have developed some creaking). The paint is also new, although we can’t quite make out the color (is it black, dark blue, or dark green?). The interior is original, but no reference is made to condition or color. However, the car came with factory air conditioning, though no under-hood photo supports it. This might be a fine Impala but it’s deserving of better promotion.
I think I know this car,& the area.If it’s the same one I
knew when I lived there,it was a dark Blue color,and a
guy that worked at the local NAPA store owned it.
Also looks just like one that friends of my parents owned
years ago.
Fathom blue Code E.
No, this car’s color is “Owner’s Choice” from the paint charts.
My 1st car was a 66 Impala SS, white with blue interior, 327 with powerglide 2 speed. I later owned a 65 with 396 4 speed, non SS—pretty rare. A few years later I restored a bolero red 66 convertible Impala with 283 2 barrel. Would love to have them all now. Great running and driving vehicles.
It sure looks to me like the rear bumper is missing. Perhaps that’s why they’re so few pictures. I would agree that this car needs a lot more pictures both inside and out.
Yup, like many others I owned one also. Bought it from a mechanic friend who put a rebuilt 307 in it and couldn’t afford to pay for it. I fell a sleep and totaled it. Sad day and an ass kicking from my Dad.
My 1st car was a 66 Impala SS with the straight 6 and 2 sp powerglide. Little old lady’s grocery getter. It had 32,000 miles on it. Don’t know how rare that would have been now days or it’s worth?
Sorry Jeff, but I don’t believe Chevrolet made a SS Impala with a straight 6 in it but I’m no expert. Just saying.
Well, Gordo, not to put you down or anything, but, Chevrolet did offer the 6 in the SS models. It wasn’t very popular (under 1000) but they indeed did offer it. If you find contradictory info, please feel free to let me know.
My mom and dad ordered a new 1966 base Impala with the 325 hp 396 and a Turbo 400 automatic. AM radio, two-tone paint – a black painted roof over silver, black vinyl bench seat interior, single exhaust, wheel covers.
I still remember going for a ride with my dad once when he got on it to “blow the carbon out” and pinned me back in the seat. They always used Chevron Custom (premium) from the “white” pump.
It was a cool car and one that I would like to have today.
Had a 66 4 door Impala hardtop with the same power train. I doubt they offered the power glide with the 396. This is a car to restomod; trans needs overdrive, needs electronic ignition and fuel injection and total upgrade to suspension, brakes, steering and the feeble ac from that era. If chassis could be stiffened or replaced, that would be good as well.
OnLewis up on the mountain to choose from optional 427 big block 396 Volvo Lane and the Impala’s relationship is 101st and Michigan Roseland
My cousin still has his 66 Convertible that was his first car. I think it has the 327, not the 396 but he had it restored 20 years ago and his son now has it. ( He had a stroke and can’t drive it but gets a ride in it now and then).
Had a 66 ss396 4 speed car that used to race U.S. 30 dragstrip in the late 60’s by the original owner.It was called and had livery that said Little Miss Christy. 4:56 gear was nuts with the Muncie and the 396 w/ a Lakewood scatter shield and block saver.Used to eat up Iroc TPI 350’s in the mid to late 80’s like no tomorrow.
My dad used to race stock cars there in the late 50’s early 60’s. I was always in the pits, those were the days.
My dad had a friend who was an accountant. Because of his profession, he liked to keep things on the down low. He insisted that his 65 Impala have the 396 with the two speed powerglide with no SS markings or engine identification whatsoever. He spoke to the local Chevrolet franchise owner about it. The owner agreed to send a call up the ladder to corporate. A few hoops had to be jumped through including the customer’s loyalty not only to the brand but to the dealership itself. Once all criteria were met, my Dad’s friend was the proud owner of an SS delete 65 Chevy Impala with a 396 two-speed powerglide convertible top. It was Bahama yellow the convertible top was black as well as the interior. That was probably my favorite GM car of all time. Gosh, I sure do miss that sweet ride.
The Impala looks to me like a purple color,definitely not green or black.
The Impala looks to me like a purple color,not green for sure or black.