There are many factors to consider when selecting a classic to park in your garage. Sometimes, compromise is required to transform a dream into reality. However, if your Wish List includes a 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS 396, our featured car deserves a close look. It presents superbly, and the owner recently rebuilt its engine and transmission. However, their decision to drop the price may lift it from tempting to irresistible. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting this beautiful Impala listed here on Craigslist in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Initially listed at $49,000, the listing now shows a price drop to $45,000 OBO.
Many enthusiasts consider the First Generation Mustang as one of the greatest sales successes of the 1960s. That point is hard to argue, because the company found itself in the enviable position of struggling to meet buyer demand. However, the 1965 release of Chevrolet’s Fourth Generation Impala range rewrote the rule book. It set a sales record that remains intact over six decades later, which is astounding when you consider the growth in the market since those heady days. This Impala is the SS 396 variant, which rolled off the line in 1966. Describing it as stunning wouldn’t be an understatement. The first owner ordered it in Artesian Turquoise, one of the most beautiful shades on that year’s color palette. The car presents superbly, with no visible cosmetic shortcomings in the listing images. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, and if this is a genuine survivor, its condition is particularly noteworthy. The paint shines like glass, the panels are straight, and there is no visible rust. The trim and tinted glass are excellent, while the narrow whitewalls and spinner hubcaps provide the perfect finishing touch.
The theme of impressive presentation continues once we open the doors and slip behind this Impala’s wheel. Trimmed in Turquoise vinyl, it features bucket seats, a console, the sports gauge package with a factory tachometer, and a pushbutton radio with the optional rear speaker. Apart from some visible wheel wear, there is little about this interior that deserves criticism. The vinyl upholstery looks excellent, with no significant wear or other problems. The carpet is clean and protected by a classy set of “SS 396” mats. Add a spotless dash, pad, and console to the mix, and this interior is a praise-worthy feature.
The seller only supplies one engine bay image, and it’s pretty poor. However, the Window Sticker reveals that the first owner ordered this classic with a 396ci V8, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, and power steering. As the L35 version, this big-block would have produced 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque when the Impala was shiny and new. It should still be capable of matching those figures, as the motor has only clocked around 19,000 miles since the seller treated it to a rebuild. The news with the transmission is even better: it has only clocked 200 miles since a refresh that included the installation of a shift kit. The seller states that this Impala is numbers-matching and, with the recent work, potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition.
I acknowledge that time can often mellow impressions, but it seemed that General Motors couldn’t make a bad move during the 1960s. Down Under, the Holden brand commanded almost 50% of new car sales at the decade’s dawn, while the Pontiac GTO defined the muscle car. The Buick Riviera offered those seeking a Personal Luxury Car a stunning alternative to the Ford Thunderbird, while the Pontiac Firebird and the Chevrolet Camaro were worthy adversaries to Ford’s all-conquering Mustang. However, the Fourth Generation Chevrolet Impala was a masterstroke, selling in unprecedented numbers. This 1966 Impala SS 396 embodies all that was great about the badge, from its beautiful styling to the potent big-block under the hood. It appears to need nothing, and with the recent price drop, I believe it will soon find a new home. Are you tempted to make it yours?
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