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?
My parents bought the same car new in 65, same color with a 327 and white interior. When my sister got married in 72, he gave it to her. She drove it for a year and traded it to a new silver Vega GT. I believe it made it 30,000 miles when the engine went KAPOOT! She still says it was the 2nd worst decision she ever made, getting married being the first!
I know I’ve mentioned on here like 68 times before about my Grandpas ’66 Impala SS with a 396, and why these are very near and dear to my heart. Its hard to believe that this is 60 years old now. This one is absolutely beautiful in turquoise ( I totally agree with Adam about the color). If money were no object, I’d very seriously be taking a look at this one. My Grandpa was like the worlds oldest teenager back then, he was always racing somebody stoplight to stoplight in his. He loved it, it was his favorite car he ever owned. Thanks Adam, you brought back more great memories for me.
My first car was a white 66 Super Sport…yes, spelled out on the front fenders! It was a 327 car with power glide and blue interior. I took this Polaroid One Step photo at my Aunt’s house after blowing a tire and losing a hubcap. I was amazed how ugly the black spare rim made the car look, and now that’s all you see. I replaced it for $5 at the hubcap man’s shop and thought that was high. Now a full set in good condition go for $250 and up!
Hot Rod 🏁 Grandps 😎 👍 🚥
Had a 65 sport coupe same or close color. 283 powerglide made it a different experience. Didn’t like the color then, appreciate it now
But for $300 in 1977 with 30k miles it served its purpose.
Picked up a 1967 SS with a 327 4 speed a few years later,$2500 with 98k miles. 4 speed was amazing, 327 did well.
Need a 1966!
I drove a ’65 Impala 327 4 speed for a time when I was driving used cars off the dealership l where I worked. It was great fun. If I remember right it was the 250HP 327. Wish I had had the 327 out of my best ’55. It started out as a 327 250 HP but it finished up as a raging 300+ 327.
I really enjoyed driving that ’65 but I had others I had to try. I believe the next one I drove was a black ’67 396 4 speed SS Chevelle. That one was sweet also. The ladies loved it.
nice color combo on the ss. i would lose the fence post exhaust for a more tasteful look.
I think 1966 was peak General Motors. The entire GM lineup was ‘The Mark of Excellence’ From this beautiful Impala SS to the stunning Pontiac Bonneville it didn’t stop there. Think the 66 Tornado from Oldsmobile and probably one of the most beautiful automobiles ever designed, the 66 Buick Riviera. The hits were topped by the elegant 66 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. Ah, those were the days! (And I’m a Ford guy!)
Almost agree with you Ken but one small exception. The 65 Chevs were a notch better looking. The front fender cap treatment and the round tail lights on the 65s were the perfect touch of excellence. I loved them then and still do now, by the way, another Ford guy.
I have a one owner 1966 chevy caprice w factory 427 400 th built in LA California. fully loaded. Ac needs some parts. power windows,power breaks, power drivers seat, tilt n scope steering. The car is mostly original. Int-ext. Always garaged. I have original bill of sale, pink and some other documents. Must see to self evaluate. Will send pictures. Anybody interested let me know. Don’t have asking price yet.
I was always attracted to the ’66 Chevrolet. The crisp lines seem to bring the shape together perfectly. Turquoise was the predominant car color then and still looks good now. Here’s the perfect car to cover some ground in.
I guess Chevys really bring more money.
Can’t imagine more than 25
Don’t know how you figure that number, this ride is all original and from the pics I’d say 99.9 percent perfect you’d be lucky to get for 38 g,s if I had the cash that what I would offer
Let’s talk about the 66 Impala, always had a soft spot for them, My grandmother give me my first car and guess what it was, yes a 1966 impala, I was 18 at that time, didn’t keep it. But I’m 66 years young now, found a beautiful ermine white 66 sixteen years ago with a white convertible top with black interior and yes with a 396 all numbers matching. Sounds like a fairytale
doesn’t it, this car only had 83,000 miles on it when I found it, was offered close to the that amount and it’s not a Super Sport, still have it