This 1966 Impala SS looks to be a solid project car. It needs some work but the bones are solid, and when finished it could be a really nice car. Listed for sale here on eBay, it is located in Des Moines, Iowa. It comes with a clear title and bidding has reached $5,100 but the reserve hasn’t been met.
The first thing that I notice about this Impala is that in spite of the fact that the paint has taken a beating over the years, the whole car appears to be quite straight and virtually rust free. The seller provides some clear pictures of the underside of the car and the original floor appear to be solid. There is some light surface corrosion on the frame, but otherwise, everything looks really promising.
The interior seems to have been a victim of the same UV rays that have taken its toll on the paintwork. While the dash itself appears to be quite good, virtually every piece of interior trim is exhibiting UV damage. I guess that this will leave the new owner with some options. It can either be restored to original condition, or the new owner can have it re-trimmed in the material of their choice. Having said that, the interior appears to be in a state where it could be used as it is while the owner makes that decision.
Under the hood is the 327 backed by a Muncie 4-speed. The seller states that the car runs strong, and certainly it all looks nice and clean here. The seller states that the car is a running, driving project. Looking at the photos I can see no reason to indicate any issues that would bring this into question.
Having never been restored, this Impala offers the new owner the scope to restore it as much or as little as they want. It is an attractive car, and for me, the engine/transmission combination make it an attractive proposition. Given the fact that it appears so solid it may be that the new owner may choose to leave it as it is and just enjoy it for what it is. I would be sorely tempted to do this myself, but eventually, I would probably restore it because I think that it would be a striking looking car once restored.
I love this ’66 Impala “SS”! Dang, I wish this was closer. Looks solid and even has the factory T handle Reverse lockout Muncie shifter and an unbroken horn ring. You sure don’t see too many factory four-speed ’66 Impalas SSs.
That’s what shippers are for!
This is a ’66, not a ’68. I love this car. I would drive it for a while, but restoring it would soon take over my mind.
That’s really nice, and if the price doesn’t go over 10,000 it’s really a steal !
I’d pull the small block and drop a 454 I have sitting in my garage waiting for the right ride. I love the 4 gear !
I’ve become more & more impressed with the L96 + 6spd auto in my Silverado HD, since acquiring it a couple years ago. Was thinking, just this past weekend, it would make a fine powerplant for an old Impala. I’d be hard pressed to remove a 4spd from an old hot rod like this ’66, though.
I never really liked the big Chevys after 1964, but for anyone that does, this one appears to have serious potential.
Sorry. This is not a ’64. It is a ’66. And I didn’t care for the ’64’s, either.
I’m sorry if you misread my comment. Yes, it’s a post-’64 car, which is why I’m not particularly a fan, but it’s a nice car for someone who DOES like this particular model.
There is no such thing as an ugly year of impala IMA …some are better than others ..I like this 66
One thing that I definitely wouldn’t restore is the paint job! It’s got the most beautiful patina I’ve ever seen in my car. I would definitely restore the interior but other than that why screw with a good thing. I definitely wouldn’t put in a different engine, would certainly want to keep the original drivetrain configuration. These were never available with anything like a 454 so why put one in now?
They came with a 396, I’d make it look facory and put the 327 in my barn. I just like big block power in my toys. I sold my Chevelle a few years ago, and miss the big block rush, but that’s just me.
A friend of mine had a fully loaded 427-425 horse 4spd,beautiful car and it would fly
Neighbor drove by with a ’66 like this the other day.
Haven’t seen it up close yet but it sounds like a big block.
I’ll have to drop over there one day.
This car is looking for me but can’t find me. A crying shame.
Mine! Mine! Mine!!
Not sure where Adam (BF writer) gets that it’s a 68′? The ebay listing clearly describes and shows a 66′. The Ebay auction is currently at $6,600 with NO reserve. I haven’t seen an Impala this original, straight and rust free (for the money), in a LONG time! I really love the fact it has the “SS” trim, high horsepower 327, 4 speed, buckets and floor console. Sharp looking car that would be a blast to drive! Gotta be worth an easy $8k to $10k in it’s current shape!
Power boost the brakes, freshen-up the interior and away you go. If that’s an M-22 Rock-crusher 4spd., that alone makes this a special combination…
“If that’s an M-22 Rock-crusher 4spd.,…”
Highly unlikey behind a 327 SBC, unless swapped at some point…
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2005/04/1965-66-Chevrolet-Impala/1281187.html
“TRANSMISSIONS
Buyers didn’t have quite as many transmission options as they did engine options. The base transmission was a manual three-speed with a column-mounted shifter. The other manual boxes included two four-speeds, one a normal “heavy-duty” version, and the strong but noisy “Rock Crusher” made by Muncie, better known as option M22, which was the only transmission available with the 427 engine. The M20 four-speed was fully synchronized and featured a single dry-plate 10.5-inch clutch. The two four-speeds are similar in design, but internally, the M22 had different angles on the gear teeth and is a close-ratio unit, in contrast to the M20, which has a wide ratio.”
How easy is it to find the missing trim for the windshield and back window?
Impala Bobs has just about everything you need.
Oh, it’s gonna be some work. But, that’s what we do. This is a great car and I think a great price. First thing that struck me was 3 pedals. yeah.
Decades ago my coworker’s wife drov a 1965 with a 283 and powerglide. She loaded up the kids and backed out of the driveway. The brake pedal went to the floor, and she began to coast backwards down the street. She put in drive and pulled to the curb. Good for her.
I suggested repairing whatever blew, inspecting everything else, and installing a GM dual master cylinder, and related lines He did so. Today, I’d convert to poer front discs.
There are only two things this car needs.
1). It needs to have the wipers and wiper arms reinstalled.
2). It needs to be driven and enjoyed. (Period)
Nice car.
It also needs to be mine.
All it takes is money.
Love the car. Probably a 283 originally. The one remaining V8 front fender emblem does not have an engine size above it. I believe this designates a 283. Larger engines had their size designated above the V. 327,396, etc.
Correct….I was wondering when someone was going to mention that obvious *problem* with the engine compared tot he fender emblems. Makes me wonder if the engine is original, since it’s a 327, or if the emblem (singular) was added at a later time. I also recall the words “Super Sport” on the rear fenders behind the wheel wells, as well as on the rear under the trunk, and to the right. Also, on the grill…so, what’s up with that?
My first car was a 66 Impala coupe, gold with a black brocade interior. 283 Power Glide, power steering and an AM radio were the only options. Someone gave me that year’s SS hubcaps which I put on because the previous owner had Olds caps on it. As for this one, I’d enjoy it just the way it is. No need to make a hot rod out of it, there’s so few of them left.
Love it. had a 66 4dr hardtop. Leave as is with brake upgrade. One thing I would look at real carefully is the overall condition of the frame. Looks like surface rust in the pics but you never know where the ironworm is. Frame finally got mine and most of the others in this area or New yawk. Cruiser!! 327 4 speed is the stuff that dreams are made of….Sorry Bogey!!!
Good luck to the new owner!!
This is one of the few cars that appear on this site that really would be “fun”, as you could do a rolling resto. Personally, I would check the drive train numbers carefully to find out what the engine and tranny really are (no way it’s an M-22), and then decide to buy or not. New interior, freshen up the mechanics, power discs and paint when you have the bucks (patina is a hideous fad, just my preference), and cool, different car, fun to drive.
first off it needs a paint job I can’t stand what they call pantina today it looks like somebody that didn’t care for their car and wants to be seen in the Concord, that being said I have a beautiful red Impala SS with a black interior 327 Powerglide Factory tach and gauge cluster with the bucket seats and console that was in the mid-80s boy was I a goofball to let it go LOL
Patina like this car has is one of the most beautiful things nature ever created. You can’t improve it.
@PatrickM-I’ve heard of a Patrick who along with his father restore cars and I believe feature them at some Barrett-Jackson auctions. Would you happen to be that same Patrick? If so, I’ve seen some 442s I think you all restored that had some crazy bidding wars.
The 66 Impala I had was driven well over 100k miles with non-power, single master cylinder and 4 wheel drum brakes just fine. Why do all of these need to be upgraded to front disc and a power booster added? Will the buyer be driving it through floods, or have weak legs that can’t push the pedal hard enough?
Wow.
$7755.00
Seems like someone got a real deal.
Seems like a good deal and it’s a 4-speed!