The Impala Super Sport became so popular that Chevrolet promoted it to series status in 1964. Sales would peak in 1965 as Chevy had a banner year. And while demand fell in the second half of the decade, the Impala SS would stick around through 1969. This 1966 edition has a basic V8 engine and runs but is cosmetically rough around the edges, especially the sheet metal. Located in Bel Air, Maryland, this Bowtie find is available here on eBay with a no-reserve auction running at $4,500.
Though the Impala SS was sporty in looks, during much of its run it could be had with any engine in the Chevy portfolio, including an inline-6. The first V8 in the 1966 pecking order was the 283 cubic inch edition and that’s what’s in the seller’s car with a Powerglide automatic transmission. No reference is made regarding matching numbers, but the condition of the car suggests there may be. The body plate on the seller’s car aligns with the code assigned to the Super Sport, 16837. Chevrolet built 119,300 of them in 1966, a down year due in part to the debut of the Caprice the year before.
The seller bought this Impala a few months ago to restore, but life gets in the way, and it doesn’t look as though that will happen on his/her watch. The auto runs and drives, but we’re not told if that’s enough to be dependable. It may be original except for some previously done bodywork that will need another pass. That applies to both rear quarter panels and the trunk lid which may be salvageable. As is usually the case, you should be prepared to find more than what meets the eye.
There is an assortment of parts that the seller has that can help with the restoration, but they’re not included in the sale of the car itself. Instead, the buyer gets first dibs on items including seat covers, carpeting, weather stripping, a wiring harness, and a conversion kit for the front brakes (disc). The seller does not indicate what it will take to acquire those items.
As corroded and full of filler as the rear quarters are, the back bumper is even worse.
This is a pile. There is a hungry crusher that wants to eat it.
Don’t stop it’s destiny.
One my best friends has every piece of trim , 2 grilles,fenders,tail lights nos for this car as well as several used AZ doors, header panels ,hoods,deck lids,quarters. etc and a boatload of nos accesories .I’d definetly check the frame .I wouldn’t doubt it’s rotted.Trunk pic would be nice.Frames for these are getting a little scarce and have gone up a lot in price the last few years.It’s almost at 5k and I think that’s too much imo for basic stock 283ss pg no ac that needs a lot of work.glwts.
Your average bondo buggy.
If I remember correctly, the place where the shocks bolt to the frame are the first to go, but one never knows, I’ve seen some rust out in completely different places, but I’d check the shocks first.
If your an expert at sheet metal, corrosion and body repair this would be a good car to start a resto mod from. Driving this car restored to new condition would not be exciting or fun, even with front disc brakes added. Otherwise a 283 SS like this is a parts car.
If your an expert at sheet metal, corrosion and body repair this would be a good car to start a resto mod from. Driving this car restored to new condition would not be exciting or fun, even with front disc brakes added. Otherwise a 283 SS like this is a parts car.
Impala for sale by EA Sports: Base restoration project: $4500
All the parts owner ripped out and lost hardware for or can’t remember how to replace: DLC available for extra $
Hard pass, thanks.
Those quarters…
That coppery red was big that year. It wasn’t used too much before .
I remember thinking the 3 tail light rear was gone, but the Corvette continued with 2 round ones forever…..
When we got married in 1971, my wife had a 1966 Impala SS. Blue with white vinyl top and a 327. Never knew there was a 283 SS. Sorry but that sounds a bit weak. Wish we sill had the 66.
The in-line 6 was available in the SS, believe it or not. Sounds like you guys had a really nice car
By the way, when we got married I had a 1965 GTO, red with a black interior.
My dad had a 4 speed convertible with the 396. It was the color of this car and the top was white.
One of these just hit the local pick-a-part. A white with red version. 327 with factory ac. Car looks to have been sitting ions. Rear window and trunk are a mess, the rest was in rather decent shape. A patina lovers gem. It still wore two of its original wheel covers, so a 6 bucks a piece they will make great wall pieces. I guess this ones owner op-ed for the easy sell. In many ways it is the best way to go.
That ride is crying 😢 😭 for it to be a full off the frame complete total restoration inside out and a Big Block 427 to the 454 Dual 4BBL 4 Bolt Mane Power Plant. with Strictly Chevy GM Crate Parts and nothing else but Chevy/ GM Parts. Four Rally SS Stainless Steel Wheel Rims.
That’s how I would have that ride Restored even way better than brand new from the Chevy/GM Dealership.
283s are 210 horse motors in 65..66..looks like the real motor with the fit..these cars are coming up in value cause they are the only thing left.
My first car was a 66 Impala coupe, 283 2 bbl with a powerglide. No A/C, no other options except it had power steering and an AM radio. It was gold with a black brocade interior, bench seat. The buckets and console would’ve made it a little neater. I hope this one isn’t too far gone, and finds a good home.
I actually have an original owner 66 Impala SS Aztec Bronze very similar to this one. My dad bought this car in the fall of 1966. It came from Glen Bernie, MD so also very similar in it’s origins. I inherited this car from my dad. Ours had the base V-8 283 with the Turbo-Glide, power brakes, power steering AC and AM/FM monaural FM radio. Not sure if this one is the red color or very faded Aztec Bronze. Aztec Bronze was a one year only color and when fresh it’s a beautiful color, but when faded it is like red primer. You either love this color or hate it, not too much middle ground. The straight 6 SS is rare but kinda like a Do Do bird, kind of like a 68 or 69 Corvette with a three speed, rare but no one wanted it. I asked my dad back in the early 1980’s why he didn’t get a 396 big block or at least a 327. He said he wanted the 327 but it wasn’t available in that color in late 66. In addition he said the 396 used too much gas and if he had it he would have sold the car during the first oil embargo in 1973. This particular time aspect of these muscle engine cars is frequently glossed over in the years that have followed. I remember many a muscle car being pushed into the gas stations back then. You had to do that quite frequently back then and it got very old quickly. Our 283 is bored 60 over with bronze valve guides, so with decked heads and block it’s like a 291. This engine is a bullet proof and long lasting engine. So is the Power Glide auto but I’d rather have a TH -400. Some of the comments are a little harsh and some accurate. My wife calls it the big red boat. I get a lot of comments from people loving the style and unique color. The 62-64 impalas have had there day the 65’s and 66’s are really starting to come on in popularity. If you want to spend the big bucks buy the big block with AC maybe even a 4 speed. If you have the time and money and want the look go for it!
Dump the pg and do a th 350 swap.You’ll be glad you did and it’s easy.It will be a lot more fun to drive , peppier and you’ll pick up a few mpgs to boot. 283’s are great engines. Always loved em. My first car had one 66 belair 3 speed column shift .Had a aztec bronze 66 396 325 hp th 400 caprice with Fawn vinyl interior buckets console and console gauges about 25 years ago.It is a very nice color.
Looks like the seller planned a fix up or flip and found out how much work there really was.
Save time and money and just find a better car to start with.
SOLD for $6,200.