I first thought of taking a pass on reviewing this 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible. There were, literally, thousands built and we’ve covered many here on BF. So, why the change of heart? Between 1997 and 2004 I owned a ’66 SS convertible that I found in New Port Richey, Florida. It was fairly original though it had undergone a small degree of boogering. I was convinced that I could get it back to pure stock and make money on it. Well, not quite, but I immensely enjoyed my seven years of experience with one of the Bowtie’s all-time best-selling cars. A trip down memory lane for me? Maybe, we’ll see, let’s commence.

In terms of numbers, Chevrolet produced just about 1.5 MM full-size (B-body) cars in ’66. Let that one soak in for a minute. That includes Caprice, Impala SS (it was a separate model in ’66), Impala, BelAir, and Biscayne trim levels. That’s an enormous number and it’s only one model – it doesn’t include the Chevelle/El Camino, Nova/Chevy II, Corvair, or Corvette. As for the Impala SS, there were 119K of those that saw the light of day – I don’t have a breakdown between the hardtop and convertible body styles. Of note, despite Chevrolet’s huge ’66 output, it landed them in second place in the domestic production race as Ford still managed to best them by a mere 6K units – some of that due to the uber popularity of the first-gen Mustang.

The biggest problem with this listing is the lack of an engine image – always a mistake! The fender badge tells us it’s a 283 CI V8 with a horsepower rating of either 195 or 220 but the window sticker doesn’t indicate this car bearing an optional engine so that designates the powerplant as a 195 HP version. While this Chevy wears a Super Sport (SS) badging, that doesn’t mean it has to be powered as such – a six-cylinder engine was still standard equipment (though a convertible mandated V8 power only). The seller adds, “MOTOR RUNS GREAT NEED BRAKE WORK .” As is often the case, this drop-top utilizes a Powerglide automatic transmission.

The immensely popular Marina Blue finish of this car is faded with surface rust bleed-through, now called “patina”, most evident on the hood. These B-body designs rust – there’s pretty much no way around it and the fender legs are where the rot is almost always present. It’s not stated in this case but the trunk floor and the pan under the rear seat are problem areas, especially with convertibles, so that would be one place that warrants inspection. Unfortunately, the passenger side quarter panel, door, and fender have suffered a hit. There’s no mention, or image, of the folding top though the seller states, “NEW TOP COMES WITH IT“. Hopefully, the frame is in operational condition and the header hasn’t become crusty.

Besides badging, SS equipment meant bucket seats, a center console, and unique wheel covers – the convertible version automatically called for vinyl upholstery. The condition of this car’s interior belies the exterior – it’s in surprisingly nice shape with no obvious rips or other maladies and white shows it all. Ditto the black carpet and dash pad, both appear to be in sound nick. The passenger door is missing its armrest and one of its window cranks but those items are easily replaceable – I know from experience, you can completely rebuild one of these cars from a catalog.

Conclusion? These are cool cruisers. I have owned others besides my ’66 and they’re really not muscle cars, though with the right powertrain, they can be made to get up and go. This particular example won’t be a world-beater but it will provide a pleasant, top-down cruising experience. Yes, it needs some work – that quarter could be a challenge, but these are pretty simple cars from an assembly and mechanical perspective. Here on eBay and located in Pataskala, Ohio is where you’ll find this Impala convertible, it’s available for a current bid of $6,600 with the reserve not yet met. What do you think, a worthwhile project?