The Super Sport (SS) debuted in 1961 on the Chevy Impala and did so well that it became its own series in 1964. Earlier SS models could be had with most any engine/transmission combination, which explains why more than 119,000 of them were built for 1966, coupes and convertibles. The seller’s ’66 was driven into a barn in 1997 and left for more than 20 years. It’s going to need a lot of work inside and out, but it could be a decent runner. Omro, Wisconsin is the location of the car and it’s available here on craigslist for $3,500 OBO (you read right; we’d didn’t leave out a zero). Thanks once again to Ikey Heyman for sending another great tip our way!
The fourth generation of the popular Chevy Impala was built between 1965-70. The 1966 editions were little changed from the year before, just taking on a slightly more-square look than its immediate predecessor. The Super Sport or SS models were quite popular because they didn’t have to be muscle cars, although some were built that way with fire-breathers like the 409 V-8. As the story goes, the seller’s car was put away in a barn back before Y2K and work on dismantling the interior was started but never finished. The body looks straight and wears its original white over blue paint, but there is rust evidence in both rear quarter panels as well as the trunk, floorboards, and frame (ouch!).
We’re told the car is complete, but we’ll have to take his word on that regarding the interior. It has bucket seats and a console for the automatic transmission (bound to be a 2-speed Powerglide). Paired with it is a 327 V-8 of the 4-barrel variety which could have been good for up to 275 horsepower. The seller believes this drivetrain combination is original to the car, but he’s not sure. The motor is not seized and will run, we’re told, so that tells me the seller’s gotten it to turn over. The SS also has power steering and brakes (4-wheel drums, of course).
For now, the Impala should be considered a roller, but the tires are so old they won’t hold air for long (so bring your pump). If the car doesn’t sell, it will be cleaned up and put back into storage (why would you bother with the soap and water?). The seller will entertain a trade for a car or truck built prior to 1972. We haven’t seen an Impala SS of this vintage in the seller’s price range in a while, but that just tells me the rust is going to be quite a challenge. But the “proof may be in the pudding”.
“If the car doesn’t sell, it will be cleaned up and put back into storage (why would you bother with the soap and water?)” Let the deterioration continue. With all the rust that is seen, there is bound to be more that isn’t. Rust on interior components is (IMO) always a BAD sign.
It’s in BBC Wisconsin. That’s to be expected.
I have a ’66 in the barn that we’ll get started on after the epidemic gets under control. It’s not a hell of a lot, a 283 with Power Steering and power drum brakes but the car is a California born and raised (Southgate, I think) and there’s no rust. I’ll do with it exactly how this one is, with a 327 and maybe a Tremec 4 speed if such a thing is possible. It will get disc brakes, appropriate ignition and other updates that no one will see when it’s parked. The updates will be for safety and comfort; I drive my cars.
Happy Holidays to Barn Finders and stay well.
OK, I’ve thought of something – it seems like of all the fullsize Chevs the ’66 seems to be the most covered here on BF. But not only here; when browsing EB or CL ads the ’66 seems to be THE most common Chev to find for sale. I don’t seem to find anywhere near as many ’65s or ’67s, though they should theoretically be of same build quality of its era, similarly old and built in comparable numbers.
So has anyone else the impression that the ’66 Chev’s survival rate is better than for any other year…?
No, it seems to me it is not now (or maybe never was) that desirable.
Change the weeels and tyres… it comes ALIVE!
Ask me how I know?
Check for frame rust
‘If it doesn’t sell they will clean it up and put it back in the barn’…..lmao…clean it up and then try to sell it. You may have better luck just saying
Rust in the lower body panels, floors, trunk, and frame. Exactly what useful pieces is the buyer getting? Glass, interior, and drivetrain?
give ya 100$
Rust “evidence?”
You didn’t forget a zero? I thought maybe you added one…
I live in Wisconsin and if the body is that rusty it’s even worse underneath. Parts car at best
Sheriff, its exactly the opposite with respect to the frames on these; they were extremely prone to rust out in the rust belt. Here in new yawk we had a really good welding shop who did a good job fixing them but the inevitable would do ’em in. You dont see many on the road here. This is a parts car at best, the 327 might be worth a few sheckles. Good luck and stay safe.
Cheers
GPC
Maybe had an early crash, judging by the paint on the fenders, hood, cowl. Earl? Maaco? Regardless, I’m guessing she’s had paint, more importantly,a reason for re-paint . This of course if it really was in the barn, not just the doors rearward being protected from the sun 😎
I live in Cudahy Wi. Can I look at the car I’m person?
I thought you added a zero too. I had a ’64 Gran Prix here in California about 5 or 6 years ago. Way nicer that these cars I see here. I think I asked for 1k…truth is I would have taken about anything for it. I had maybe 3 or 4 weeks to sell it, before the county nazis took it…never even got a responce to my add[with plenty of good photos]. Off to the wrecking yard it went. I think I got $300 for it