The Chevrolet Chevelle was into its third year of production when this 1966 station wagon rolled off the assembly line, and buyers had the choice of four different available engines. At the low end of the spectrum was the 194 cubic-inch inline-six, which was good for 120 horsepower, followed by the 230, also a 6 cylinder. Two V8s could be had, including a 283, and at the top of the food chain for the wagon was the 327, producing a respectable 275 horses. But if you’re in the market for a vintage wagon with a lot more spunk than any of the above, you should check out this 1966 Chevelle Station Wagon, which can be spotted here on Craigslist. It’s located in Capitola, California, with an asking price of $16,250.
We’d like to give a thank you to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the great tip on this one! So what’s so special about this station wagon, anyway? It’s not a real exciting color, and that paint is nothing to write home about. Some rust and battle scars are clearly visible, plus that’s a pretty good size dent on the passenger-side rear area. Maybe the only outward hint that something’s not as it seems could be those rally wheels.
Oh, so THAT’S it! Under the hood now is a ZZ502 Chevy big block, which produces 502 horsepower right out of the crate. And things don’t stop there, as there’s also an Edelbrock intake manifold with a Holley 850 double pumper on top, fed by a Russell fuel system with an Edelbrock electric fuel pump. Ignition duties are handled by MSD, and cooling is provided by a Be Cool radiator with electric fans. Hooker headers are connected to a Magnaflow stainless-steel exhaust system, including a cross pipe, and outback there’s a Currie 9+ rear end. Shifting is provided by a Turbo 400, built to withstand that 580 pounds of torque and it’s said the transmission only has 1000 miles on it.
Things inside look OK for a driver, and there are some aftermarket Stewart-Warner gauges and a steering column-mounted tach, but down below is where more attention was given as the undercarriage has been fully rebuilt. No photos are provided from the south side, but the seller says there’s a Heidt’s front tubular suspension, new gas adjust coil springs front and rear, Addco sway bars front and back, plus some other goodies to help keep things properly planted. For the kind of performance you’re getting here, the price does not really seem that out of line, and if you like the sleeper look this one’s got it. What are your thoughts on this 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Station Wagon?
I’m as speechless as the guy sitting next to me at the light in his cheap Dodge would be when the green came up. THAT’s a car I could love!
Had to get a great deal on that big block. Newer and lighter LS can make that power and more. Nice ride and yeah that’s the sleeper look. Price of fuel in California hard to justify driving this around for kicks.
Torque rules on the street. Don’t think that you are going to pull an LS engine out of an old pick up truck and be any match for this 502.
No not out of the wrecking yard but spend a little time and a few bucks and yes you can! Cross bolted main bearings and superior head design add turbo or belt driven blower and look out!
The saying has always been “No replacement for displacement”.
Used to think that myself until I helped a friend assemble a 331 Ford small block yeah it’s an aftermarket block and has a belt driven blower. That fox body put down over 500 ft lbs torque and well over 500 HP at the rear wheels during the Dyno tune. Seriously and there is room for more. Going to do a couple more things and hit it again.
Looks like someone had his (or her) priorities right!
Wow… It’s gone.. 😲
No wonder :)
Whoever said that station wagons aren’t much fun doesn’t know what they’re talking about. This looks like a fun car to drive. It just needs a good touch up to remove any dents it may have collected over the years. I’d repaint it a different colour. As long as it runs and drives under its own power, it can be enjoyed.
Sorta reminds me of “Farm Truck”. lol
Noticed the factory air dash with vintage air and bumper guards…a little body work and paint and interior and have a nice looking wagon.
Used to be a guy around town that had wagon just like this one with a 350 dropped in it.
Blew the doors off most of the kids around town. Was shocked when my 57 Chevy 283 took him at the finish line.of course my little 283 had a little special treatment to it. It was two sleepers surprising each other.
I had a ’65 which appeared as nearly a twin to this…
Except that it had a 6 cylinder and 3-speed column shift, LOL!
On the plus side, with new tires, it would go pretty much anywhere in deep snow. A perfect car for me at the time, circa 1975-77