Big Block Find: 1966 Chevrolet Impala 396
Talk about lucky! The seller “discovered” this classic “at one of the homes I bought.” Now there’s somebody doing life right, buying multiple homes and finding big-block Impalas. I want to stand near them and see if their luck rubs off on me. Let’s check out this car, offered here on craigslist in Mooresville, NC. Special thanks to local_sheriff who always brings us good stuff.
This is a 4th-generation car and the first year that the Impala was not the ultimate Chevrolet (the Caprice was introduced as a 1965 luxury package, but for 1966 it became a model in its own right, and the top dog in the lineup). Regardless, the 1966 Impala was pretty snazzy in its day, and in my opinion, one of the best-looking Chevrolets ever made, closely tied with the ’65. The main styling difference between the two models is the trademark triple-taillights had gone from round to square. In 1966, the top engine honor had also moved on to the rarely-ordered 427, but the 396 is nothing to sneeze at.
Other than reported mileage of 75,437 and the claim that the engine turns over, we don’t know much about the car. The coupe is a hardtop and the 396 seems to be its sole option, and the original buyer did not spring for the SuperSport package that usually accompanies it. Under the hood looks sparse, but complete. We can see there is manual steering and single-pot manual brakes, and no air conditioning. I can’t tell from the photos but is either a 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic or a 2-speed Powerglide. It’s just a basic car with the big motor, so perhaps it was ordered for towing, not speed. There’s a bruise on its nose and the trunk floor is a little bit lacy.
The $6,500 asking price seems low for a solid big-block candidate, and if you can do your own paint and bodywork, this could be a bargain. However, I can tell from personal experience that while a solid car looks like a simple project, this one has lots of little needs that will really add up… headliner, armrests, horn button, carpet, package shelf, seat covers, etc. And surely it will need new tires, shocks, and brakes, you see where I’m going? But if you simply love the style and want to make it your own, they’re not making any more 1966 Impalas.
What do you say: would you bring home this basic big-block, or hold out for one in better shape?
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Comments
Finding a car usually means no title. States seem to differ greatly but potential issues May arise.
I like the picture of the wet Swiss cheese trunk.
The ad says title in hand.
Nothing a little Flex Seal wouldn’t fix! :)
What do you supposed took place in that back seat to cause it’s present condition?
Bow -chicka- bow -bow !!! Sorry, couldn’t resist!
Getting serious, by the look of the back deck and trunk, I would guess by the limited pictures, that excessive moisture over time is part of the reason.
Excessive moisture or pets. If it was caused by happy naked fun time, stay away from those people. They’re either robots with sharp edges or they’ve got herpasyphilgonnaaids.
It’s a little rough but definitely restorable. Let’s face it, $5000 doesn’t buy much in the way of vintage iron these days. To find an original big block Impala for sale that’s complete and fixable is rare. This is a nice start for a project.
That’s what I do not like about C/L listings…no bids showing. What the…?
The seller “discovered” this classic “at one of the homes I bought.”
“Honey, could you go and pick me up a couple split-levels, and more sugar?”
“Yes, dear”.
This past November I purchased a house built in 1915. The original garage had a dilapated carport added on. Underneath was a 70 Buick Skylark 4-door sedan with 90k original miles. It was parked in 95, the tires were 4″ below grade, but being in AZ it’s completely rust free and complete. 350-2 with factory A/C. Put 4 tires on and pushed it onto a concrete slab. Should get it running soon, waaay too many other things going on.
This Impala is priced a touch high for it’s condition, but the seller might negotiate.
I agree. I think you buy it right at $4000.
As I like to say – unless seller states price is firm then BIN is solely a starting point for negotiations. You’ll never know until you ask!😁
the only thing I would question here is the frame. The frames on these rotted out right quick when they were new here in the northeast. We had some that could be fixed in place, but eventually the rest of the frame let go. Being In NC, it may stand a chance of being ok, depending on where it sat. But if its crackers, you are looking at a huge expense getting a new frame. Very cool car- I’d put a 4 speed in it and leave the bench seat. Good luck to the new owner. Caveat emptor.
Cheers
GPC
It may be a southern car since it’s for sale in NC. Car does look clean for the money. This is the perfect car to get it running, swap in a 4 speed and enjoy the ride!
Interesting air cleaner – would like to see the bottom/base plate.
A taller filter would help even more.