I have had the opportunity to drive a wide variety of classic cars over the years, and each impressed me for a different reason. Muscle cars appeal to many enthusiasts, and once you’ve had a chance to sample one, it’s easy to see why. They owe little to refinement and tend to be hard-edged and brutal. However, that is the key to their appeal. Their creators designed them to be mind-blowingly fast in a straight line, especially over a distance of a ¼ mile. Most emerged at a time when humanity’s quest to set foot on the moon remained an aspiration, and the concept of the internet would have been seen as something from the pages of a science fiction novel. Our feature car is a 1966 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible that spent part of its life as a show car. It still presents well, and the upgraded big-block under the hood guarantees impressive performance. The seller feels the time is right for it to find a new home, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. Located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the bidding has hit $45,100, although this remains short of the reserve.

The Chevelle makes a positive first impression, finished in Marina Blue with a White power top. The paint shines beautifully, while the panels are as straight as you might expect from any car that has seen the show circuit. The photos reveal no evidence of rust problems and none rate a mention in the seller’s listing. However, the SS isn’t perfect, leaving potential buyers with choices to make. The Chevelle’s next owner could enjoy the classic motoring experience with genuine pride in its current guise. The paint and panels have some minor defects they may choose to address, although they wouldn’t require immediate attention. A skilled paint shop should be able to perform touch-up work to a decent standard, although the car’s overall condition would make the idea of a complete repaint look tempting. The top fits snugly, although the zipper requires repair. The trim and glass look excellent, and the Rally wheels look right at home on this classic.

Lifting the hood reveals an aspect of this Chevelle that may divide readers. Purists will crave originality, while those focusing on outright performance will find the car pretty attractive. The VIN confirms this as a genuine SS 396 Convertible, but it is no longer numbers-matching. The 396/400 big-block occupying the engine bay features many modifications, with the seller quoting a power output of 425hp. The power finds its way to a 12-bolt Posi rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. The most potent version of the 1966 Chevelle SS 396 delivered 360hp under the driver’s right foot, allowing for a ¼ mile ET of 14.2 seconds. With an additional 65hp in play, a sub-14-second time is there for the taking. The engine bay presents nicely, but this classic is about more than good looks. The seller states that the SS runs and drives perfectly, supplying this YouTube video. It provides a comprehensive walk-around and allows us to hear that V8 running. It sounds crisp and clean, with no smoke or odd noises.

The next owner of this Chevelle shouldn’t need to spend a dime on its interior because it presents beautifully. The Black vinyl upholstery and trim appear virtually flawless, with no evidence of wear or physical damage. This theme continues with the dash, pad, and console. If we ignore any aftermarket additions for a moment, it would be easy to consider the interior showroom fresh. The person who created this classic for the show circuit added vintage-look air conditioning that blows cold. They also mounted a CD player under the dash, with aftermarket kick panels to accommodate speakers. There are surface-mount speakers in the back and a tachometer under the dash. The buyer could reverse these changes to achieve a degree of originality, although many will probably choose to leave well enough alone.

The next owner of this 1966 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible will face some choices, and it will be interesting to gauge reader feedback on the path they may choose to pursue. The car presents well enough to be driven and enjoyed largely untouched. There are no rust issues to consider, and its panel and paint needs aren’t urgent. The opportunity is there to reverse some of the mechanical and equipment upgrades to return this classic close to its original specifications, and purists might consider that as their plan of attack. Alternatively, treating it to a cosmetic refresh in the future and reveling in the performance on offer could be irresistible. Regular readers will be aware of my preference for unmolested classics, so they may be surprised to learn that I’d choose that last option. Do you agree?