1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Description

The Chevrolet Chevelle is certainly a contender for the world's most popular muscle car, and for good reason. One look at this 1966 Chevelle SS396 hardtop tells you all you need to know about why they're so beloved. It's a true code 138 SS and with a thumping 468 cubic inch big block under the hood, it's extremely potent as well as beautiful to look at.

The color is called Pepper Gray and it gives the sleek Chevelle an elegant look that would look this good even on a vehicle costing thousands more. This car is about as close to new as you're going to find, and the finish on this one seems to amplify its tidy proportions, stretching it visually over the big wheels and slightly lowered stance. Restored 500 miles ago, the prep and body work were well done, and even those massive rear quarters are arrow-straight and the body is well fitted. Part of the Chevelle's subtlety is that crease that runs from front to rear, and getting that right is critical, so I'll just let the photos speak for themselves in that regard. That DuPont finish was clearly wet sanded and buffed when it was fresh, giving it a distortion-free surface that looks like a million bucks and almost all the trim was replaced. If you want a car that has been carefully restored to exacting standards, this car is going to impress you.

The mid-1960s were all about simplicity in design, and like the exterior, the black bucket seat interior is a study in careful restraint. The only notable deviation are those low-back bucket seats from ProCar, which have been specially installed to accommodate taller drivers. Forget faux wood, the Chevelle used bright metal trim to contrast with the black interior, giving the dashboard a jeweled look that's like a fine clock or vintage stereo gear. The upholstery was all replaced when the car was restored, and has a very inviting, lovingly used look with no damage, wear, or other defects. Instead, all you want to do is slide behind the wheel, listening to the comfortable groan of the seat as you settle in, and grab that thin-rimmed steering wheel and Hurst cue ball. Upgrades include a set of auxiliary gauges whose white faces with chrome bezels look right at home in the vintage Chevelle passenger compartment. The trunk was also refinished with correct spatter paint that shows off the extremely clean floors underneath.

Performance got a big upgrade as well, thanks to a fresh 468 cubic inch big block under the hood. With components like a 4-bolt main block, 10:1 compression, a mild flat tappet cam, Edelbrock intake topped by a Holley 4-barrel, and plenty of Chevy Orange and bare aluminum, it cranks out around 500 horsepower and enough torque to turn the tires into pools of liquid rubber. Power steering and power disc brakes are always nice to have on a full-sized car, especially one with this much performance potential. Underneath, the stout Muncie 4-speed feeds a robust 12-bolt rear with 3.42 gears on an Eaton Posi inside. This car was so clean it didn't need to come off the frame, and there's plenty of evidence of clean living when you look around underneath. Long tube headers exhale through a pair of Flowmasters that have that awesome big block rumble. And that lowered stance looks awesome hunkering over a set of 15-inch Rallys wearing staggered 235/60/15 front and 255/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Documented with restoration photos and receipts, this is one of the best-driving early Chevelles we've ever featured and very few cars of any kind have this level of fit and finish. Call today!