1966 Chevrolet Impala SS

Description

There are cool cars and then there are truly great cars. Any Impala is a cool car, but this 1966 Impala SS shows just 46,751 believed-to-be original miles and presents in outstanding survivor condition. Oh, and did we mention that it's a lifetime California car and a real code 18 SS? Got your attention, didn't we?

When you spend your life in California, it shouldn't be a surprise that you remain in outstanding condition, particularly if you're a car. Finished in its original Sandalwood Tan, this Impala has a classic, understated look that belies the horsepower that lies beneath, and it certainly seems as though someone ordered it just like this for a reason. The factory paint has a wonderful, warm glow that no modern paint could replicate and offers additional evidence that this car has always been someone's special toy, not something used to the daily grind. GM was slowly getting over their chrome addiction, but there's still plenty of brightwork on this SS, all of which is in excellent condition. From the brightly plated bumpers to the stainless rub strips that accent the side profile, to all the correct 'Super Sport' and '327' badges, the detailing on this car is extremely well preserved. The vinyl top adds the final piece of the puzzle, a sporty yet luxurious cap that makes this car all the more unusual.

Bucket seats were a relatively rare option on Impalas in 1966, but all SS models got the good stuff, including buckets and a console. The seat covers, door panels, carpets, and dash pad are all original, giving this big hardtop a wonderful, comfortable look inside. A bright aluminum strip along the lower half of the dash houses the secondary controls, while an optional factory clock lives in its own pod atop the dash where everyone can see it. This amazing survivor also offers a factory tach in the dash, which is more evidence that the original owner was a guy who knew what he was getting into when he started checking off option boxes. The 4-speed with its big chrome shifter is framed by a console, one of the lone concession so to style and comfort, but after seeing how cool it looks, how could he resist? I'm going to guess that the trunk mat is a reproduction, but the spare is a period bias-ply whitewall that has clearly been there for a while, offering more evidence of this car's easy SoCal lifestyle.

Power comes from a 327 cubic inch V8 which is rated at 275 horsepower. There's no question that this is a Grade-A survivor when you glance under the hood. While a few upgrades might add some horsepower, this one has somehow managed to remain almost completely stock for the past five decades. The Chevy Orange paint clinging to the engine was applied at the factory in 1966 and only routine maintenance items have been replaced over the years, including belts, hoses, and the mufflers. The 4-speed manual slices through the gears easily, and spins the original 10-bolt rear which has a Posi inside. It rides on original 14-inch steel wheels and optional mag-style wheel covers and a set of brand new Diamondback redline radials for a period-correct look.

Full-sized luxury performance was the Impala's specialty, and if you enjoy the incomparable feel of an all-original car, this amazing Impala SS deserves a closer look. Call today!