1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

Description

Sometimes cars are so nice, it's hard to know where to being describing them. This 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle features a high-quality restoration, a big block under the hood, and a list of upgrades and options that make it just the way you'd want it if you'd built it yourself.

According to the cowl tag, this is a real code 138 SS396 Sport Coupe, although that same cowl tag also gives away the fact that this one was originally Lemonwood Yellow. No matter, because the brilliant Regal Red now on the car will make you forget all about codes and ancient history. The bodywork is simply beautiful, with nary a ripple or wave to be found, even on those big quarter panels which are notoriously difficult to get this straight. Note the subtle crease that runs from nose to tail; if the body isn't straight, that's where it will show up first, and on this car, it's razor-sharp. Looking at the reflections in our photo studio, you can see that someone spent a lot of time getting this car right, and that same level of detail is found throughout, so the car makes a very good first impression that stands up to closer inspections. You'll also note correct 'Super Sport' badges used on the quarters, a proper blacked-out SS tail panel, and a super clean SS396 grille up front. They didn't overlook anything on this one.

The interior is near spot-on correct, sporting code 761 black "imitation leather," but this one got a nice upgrade to buckets and a center console. As beautifully finished as the bodywork, the interior is entirely new, from the headliner to the carpets. The seats have handsome seat covers with bright trim and cool metal inserts on the seatbacks, while the door panels show crisp detailing that was a hallmark of GM in the '60s. The center console sports a handsome clock angled towards the driver, as well as a proper chrome shifter that bangs through the gears like a bolt-action rifle. Gauges are simple and the controls are basic, but the important things about cars like this weren't the frills, but the hardware underneath, and this one delivers. You'll note it also carries factory A/C and a set of Sunpro auxiliary gauges under the dash, which are probably a good idea to monitor the expensive big block up front.

The engine is a correct, numbers-matching, 396 cubic inch big block dressed for battle in correct Chevy Orange paint. Against that satin black engine bay, the motor simply pops, thanks to a set of chrome big block valve covers, and a correct open-element air cleaner with Turbo Jet decals on top. Stock exhaust manifolds feed a 2.5-inch dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers that dump just below the rear bumper, as original. Disc brakes up front provide reliable stopping power, and the entire fuel system, from the tank to the carburetor, appears to have been replaced with new components. Cool mag wheels are a refreshing change from the usual Rallys and carry period-correct F70-14 Firestone redline tires that put the power to the ground from the 4 speed transmission.

Fast, fun, and handsome, this red SS will make a fabulous cruiser that will knock the crowds dead at the next local cruise-in, and you can drive it with confidence knowing that someone already sweated all the details. Call today!