1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 427

Description

Sometimes cars are so sweet, it's hard to know where to begin describing them. Perfect case-in-point is this 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS beauty we're lucky to be showcasing in our Dallas-Fort Worth showroom. Featuring a frame-off restoration, a 427 big block V8 under the hood, a quick-shifting 4-speed manual, and only 74 miles on the build, this vintage muscle car is so exciting we're almost at a loss for words. Quite frankly, we'd really prefer to just go out and drive it.

According to the cowl tag and VIN, this is a real code 138 SS396 Sport Coupe, and that same cowl tag also gives away the fact that this one was originally Marina Blue. That's good, because the two-stage, basecoat/clearcoat paint that's on the car now makes that light blue shade look absolutely fantastic. The bodywork was very nicely done, 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 straight, and that same level of detail is found throughout, so the car makes a very good first impression that stands up to closer inspections. Sure, the snobbiest of the Pebble Beach snobs would probably find something to pick on, but please believe us when we say – this Chevelle is dailed-in, and you're not going to find a better-looking car for the money. You'll also note correct 'Super Sport' badges used on the quarters, proper chrome inserts on the hood, and a super clean SS396 grille up front. They didn't overlook anything on this one. And although the purists might have noticed that the cowl tag decodes to a Beige vinyl top, we have to think that everyone in the world agrees that changing that to Black vinyl during the restoration was a highly aesthetic upgrade.

The interior is spot-on correct, sporting a set of code 763 black buckets and a center console that splits them. As nicely finished as the bodywork, the interior has quite a few new components that make it look crisp and upscale. 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 features a handsome clock angled towards the driver, as well as a proper chrome shifter with a cue-ball topper that combines good looks with user-friendliness. Gauges are simple and the controls are basic, but the important things about cars like this weren't the frills, but rather the hardware underneath, and this one certainly delivers. You'll note it also carries an upgraded retro-style AM/FM stereo in the dash, along with a tachometer just to the right of the stock steering wheel. The back seat can fit three friends for a road trip, and out back the spacious trunk was finished with proper spatter paint.

The engine is a period-correct but not numbers-matching 427 cubic inch big block V8 dressed for battle in correct Chevy Orange paint. Against that satin black engine bay, the recently built 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. There's a moderate cam inside, a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and an Edelbrock intake manifold, as well as an HEI distributor to light it up, but it still doesn't stray too far from the stock look and feel. Factory-style exhaust manifolds feed an H-pipe dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers that dump just below the rear bumper, as original. Power disc brakes up front provide reliable stopping power, and the 4-speed manual transmission and 12-bolt rear end are more than up to the task of having fun on the street. Polished Rally wheels are exactly what the doctor ordered on a clean Chevelle like this and carry big 245/60/15 front and 255/60/16 rear BFGoodrich white-letter performance radials.

Fast, fun, and handsome, this pretty blue 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 out all the details. Call today!