1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Tribute Convertible

Description

We tend to get so hung up on matching numbers and correct factory specs, that it's often difficult to imagine just how special classic cars can be when they're handed over to brilliant minds with vast imaginations and deep pockets. Well, this incredible 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Tribute Convertible was built by professionals who didn't mind coloring a bit outside the lines, and once you see this gorgeous droptop beauty, you'll forget all about pedigrees and factory-specifics and instead just embrace the wow-factor. Featuring a slick Aquamarine paint job, a custom leather interior, and huge power under the hood via a built-up 454 big-block V8, this one-of-a-kind Chevelle droptop is a stunning example of a classic car built with all the right moves. Take a closer look but do so quickly because we've sold this dialed-in convertible before. It didn't last very long with us back then, and we doubt that it will now.

This bright Aquamarine (aka turquoise green) metallic ragtop makes a big statement wherever it goes, so it's a good thing that it has the street cred to back it up. Since the goal was to attract attention, they made sure the bodywork would withstand some pretty close scrutiny and that it does, with great gaps, super-straight quarters, and no mods (not even a cowl induction hood!). By focusing on the basics, the car doesn't look like it's trying too hard and you're suddenly struck by the fact that these A-bodies are incredibly good-looking cars. The beautiful finish went down after the bodywork was just right and the deep shine comes from two-stage urethane paint that's been color-sanded and buffed to an incredible surface. It may not be a perfect trailer-queen, but it's pretty darn close, and we can say with confidence that it will be the nicest Chevelle droptop driver at your local/regional car show. Bright bumpers at the end caps add to the slick affair, the chrome brightwork and trim sparkles against the brilliant paint, and while those badges up front say '396,' there's a bit of a surprise waiting for anyone who decides to give this one a go at the stop light grand prix.

From the driver's point of view, however, this car could easily be mistaken for a high-end custom, with deeply sculpted two-tone tan leather bucket seats, a custom console, and all the other tricks that make this car a show-stopper. It's amazingly easy to get comfortable behind the wheel and with suede and lizard skin inserts in the upholstery, it's a feast for the eyes, too. Gorgeous custom door panels were stitched to match, as was the custom center console that houses a Lokar shifter to manage the automatic transmission below, and plush tan carpets are protected with matching floormats and fully insulate the cabin from the elements. The dash was totally reshaped and customized to handle a band of Dakota Digital instruments that complement the high-tech look, with most of the secondary controls cleverly hidden out of sight. A billet steering wheel is wrapped in matching leather and lizard skin which really is the highlight of this already extremely impressive interior, but you can see that they took care of even the smallest details. The stereo system is managed via a Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX/SAT head unit, modern R134a A/C blows cold, and there's a gorgeous tan convertible top that looks incredibly expensive. Even the trunk was superbly outfitted to match, with plush carpets and custom leather side panels, and it houses a full-sized spare neatly tucked into its own niche.

That's a big block Chevy under the hood, but with 454 cubic inches, it's bringing a bit more heat than any stocker would. Covered in chrome and billet aluminum, it's a show-quality engine bay that has been expertly detailed and arranged without sacrificing functionality. It starts easily thanks to a Holley 4-barrel carburetor atop an Edelbrock aluminum intake, and inhales through a set of aluminum heads and a roller cam that makes it cackle. The block was painted to match the bodywork and they were careful to hide the plumbing and wiring out of sight, while also showing off the smoothed firewall and beautifully painted inner fenders. Backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic that spins a rugged 12-bolt rear end, along with a trick custom exhaust with Sanderson headers, electronic cut-outs, and Flowmaster mufflers, it's a blast to bury the pedal and watch things happen in a big way. Power steering makes driving super easy, there's a power disc brake at all four corners, an independent front suspension, fat sway bars at both ends, and a 4-link rear end with Hortchkis upper and lower link bars and heavy-duty coil springs. 245/45/17 BFGoodrich radials at all four corners make this big ragtop maneuver better than anything this size has a right to, and those grippy tires are wrapped around flashy 17-inch Billet Specialties wheels that punctuate the entire look.

This is one of the most impressive Chevelles we've ever seen and there's so much more to it than we can cover here that you really need to call and get all the details. Don't wait, call today!