Make: | Chevrolet |
Model: | Impala |
SubModel: | SS |
Type: | Convertible |
Doors: | 2 |
Year: | 1966 |
Mileage: | 72,840 |
Color: | Red |
Engine: | 327 CI |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Interior color: | Red |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Local pick-up only |
The Impala meant full-sized comfort in 1966, and with a smooth-running 327 under the hood, this big ragtop is the ultimate summertime cruiser. Nicely turned out in a classic color combination, this big Imp represents an opportunity for the person who knows a good car when he sees it.First off, this is a real-deal SS, so that's a nice plus right there and gives the car a bit of a pedigree that's very welcome at this price. We've found that the 1966 Impalas have a loyal following and it's often tough to keep them in stock. Maybe it's the clean, chiseled shape that's not over-burdened with trim or the wide variety of engine options, but you guys love these heavy cruisers. This one isn't a car that has been hammered and slapped together, but a clean car from a good home, and today offers straight sheetmetal and a genuine look. Code F Marina Blue was this car's original color, but you just can't go wrong with bright Bolero Red when you're restoring a high-visibility ragtop and it shows off the creases atop the fenders and the miles-long quarter panels to great effect. The paint was done quite a while ago, so it's not perfect today, but a few chips and scratches don't really have an effect on the impact this big red convertible makes. Chrome is good, including the bumpers and grille, and the original Impala and Super Sport script emblems have a very '60s coolness.In a red ragtop, there's nothing more dashing than a bright red interior, especially when it's a pair of buckets flanking a console. As a color-change (original interior was bright blue), you know that everything was replaced and all the seats seem to be wearing newer seat covers that replicate the original patterns correctly. Bright red carpets, new door panels, a correct dash pad, and even the steering wheel have all been restored to match the bodywork. The original gauges cover the basics, but fortunately, some enterprising soul installed a tachometer very neatly in the far right gauge opening and some small auxiliary gauges at the head of the console. That console is a standard part of the SS package and includes a built-in clock and beautiful T-handle shifter for the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission underneath (this was likely a PowerGlide car when it was built). A later AM/FM/CD stereo head unit has been installed in the dash and the white convertible top looks good and offers a glass rear window. The trunk is pretty original and in decent shape, and includes a full-sized spare tire.A good chunk of change went into the 327 cubic inch V8, ensuring this is a reliable, comfortable cruiser for years to come. The block was bored .040 oversize to make it 336 cubic inches and was filled with forged aluminum pistons in place of the original cast units. The entire assembly was balanced so it's as smooth as you remember and has a strong low-end pull that you need for a big car like this. Up top there's a Rochester Quadrajet carburetor, chrome air cleaner with a reproduction decal, and a matching set of shiny valve covers. The color change was thorough, with even the engine bay getting a re-spray and with a new master cylinder and brake booster for the front disc brakes, it's an excellent road car. A new Flowmaster dual exhaust system sounds great and it sits on traditional Rally wheels with 215/75/15 whitewall radials.A classic full-sized cruiser with big V8 power, a top that goes down and a classic color combination? Yeah, it really is hard to resist. Call today!