1966 Chevrolet Impala

Description

Looking for some Chevy V8 power with a slightly unusual twist? How about this sleek 1966 Impala hardtop, which offers a 283 cubic inch V8 linked to a 3-speed manual transmission? Still one of the best-looking designs of the mid-60s, the big Imp delivers a grown-up muscle car experience that's just a little different from all the Camaros and Chevelles out there.

The color is Barrier Blue, which looks fantastic on the big Impala coupe. Thanks to some pretty serious time and effort, it looks fantastic with an understated elegance that belies the performance car living within. Good gaps and smooth quarter panels (which are among the largest ever created) make it look like it should cost thousands more than it does. The original color was code E Danube Blue, so the color change wasn't as big a challenge as you'd think and coverage is uniform thanks to a full disassembly for paint. Coming from North Carolina certainly helps and this 66,579-mile car wears all its original sheetmetal, which is always reassuring. Reproduction emblems look crisp and sharp against the blue paint and both the bumpers have been re-chromed to really make it sparkle. 1966 saw the Caprice replace the Impala as Chevy's top-of-the-line, but the Impala never lost the triple-taillights that were a styling feature from the very beginning.

The attractive bench seat interior is almost all new, including seat covers from CARS, along with new carpets and a taut headliner overhead. There's just enough brightwork inside to remind you that this is a high-end Chevy, and the ornate steering wheel combines popular features from previous years to give it a unique look. The linear instrument panel covers only the basics, with a wide speedo and a fuel gauge on the end, with the auxiliary controls in a bright band of trim just underneath. It's always cool to see a clutch pedal in a full-sized luxury car, and with traditional 3-on-the-tree shifting, this heavy-duty cruiser is a lot lighter on its feet than you'd expect. The factory AM radio remains in the dash, suggesting that the builder had a dedication to getting it right, and all the weather seals are new so it seals up well and feels like a much younger car. And given all that sheetmetal, it shouldn't be a surprise that the trunk is massive, and even with a full-sized spare tire, there's room for, well, just about everything.

The engine is a 283 cubic inch Turbo Fire V8, which was a step up from the six and delivers the kind of reliable V8 torque that you'd expect. Recently and correctly detailed, it runs smoothly enough to pass muster in this luxury liner and looks ready for show. Chevy Orange paint, a correct air cleaner, and none of the usual modifications are more proof that the restorer cared about getting this one right. Correct GM hoses, clamps, and belts are the little things that make an engine compartment sparkle, and a recent tune-up and battery ensure that it continues to run right. The aforementioned 3-speed manual transmission is a rare find in a car like this, and is backed by a 10-bolt rear end supported by recent shock absorbers. A new dual exhaust system gives it a polite burble that's exactly right, and ultra-rare Chevrolet accessory wheel covers add a sporty look, especially when paired with those 7.75-14 redline tires.

Documented with the original title, delivery paperwork, Protect-O-Plate and warranty book, and an accessory brochure, this is a car with no hidden secrets. Call today!