1966 Chevrolet Chevelle

Description

We get so hung up on matching numbers and factory specs that it's often difficult to imagine a Chevelle that isn't just like all the others. Well, this incredible 1966 Chevelle convertible was built by a guy who didn't mind coloring a bit outside the lines, and once you see it, you'll forget all about pedigrees and factory-correct and instead just embrace the fact that cool is in.

This bright turquoise green 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 good 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. The chrome 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 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. The dash was totally reshaped and customized to handle a band of 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 by JVC and there's a gorgeous tan convertible top that looks incredibly expensive. Even the trunk was superbly outfitted to match, including a full-sized spare neatly tucked into its own niche.

It's a big block Chevy under the hood, but with 454 cubic inches, it's bringing a bit more heat than the stocker. 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 carburetor 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. Backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic and 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. There's a disc brake at all four corners, fat sway bars at both ends, and wide 245/45/17 BFG radials at all four corners to make this big ragtop maneuver better than anything this size has a right to.

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!