1966 Chevrolet Impala

Description

With so many people who love Chevelles, it's easy to forget the Chevelle's big brother, the top-of-the-line Impala. If you like a little more luxury and an awesome full-sized ride, this 1966 Impala convertible offers the same V8 power and a good looks that will stand out just because they're not ubiquitous at every show.

In 1966, only the Ford Mustang was a more popular convertible than this, but why do you see so few of them today? Hard to explain, particularly when they're so handsome. The Impala is an impressive car, big but not excessively so, and wearing a correct coat of Code T Sandalwood Tan (that's gold to the rest of the world), it has that perfect 1960s look. There's a lot of sheetmetal here, but it sure looks like every square inch of it was smoothed, sanded, and properly prepped before the paint went on, and the results prove it. The finish is glossy and smooth, the reflections in its surface are undistorted, and thanks to the side trim, it looks about a mile long. You'll note the subtle crease that runs along the rocker panels was nicely preserved and since it was completed, it doesn't look to have been used all that much, so it shows quite well. The chrome accents add distinction to the big Imp, befitting its status, and the bumpers, grille, and side trim is all in excellent shape.

Restored using correct Fawn vinyl, the spacious interior is just as subtle and upscale as the rest of the car. Seating for six was standard on the big Impala, with bench seats fore and aft with nice-looking reproduction seat covers that remain in excellent shape. Carpets, door panels, and even the dash pad are equally nice, not perfect, but with that just-right look that only comes from careful ownership. The dash is big and impressive because there's a lot of car here, and the gauges are in excellent condition with a stripe of bright trim running along the lower edge. There's also an AM/FM/cassette stereo and the optional rear-seat speaker provides a bit of back seat jewelry that will bring back memories of your first car back in the '60s. The white convertible top features a glass rear window and power actuation, stowing itself neatly with the touch of a button. The trunk is, as you'd expect, massive, and includes a full-sized spare and reproduction mat for an authentic look.

There were a myriad of engine options available in 1966, with the 283 cubic inch V8 rated at 220 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor. The small block fits easily in the Impala's engine bay and thanks to a fresh detail job with bright Chevy Orange paint, a new alternator, and other correct details, it looks just as good as it runs. Turn the key and it fires up easily and pulls with a smoothness that's appropriate in a big luxury cruiser like this, and there's a wonderful V8 burble from the twin tailpipes out back. The Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission replaced the PowerGlide in 1966, and with highway gears out back, it's a fantastic long-distance cruiser. A lifetime down south shows well underneath, where it's tidy and well-maintained, and with factory Rallys and big 225/70/15 blackwalls, it has a slightly aggressive demeanor.

This Impala is a ton of car for the money, with V8 power and room for the whole family, all wrapped in a package that you just don't see all that often. Call today!