1966 Chevrolet Impala

Description

For some guys, "muscle car" means a big car with a lot of firepower, and this 1966 Chevrolet Impala hardtop would certainly qualify. Bright gold and flashy IROC chrome wheels mean you won't be sneaking around much in this beauty, and the powerful 350 cubic inch V8 motor under the hood makes sure that the car can deliver on its brilliant good looks. This car represents a lot of style, performance, and value for the money, and if history has taught us anything, deals like this never last long.

Originally a more low-profile, off-gold color (Code V Cameo Beige, a somewhat dull 1966 Impala color), this big Imp was repainted in brilliant bright Gold, and we welcome the upgrade wholeheartedly. This must have been a pretty straight car to begin with, because those giant quarter panels just don't turn out this well if they need a lot of bodywork and the crease that runs from nose to tail is sharp enough to give you a paper cut. There's a lot of depth and gloss to the finish, suggesting quality materials (gold paints are particularly expensive) and careful prep were of paramount importance to the builders. They refrained from making it something other than it is, so no fake SS badges, stripes, or custom hoods were used during the restoration, and the parts that did go back on were carefully polished or replaced if there was a need. The result is a dialed-in, strong driver-quality rig with big curb appeal that gathers more 'smiles-for-miles' than just about any big Chevy coupe out there. The '66s are particularly appealing to hobbyists for their redesigned taillights, which replaced the round taillights of old and sparked a new era for the Impala. Those giant bumpers fore and aft are in great shape, as is the ornate front grille, and the spear molding that runs the length of the profile breaks up the gold paint just enough, matching the look of the thin rocker panel molding below.

We really love the complementing two-tone, beige-and-tan vinyl upholstery inside, a theme that's continued on the expansive dash and flanking door panels. The vinyl upholstery on the bench seats appears to be quite recent, and the seat covers and door panels reproduce the original look quite nicely. A matching headliner overhead makes it feel bright and airy inside and as a full-sized car, the carpets are in decent shape because the floormats have taken quite a bit of damage, and there's plenty of stretch-out room for everyone both front and back. The original dash has a couple imperfections so it's been covered with a carpeted pad, and it includes a beautifully preserved original steering wheel and a subtle strip of aluminum that accents the lower section. Stock gauges are in place ahead of the driver, augmented by a big tachometer strapped to the steering wheel, and a drop-in center console of sorts was added for cupholders and a little added storage. Options include an upgraded A/C system that uses stock controls and aftermarket vents installed under the dash (although the system needs to be serviced), seatbelts front and rear, and a modern Pioneer AM/FM/Cassette/CD changer that was fitted in the original slot. The back seat looks to have been rarely used, while out back the carpeted trunk houses a spare tire and jack set and is big enough for just about any occasion.

The original 327 was dumped in favor of a 350 V8 motor with a 1970 date-code, which provides a little added pop and was obviously an easy installation in the giant Impala engine bay. Everything looks neat and tidy under the hood with Chevy Orange enamel on the block itself, polished chrome valve covers at the flanks, billet pulleys up front, and a matching chrome air cleaner up top – gorgeous dress up items that make the motor really pop out from the satin black engine bay. A stock-style 4-barrel carburetor atop an original intake manifold delivers fuel and air, an upgraded HEI ignition and modern alternator helps the block crank with ease, and the long-tube headers at the flanks exhale through a dual exhaust system with snarling glasspack mufflers. Power steering, power front disc brakes, and a big radiator have prepared this Imp for the modern road, while the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and spins a heavy-duty 10-bolt rear end out back. Flashy IROC-style chrome wheels add an exclamation point to the Impala's curb appeal, wrapped in 245/45/18 grippy rubber with plenty of tread left.

This Impala represents a ton of fun for not a lot of scratch, all wrapped in a slick Gold package that looks like it should cost thousands more. Call today!