Vehicle 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!