Vehicle Description
You know we get a lot of A-body convertibles here at Streetside
Classics, but this cool 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 ragtop
stands apart. Not chopped-up and customized, it's just clean,
sleek, and packs a great-running big block to get some attention. A
real SS with a high-end restoration: This is how to do it if you're
going to build a pedigreed car that does everything well.
According to the cowl tag and VIN, this is a real code 138 SS396,
and that same cowl tag also gives away the fact that this one was
originally Marina Blue. That's good, because the slick finish on
the car now not only looks fantastic but is also correct. The
bodywork is nicely done, with nary a ripple or wave to be found,
even on those big quarter panels which are notoriously difficult to
get this straight. Note the subtle crease that runs from nose to
tail; if the body isn't straight, that's where it will show up
first, and on this car, it's razor-sharp. Looking at the
reflections in our photo studio, you can see that someone spent a
lot of time getting the paint right, and that same level of detail
is found throughout, so the car makes a very good first impression
that stands up to closer inspections. You'll also note correct
'Super Sport' badges used on the quarters, a proper SS tail panel,
and a super clean SS396 grille up front. With the bright bumpers
fore and aft, and brightwork as shiny as it was when the car rolled
off the factory floor, the owner decided to darken things up and
opted for a black convertible top and boot during the resto, and we
love the combination. No detail was overlooked on this one.
The interior is spot-on correct, sporting a set of code 761 black
vinyl benches front and rear. As nicely finished as the bodywork,
the interior has quite a few new components that make it look crisp
and upscale. The seats have handsome seat covers with bright trim
and cool metal inserts on the seatbacks, while the door panels show
crisp detailing that was a hallmark of GM in the '60s. The steering
wheel is correct and in remarkably good shape, and a proper chrome
shifter combines good looks with user-friendliness, beckoning the
driver to open up that big block. Gauges are simple and the
controls are basic (including a column-mounted tachometer), but the
important things about cars like this weren't the frills, but the
hardware underneath, and this one delivers. You'll note it also
carries an upgraded AM/FM stereo in the factory housing. In back,
the trunk is finished with proper spatter paint, a correct mat, and
carries a full-sized spare tire.
The engine is a correct but not numbers-matching L35-spec 396 cubic
inch big block dressed for battle in correct Chevy Orange paint.
Against that satin black engine bay, the motor simply pops, thanks
to a set of chrome big block valve covers and a correct
open-element air cleaner with Turbo Jet decals on top. There's a
Holley 4-barrel carburetor and aftermarket intake manifold that run
the show up top, and everything is tidy and evident of careful
maintenance and care. Stock-style manifolds feed a dual exhaust
system with Flowmaster mufflers that dump to each side just after
the rear tires. Power steering manage the corners with ease, and
the quick-shifting 4-speed manual transmission and 12-bolt rear end
are up to the task of having fun on the street. Rally wheels are
all you want on a correct car like this and carry big 245/60/15
Uniroyal performance radials at all four corners.
Fast, fun, and handsome, this pretty blue SS396 will make a
fabulous cruiser that will knock the crowd dead at the next local
cruise-in, and you can drive it with confidence knowing that
someone already sweated all the details. Call today!