Vehicle Description
1966 Chevrolet Chevelle
The term "Gasser" refers to a style of drag race car that was
prolific in the late 1950's through the 1960's that ran on gasoline
as fuel, as opposed to race fuel. These cars typically competed in
"heads up" drag races that were classed by engine size and car
weight. In the faster classes the cars used a straight axle front
suspension that produced the imitating stance that gassers are
known for. Easily recognized by common features like the higher
front end stance that was developed as a means of weight transfer
to the rear wheels for traction. This style became popular later as
builders attempted to achieve a traditional or nostalgic race
look.
With form being dictated by function, this gasser appears very top
heavy and ungainly, largely due to its front end being raised
higher than stock, to assist in the weight transfer during rapid
acceleration (racing) . Having menacing looking twisted headers
exiting through the front fender well, and some outrageous blue
flames licking rearward from the front grille with the rest of the
car painted in Ermine White, this car is ready for front lift off!
Don't forget the altered wheelbase and this baby is period
correct!
Exterior
The original Chevelle look on this car is long gone, but now it has
a high stance, a hood which is integrated into the front clip, the
entire front end moving forward for easy access to do some
wrenching. Actually, from the hood rearward there is a fair amount
of Chevelle showing and it's all bathed in Ermine White. The hood
flames in cobalt blue lick rearward to the original front glass.
15-inch Torque Thrust wheels are wrapped in front by tiny
165/80R15's and on the rear 31-10.5OR-15LT's. Bringing up the rear
is a set of wheelie bars to try to keep that front end firmly on
the ground.
Interior
Completely modified for racing we can still see the original
triangle patterned mid door panels with their white dual stitching,
and original cranks and door actuator. A roll cage which
interestingly is pinned and hinged for easy access to the racing
buckets which sport the same stitching pattern as the doors. White
5-point safety harnesses are on both chairs. The dash has been
stripped and re-fabricated to a simple metal panel which houses all
the necessary gauges, toggles and ignition and timing boxes.
Headliner has been stripped and the rear seat is replaced by a
carpeted box which shows tubbed wheel wells, also covered with
black carpet. Peering into the trunk we note the fuel cell, and
battery complete with cutoff switch which is now occupying some of
the passenger's taillight real estate. Nice texture paint abounds
covering all areas of the trunk.
Drivetrain
A consigner stated 489ci V8 (stamping indicates a circa 74-85 454
ci V8) has an Eagle crank, Mahle pistons, a Comp Cam (.653 i .660e
lift and .248 i and 254 e duration @ .050) and a Comp valve train.
This motor is topped with Dart Aluminum Pro heads and fed by a
4-barrel Pro-filler Tunnel Ram intake, an AED Holley Dominator 1050
carb and an Aeromotive Fuel System. A TH400 3-speed automatic which
is an ATI transmission with a reverse manual valve body, a trans
brake and an ATI 4200 Stall converter. A B&M shifter puts it
all in motion. Say all that 10 times real fast!
Undercarriage
A solid front axle with semi elliptic springs is up front and gives
this car its wild high stance. On the rear are ladder bars with
coil overs, a Ford 9-inch 4.56 axle that has a spooled Moser center
section. Disc brakes are up front, and drums are on the rear. A
full tube frame remains solid as a rock.
Drive-Ability
This car lights right up, and on our short drive we noticed a pull
to the right, most likely due to a front-end alignment. If you do a
visual on the front end you can see there could be an issue.
Otherwise a thrill and a hoot to drive and hear echo off the
exterior walls of the massive Classic Auto Mall.
A true gasser, runs on pump premium gas, has the look with the
raised front end gnarly exhaust pipes, plenty of engine mods, and a
nicely finished racing interior. All quality parts make up this
wild and wonderful wheel stander.
VIN Decode
136176Z125068
1-Chevrolet
36-Malibu V8
17-2 Door Sport Coupe
6-1966
Z-Fremont, CA Assy Plant
125068-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
02A-1st Week February Build
ST 66 13617-1966 Malibu V8 2 Door Sport Coupe
BDY BF07867-Fremont Body #
TR 746-Red Imitation Leather
PNT CC-Ermine White
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.