Vehicle 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!
