History of the Chevrolet Chevelle:
The early success of the Chevelle Malibu with the Super Sport
package led to the big block SS396 becoming its own model series in
1966. This change made the VIN of these special cars easier to
identify using a '13817' designation for Hardtop and '13867' for
Convertible models. The Super Sport package offered either a 325hp,
360hp, or high performance 375 horsepower option. In conjunction
with any selected engine package, each SS396 vehicle received
rocker panel & rear fender moldings, wheel lip moldings, blacked
out front grill & rear tail panel, and side-facing simulated hood
scoops up front. Super Sport emblems are displayed on the rear
fenders, along with a SS396 badges in the front grill and on the
rear tail panel. Chevrolet 396 Turbo-Jet V-flag badges proudly
adorn the forward front fenders. Of the total 71,773 Chevelle
SS396's manufactured and sold domestically, the convertibles are
far rarer with just 5,393 sold! Finding one with all the right
attributes can be a difficult task!
Details About This Chevelle Example For Sale:
Offered here is a gorgeous 1966 Chevrolet SS396 Convertible fitted
with the desirable L78- 396ci/375 horsepower powerplant, 4-speed
Muncie transmission, and 12-bolt rear axle fitted with 4.11
Posi-Traction! Finished in its factory appointed color code of F2-
Marina Blue with Black convertible top over 763- Black
Strato-Bucket seats. Features include power brakes, rare power
steering, F40 Special Suspension with front & rear anti-sway bars &
heavy-duty springs, power folding convertible top, full dash
instrumentation with "knee-knocker" 7K tachometer, center console
with electric clock, front & rear seatbelts, windshield washer, and
rubber floor mats! The original 14" steel wheels are now 15"
replacements with standard hubcaps, as is the original radio in
lieu of a more modern AM/FM/Cassette unit in the stock location
along with updated kick panel speakers.
This Chevelle SS396 Convertible has been with the former owner for
nearly 20 years and driven sparingly each year mostly attending an
occasional summer car show with is wife. It was last repainted in
two-stage fashion approximately 10 years ago, with about 2,000
miles on the fully restored drivetrain. The interior showcases an
older restoration with minimal visible wear. Under the hood, the
engine was made to be as reliable as possible with a modern Delco
HEI distributor, upgraded front disc brakes with dual master brake
cylinder, along with a 2.5" exhaust system with Hedman Hedders,
X-pipe, Patriot remote-controlled electronic exhaust cut-outs, and
Pypes Street Pro stainless steel mufflers for a terrific muscle car
exhaust note!
More recently, the complete convertible top was replaced in March
2022 with new pads, rear window, rain well with fresh clips, along
with the 4-core radiator restored by Al's Radiator. Our service
team also installed a new temp sender, fresh coolant, fresh ball
joint and pitman arm, installed a new shifter boot, changed the
engine oil & filter, installed new rear shocks, headlight dimmer
switch, tail light lenses, and a few smaller items prior to
bringing this beauty back to market!
For anyone questioning the number's matching characteristics of
this Chevelle, we can tell you that the engine block was
machine-milled across the head surface during the overhaul process
and the stampings are no longer visible. We can confirm that the
date-code correct block (L 29 5- December 29th 1965 casting date)
is a HI-PERF, 4-bolt main unit baring a 3855962 cast number with
Winters cast aluminum intake and Holley List 3310 780cfm
carburetor. The rebuilt heads retain their solid lifter attributes
internally. Also unique to the L78 engine is the belt tensioner
pulley, and in this case, a special power steering system with
remote fluid reservoir attached to the radiator core support.
We have the car priced for its options and for what it represents
in physical attributes. It is a splendid, show worthy driver with
terrific looks on a solid platform! We encourage prospective buyers
to come and view this example with your own eyes before its gone!
These convertibles never last long on the market! To learn more
about this power packed Chevelle for sale, contact Jon Faust by
calling (800)957-5707 or by emailing
[email protected]!
Finance & Shipping options available on all models.
