Vehicle Description
1966 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Deluxe
The automobile marketplace was changing significantly during the
early 1960s and became highly competitive in the smaller-sized car
segments. The domestic Big Three automakers, (General Motors, Ford,
and Chrysler), were responding to the success of American Motors'
compact Rambler American and Classic models that made AMC the
leading maker of small cars for several years and increasing
Rambler on the 1961 domestic sales charts to third place behind
Chevrolet and Ford. The innovative Corvair and the Chevy II, which
was designed to compete with Ford Falcon, were losing ground. Ford
released the mid-size Fairlane in 1962, to which Chevrolet
responded with the 1964 Chevelle based on a new A-platform design.
Built on a 115-inch wheelbase, the new Chevelle was similar in
size, simplicity, and concept to what were classified as the
"standard-sized" 1955-1957 Chevrolet models. The Chevelle was the
U.S. auto industry's only all-new car for 1964 and was positioned
to fill the gap between the small Chevy II and the full-size
Chevrolet models. Introduced in August 1963 by Bunkie Knudsen, the
Chevelle filled the gap in market coverage for Chevrolet and
achieved sales of 338,286 for the year.
Looking at this rarely seen version of the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle
300 Deluxe, it's hard to believe that this car spent all its life
in Pennsylvania and has remained mostly rust free. It's not often
that cars of this ilk are left in their stock trimmings, especially
in this day and age of 6 figure pricing on tribute cars and almost
weekly auctions being broadcast either across the boob tube or
streaming on your favorite device. Our consignor is one of the
lucky ones who found this 95% original ride that was bought new in
Emmaus, PA and equipped with the optional chrome package. Read on
and learn about this mostly original time capsule from 1966.
Exterior
Paint code H denotes Willow Green paint, and this Chevelle wears a
very large part of its original coating with pride. Dings, chips,
and dents are apparent throughout the body as is some rust, both
surface and invasive, particularly on the lower rear quarter
panels. We see an overall dulling and patina to the paint, but by
no means does this detract from the overall originalityand beauty
of the design. An all-original horizontal ribbed grille with a
Chevrolet badge in the center has dual headlights and a shiny
bumper with bumper guards below. As we work our way rearward, good
gaps and britework are noted throughout, especially on the optional
wheel well, rocker and body side molding. This car is badged with
its original 300 Deluxe rear quarter panel emblems and a simple
CHEVELLE emblem is spread across the filler panel between the
outward canted tail lights. Below rests another guarded bumper
finished in wonderful clean chrome. 15-inch body Keystone Klassic
wheels on all 4 corners and are wrapped with 215/75R15 rubber front
and back.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we greet 1960s styling with a Fawn vinyl
panel making up much of the door covering below a Fawn steel upper
strip. This panel has the door actuators and window cranks as well
as a Fawn vinyl covered pull/armrest. Inside we see the gold and
gray vinyl bolstered and flourish pattern broadcloth insert split
bench seat with some stainingand wear on both the upper and lower
cushions. The original black rubber flooring and tan rubber mats
are present and accounted for, as are the Fawn lap belts. In back
is a front matching full bench with some armrests built into the
sides. An inverted V style steel Fawn painted dash drips of 60'
bowtie styling, has the speedometer and fuel gauge inserted in an
area with black cluster and housing the knobs and pulls and then
some Fawn painted metal below. Original pull knobs function
perfectly, and the original AM radio is residing within its
original location. As I look around this original Fawn interior,
I'm dreaming about Michelle Phillip's cute little overbite belting
out "Dedicated to the One I Love".
Drivetrain
Residing in the patinaed engine bay is the original 194ci inline 6
cylinder treated to new ignition wires, cap and rotor. This
orange/red block is topped with a 1-barrel carburetor residing
under the black and surface rusted air cleaner assembly. Also, on
the back, the correct 2-speed automatic Powerglidetransmission that
sends power to the ground via a 10-bolt axle. All original under
the hood and simplistic to work on.
Undercarriage
While up in the air on the Classic Auto Mall lift we peer at the
undercarriage and soak in the 4 wheel drum brakes and surface
rusted single exhaust with a newer muffler. You can be secure in
the fact that there is a strong frame which is showing off as a
rust-free environment with only the factory undercoating and some
minor surface rust patina is seen. Independent coil springs in the
front and a 4 link and coil springs with new air shocks in the rear
provide the signature 60's Chevrolet ride.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and on the test track it performed nicely with good
acceleration and smooth shifting from the automatic. All functions
were operational during our drive including the radio that turns on
but is in dire need of a new speaker.
A good example of the '66 Chevelle 300 Deluxe kept almost exactly
as it rolled out of the showroom. An original interior, the thrifty
inline 6 cylinder, mostly original paint and a rust free
undercarriage. Only a few minor frowns but it is one of only 9,176
built, making it much rarer than a V8 Super Sport hardtop of the
same era. A great looker and performs as such. I'm California
Dreamin'.
133116B154785
1-Chevrolet
33-300 Deluxe I6
11-2 Door Sedan
6-1966
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
154785-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
03D-4th Week March Build
ST 66 13411-1966 300 Deluxe 2 Door Sedan
BDY BAL 3466-Baltimore Body #
TR 706-Medium Fawn Rideau Cloth & Imitation Leather
PNT HH-Willow Green
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
