Vehicle Overview
At first glance, "Old Man Tan" looks like an honest, well-preserved 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II finished in its original Cameo Beige with a gold bench-seat interior. That's exactly the point. Beneath its understated appearance lies a professionally engineered street machine that combines modern Chevrolet performance with one of the lightest and most unassuming body styles of the muscle car era. Built with an emphasis on reliability, drivability, and serious performance, this Chevy II perfectly embodies the Factory Plus philosophy—respecting the original character of the car while dramatically enhancing its capabilities.
Originally assembled at Chevrolet's Willow Run, Michigan plant during the fifth week of November 1965, this Chevy II retains its factory Cameo Beige paint scheme and gold interior, preserving the appearance of an economical compact sedan. The sleeper aesthetic is intentional, allowing very little to hint at the performance hidden beneath the hood.
Power comes from a professionally built supercharged LS2 6.0-liter V8, managed by a factory 2006 Corvette engine control module that has been professionally calibrated to support forced induction. Combined with electronic fuel injection, Schoenfeld headers, a cold-air intake, and a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, the drivetrain delivers exceptional power while maintaining the reliability and drivability expected from a modern GM performance platform. A heavy-duty 12-bolt rear axle, adjustable CalTracs traction bars, lowered suspension, and carefully engineered chassis modifications ensure that the car is as capable putting power to the pavement as it is making it.
Inside, the original bench-seat configuration has been retained, complemented by tasteful leather and cloth upholstery, a floor-mounted six-speed shifter, and a radio-delete dashboard that reinforces the car's purposeful personality. The simple interior perfectly matches the exterior, preserving the illusion of an ordinary Chevy II until the engine comes to life.
Beautifully executed, mechanically sorted, and built with an emphasis on performance rather than excess, "Old Man Tan" is equally comfortable cruising to a local cars-and-coffee event or delivering the kind of acceleration that surprises modern performance cars. It is an outstanding example of a thoughtfully engineered sleeper that remains true to its Chevrolet heritage while embracing the advantages of contemporary performance technology.
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Identification
VIN: 113116W124582
1966 Chevrolet Chevy II 100 Two-Door Sedan
Willow Run, Michigan Assembly Plant
Built Fifth Week of November 1965
Body & Exterior
Factory Cameo Beige Exterior (Paint Code V-V)
Lowered Performance Suspension
Adjustable CalTracs Traction System
Aggressive Sleeper Stance
Interior
Factory Gold Interior (Trim Code 714)
Bench Seat
Leather and Cloth Upholstery
Floor-Mounted Tremec Shifter
Radio Delete
No Center Console
Engine
Supercharged LS2 6.0-Liter Chevrolet V8
Electronic Fuel Injection
Cold-Air Intake
Schoenfeld Headers
Professionally Tuned 2006 Corvette Engine Control Module
Transmission
Tremec TR6060 Six-Speed Manual Transmission
Rear Axle
Heavy-Duty Chevrolet 12-Bolt Rear Differential
Chassis
Rear-Wheel Drive
Adjustable CalTracs
Lowered Suspension
Condition
Professionally Built Performance Car
Beautifully Presented Throughout
Mechanically Sorted
Outstanding Street Manners
Ready for Touring, Shows, and High-Performance Driving
Model History
Introduced for 1962, Chevrolet's Chevy II was designed as a simple, lightweight, and economical compact car. Its straightforward engineering, low curb weight, and generous engine compartment quickly made it a favorite among racers and performance enthusiasts, who recognized its enormous potential long before the factory began offering serious high-performance versions.
By the mid-1960s, the Chevy II had become one of the most successful platforms for drag racing and street performance. Its compact dimensions and excellent weight distribution allowed it to outperform much larger muscle cars when equipped with the right drivetrain. That reputation has only grown over the decades, making the Chevy II and Nova among the most respected foundations for high-performance street builds.
Today, professionally engineered examples that preserve the original character of the car while incorporating modern GM powertrains have become especially desirable. The combination of lightweight construction, contemporary LS-series reliability, forced induction, and a six-speed manual transmission creates a driving experience that blends classic Chevrolet styling with performance capabilities unimaginable when the car left the factory nearly sixty years ago.
"Old Man Tan" captures that philosophy perfectly. Outwardly restrained, mechanically sophisticated, and exceptionally well executed, it represents the best of what a modern Factory Plus build can be—a classic Chevrolet that respects its heritage while delivering the performance expected from a contemporary muscle car.
