Vehicle Description
If you like your muscle cars big with enough horsepower to alter
the earth's rotation, this 1966 Chevelle SS with its original L78
big block and a 4-speed is right up your alley. With a spectacular
show-quality restoration, it's a stunning Marina Blue hardtop with
the performance to back up its aggressive look.
In 1966, the Chevelle was Chevy's mid-sized car, but that also
meant that a big block would fit under the hood, so they gave the
SS models a performance look to match its moves. Sleek bodywork
complete with those flying buttress C-pillars is instantly
recognizable, but the clean, unadorned flanks suggest that GM
stylists knew horsepower was the real draw here. Today it's still
timeless, and thanks to the recent paint job in the original code F
Marina Blue, it looks like a million bucks. There's a lot of time
invested in blocking the bodywork to ensure straightness, and the
shine on the urethane paint only got there with a professional
color sand and buff. Correct SS pieces include the blacked-out
grille and tail panel, and the faux hood vents are one of the
coolest design elements to come out of the '60s. Fresh bumpers,
lots of polished stainless, and new weather stripping all add to
the new car feel.
Cowl tag junkies will note that this car originally carried a set
of Ivory imitation leather buckets, but it has been upgraded to
black, which nobody will argue is a mistake. The wood-rimmed
steering wheel is a nice contrast to all the black inside, and
neatly frames the original instrument panel, which reflects the
SS's no-nonsense mission. A period-correct accessory tachometer on
the steering column looks very cool and there's a clock down on the
console. The original AM radio is still in place, but that's about
it for options on this SS, which strongly suggests that it was
built for one thing and one thing only (and you know what that is).
A quick-acting shifter tops the 4-speed manual and you'll never
miss third gear again with this one and it gives a cool race-ready
look to the interior. The trunk is neat and clean, and features a
correct form-fitting mat and spare tire with cover.
The engine is the original, numbers-matching 4-bolt main L78 396
with 375 horsepower. Fully rebuilt and beautifully detailed, it
looks like dawn of the muscle cars all over again. The original
mechanical camshaft sings its song, but you'll be shocked by how
smoothly it idles, more evidence that the factory engineers really
knew their stuff. There's Chevy Orange on the block and a touch of
chrome on the valve covers and air cleaner, just the way the
factory did it, and correct reproduction decals were used
throughout. A Muncie M22 - Rock Crusher - close-ratio 4-speed spins
the torque to a stout 12-bolt rear, and it sounds downright insane
through the throaty Flowmaster exhaust system. The suspension and
brakes have been rebuilt, the chassis is solid and clean, and,
well, if you're looking for a turn-key big block with some cojones,
they don't come nicer than this. Originally fitted with 14-inch
steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps, that's how it was restored and
we're totally digging the redline radials!
If you're going to have a high-profile Chevelle SS, you need a
really big gun inside. This hardtop delivers. Call today!
