1966 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle SS396

Like the tri-five Chevys that came before it, the Chevelle is one of those cars GM aced right out of the gate and continued to perfect.   Eventually, the marque became one of the strongest brands in automotive history; and at one point, with a full list of body styles, options, trim grades, color combinations, and engines which ranged from mild to outrageous, literally embodied the 'custom built' nature that defines the muscle car era.

For consignment, a nice looking and good performing Chevrolet Chevelle from 1966.  This car is a true 138 VIN car, denoting the SS396 package.  A frame off restoration began in earnest and was completed 8 years ago, and after crawling over, under, around and through this car, I will tell you that no stone was left unturned.  Along the way the original 396ci V8 was replaced with a LS7 spec 454 V8 with a mechanical flat tappet camshaft, and an Autogear M22 4-speed manual transmission, but fear not as this car idles like a stock 396, and as they say the rest is history.  Grab your detail rags and prepare to win some awards as this car has never been shown.  You're gonna blow 'em away not only on the drag strip but also on the show field with this one folks.

Exterior
Madeira Maroon covers this car on the paint front and is a nicely done paint job.  All is covered in a miles deep finish on these body panels, which are minding their gaps nearly perfectly.  Well preserved chrome and trim, very shiny and mirror-like, is noted on the bumpers, and lower rocker and wheel well trim, which is nicely aligned on the doors.  The deep flying buttress B pillars frame the trunk and the rear window which is surrounded by good brite-work as well.  On the rear of this car are canted outward tail lights that match the rear quarters and have a black painted SS396 badged panel connecting the two sides running directly below the trunk.   A like new bumper is below and all is straight and well with this exterior restoration.   Correct Madeira Maroon painted steel wheels with correct bowtie dressed dog dish caps are wrapped by redline radial rubber on all 4 corners.  Can you say better than showroom new?!?

Interior
As we swing open the maroon doors, we see horizontal molded white vinyl panels with nice actuator handles and cranks, along with a white vinyl armrest with chrome trimming and a black vinyl lower and black painted sill.  Low back wide buckets glide between these door panels and are in showroom condition with tuck and roll inserts and smooth bolsters all in white.  The rear bench follows suit with no stains or rips, just perfection in white vinyl.  Racing toward the dash between the seats is the factory black plastic console with its small storage compartment, factory clock and Hurst Competition Plus shifter.  An original GM inverted V style dash is up front and has the speedometer fuel gauge and clock inserted in an area with a black textured strip above, housing the knobs and pulls and then some black painted metal below.  Down below, the black carpet is in clean and nice condition, and the headliner, also black, is just nice and tight.   An original steering wheel also in black with chromed ribs fronts this original dash.  Also, the radio is looking original as well as the black padded topper covering the dash. 

Drivetrain
A 454ci V8 is within a nicely restored and clean engine bay.  Complete with a Chevrolet Orange block and heads, chrome plated Chevrolet valve covers, and some black wiring and tubing throughout, we are looking just dandy on the engine front.  This mill has been built to LS7 specs, which means it has a mechanical flat tappet camshaft and produces an estimated 465hp.  On top, below the chrome open element air cleaner housing is a 4-barrel carburetor.   An Autogear M22 4-speed manual transmission is on back and a 12-bolt 4.56 consigner stated rear axle is on to turn the rear tires.

Undercarriage
Break out your mirrors for this one, satin black painted floor pans, solid framing in black contrasts against the body's maroon steel and all is looking better than factory fresh.  No road dirt, no drips from bottom end of engine, independent coil springs for front suspension and a 4 link with coil springs for back and drum braking all around are bolted on to this no-nonsense underside.  Headers snake their way down from the monster mill and feed to the rear of the car through Gardner dual exhaust, ending in turn down tips under the rear bumper.

Drive-Ability
This car started quickly and ran nicely.  All functions worked well, and it has smooth acceleration and handling.  The interior had plenty of room and was definitely comfortable.  It would be a great reliable cruiser on a long drive, but with a press of the loud pedal things get serious in a hurry.   This car speaks loudly and carries a big stick to back it up...5 stars!!!

Meticulous attention to detail for this all buttoned up body and frame for this car.  A very nice straight rust-free presentation.  If you are looking for a better than factory original car, look no further than our main showroom!  This consignor went crazy during the restoration and now you will benefit from his years of labor...show on Saturday, race on Sunday!

138176B166181

1-Chevrolet
38-Chevelle SS396
17-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
166181-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

05A-1st Week May
ST 66 13817-1966 Chevelle SS396 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BODY BAL4470-Baltimore Body #
TR 763-Black Imitation Leather Buckets
PAINT NN-Madeira Maroon

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.