1966 CHEVROLET IMPALA SS 396 CONVERTIBLE

KEY FACTS

• This 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS 396 Convertible is presented in stunning, fully restored condition.
• This car features the upgraded 325hp 396 cubic inch (6.5L) ‘Turbo-Jet’ V8 motor, which is paired with a two-speed ‘Powerglide’ automatic transmission.
• An original, matching numbers example of the 1966 model, this Impala is presented in the rare Turquoise over Turquoise color combination.
• Imported from the US, it is presented in concours condition and was shown at Motorclassica in 2011.
• Upon purchase prior to delivery to Australia in 2011, the indicated mileage at the time of 243 miles was verified by a US ‘Odometer Disclosure Statement’, with the balance of the roughly 4,000 miles covered while in Australia for the past 10 years.

EQUIPMENT AND OPTIONS

• The subject of an extensive restoration by Custom Cars Unlimited in La Grange, Illinois.
• Ordered with the 396 cubic inch ‘Turbo-Jet’ V8 option from the factory, the car features a while electric vinyl roof with a glass rear window.
• Fully restored but unmodified, this is a matching numbers car maintaining its full original factory specification and even the original sheet metal.
• Sold with full documentation, including the original title and US$174,442 worth of receipts documenting the restoration work performed by Custom Cars Unlimited in La Grange.

CONDITION

• The Impala’s bodywork is excellent, as is all the exterior trim including the large chrome bumpers front and back, convertible roof, wheels, lights and other accents.
• Its turquoise paintwork is outstanding, with the respray completed to a meticulous standard and maintained well since. The seller notes only a small 2mm stone chip underneath the chrome front bumper and painted grey section.
• The high standard of restoration work continues inside the car, where the magnificent matching turquoise interior shows no signs of wear or discoloration. This has been very well-cared for and all upholstery and textiles, including seats, carpets and linings are superb, as is the rest of the interior trim.
• Maintained in superb mechanical condition, the Chevrolet presents no issues with electronics, controls or gauges.
• A roadworthiness inspection was carried out on 25 June 2021 and the car passed without issue.

SERVICE HISTORY

• A minor routine service was carried out for the inspection in June 2021.
• Prior to this, all routine services have been carried out (and documented) over the years, including replacement of the fuel pump and most recently the replacement of the rocker cover gaskets and overhauling of the brake cylinders in February 2021 – all of which were a result of lack of driving.

SUMMARY

Fully restored to concours condition and sold with comprehensive documentation, this matching numbers 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS 396 Convertible is a class-leading example of the American classic. In the eye-catching turquoise color scheme, this evocative drop-top is sure to draw smiles and nods of approval wherever it goes and will of course delight its next owner every time they get behind the wheel.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register. It is currently under a finance agreement through the seller’s company. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.