1966 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport review from North America

Spun a Rod Bearing on the number 2 cylinder at 82,000 miles.

Rust in the Rear Quarter panels and Trunk

Poor paint.

Although almost indistinguishable from the 1965 when viewed from the front the 1966 Impala Super Sport possesses many distinguishable features. For instance the Grill, Fenders, Bumpers and Hood are not interchangeable from the previous year.

The '66 Impala seem to be a little more refined with smoother lines and softened edges, this with the integrated square tail lights instead of the trade mark "six round lights" gives the 1966 a more "Muscle Car" look.

My 1966 Impala is a factory Super Sport with the correct L30 327-cubic inch 275-horse power Small Block Chevy. It came with the original Thermo-Quad Carburetor, Stock Air Cleaner and Valve Covers.

The rest of the drive train consists of the original 2 Speed Powerglide Transmission and 10-bolt (8.2 inch ring gear) Positraction rear differential. The car even sports the original Super Sport hubcaps.

Upon closer examination the car was originally Yellow, currently repainted red, with a Parchment (White) interior, and as with all SS models it had the bucket interior with a console mounted shifter, the rare bench SS vehicles do exist as special order.

Outside of the paint the only other non-original item I can find are the seats. The seats currently in the car are from a 1965 SS Impala, this seems to be a common conversion the 65 seat are a slightly wider than stock 66 and this is not the first time I have seen this replacement. I have been on the hunt for a usable set of 66 seats.

I have been very pleased with the power and drivability on the stock power train and the factory power steering keeps the steering light to the touch even at slow speed. The brakes are 4-wheel drum non-power assisted, but seem to do the job well enough. The 2 Speed Powerglide Transmission and the factory 3.08:1 rear ratio seem a bit sluggish off the line, but the "curse ability" is unmatched for the era.

As I stated in the "What things have gone wrong with the car?" section the 327ci engine spun a number 2 rod bearing. The damage to the crankshaft is unrepairable so it may be time for an upgrade. I have a 1968 Corvette L68 427-cubic inch 400-horse power Big Block Chevy that I think will look very good under the hood. I have access to a 1969 Impala station wagon with Power Disk Brakes, Turbo 400 Transmission and 12-bolt (8.75 inch ring gear) rear differential that should transfer over to the 1966 chassis. Little known fact is the 427 was available in the Corvette and full size models beginning in the 1966 model year.