Comments: 1-15, 16-19
Windshield wiper motor failed.
Radiator pressure relief cap leaked.
Intake manifold gasket leaked.
Taillights failed.
Radiator core and water hoses leaked.
Battery failed.
Steering column bearing wore out.
Horn contact switch and wiring wore out.
Valve cover gasket leaked.
Exhaust system needed complete replacement (except header).
Rear windshield cracked.
Weatherstripping on doors and trunk leaked and wore out.
Window in left rear door smashed by vandals.
Dome light and backup light lenses cracked.
Exhaust header cracked.
Rust on front of hood, rear quarter panels, right-hand side rocker panel and floorboard on front passenger side.
Starter failed.
Considering the 17 years of age of the Chevelle and the low purchase price of approx. 750 dollars in 1983, the Chevelle turned out to be a very good car.
It was an export model assembled at the GM Continental plant in Antwerp, Belgium and had seen comparatively hard use as a taxicab in Belgium in the early stages of its service life. After that, the Chevelle had had another five owners before I bought it.
The defects that occurred during the seven years I owned the car were clearly the result of normal wear and tear and nothing out of the ordinary.
The Chevelle would always crank up and run except on the one occasion when the old battery died. Other than that, the car never let me down.
The 230 inline Six was anything but a performance engine, but it always ran smoothly and reliably. 15+ seconds from 0-60 mph and a top speed of 90 mph certainly were nothing to write home about, but that was quick enough for me at the time. On the plus side, the Six gave decent fuel mileage, 18 mpg on average.
The two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission proved to be truly unbreakable and never ever let me down, although it admittedly was unresponsive and badly dated, even by 1966 standards.
Being an intermediate Chevrolet, the Chevelle with its 197 inches (5.00 meters) of length and 75 inches (1.90 meters) of width was comparatively easy to drive and park in Germany.
The 300 Deluxe's level of interior appointments was rather spartan since the lower model ranges aimed primarily at fleet buyers, but I still found the simple bench seats comfortable and easy to live with. My Chevelle was almost completely devoid of extra-cost equipment except for power brakes. In those days, as a twentysomething student, I didn't really miss things like power windows, air conditioning etc.
Non-power steering was no problem once you got used to the excessive amount of wheel-turning (5 turns lock-to-lock) on the road; parking the Chevelle required extra effort, of course.
With its heavy-duty suspension (like most taxicabs), the Chevelle handled quite well in the curves. It did understeer noticeably, but, thanks to the Six, it put less weight on the front wheels than V8 Chevelles. The indirect steering system effectively discouraged any sporting attitudes on the part of the driver, however.
Drum brakes all around were very susceptible to rear wheel lockup, thanks to a hypersensitive power assist. On the other hand, the brakes didn't lend themselves to really hard use - a common problem with American cars, especially in the 1950s and 1960s.
Body integrity was middle-of-the-road, in spite of the Chevelle's optional body reinforcements for taxi use. Rust was not excessive, but required frequent attention. Fit and finish of the Chevelle were typical of 1960s U.S. cars, that is, mediocre. Not as bad as on British or Italian cars of that period, but worse than on most German or Swedish cars.
All in all, the Chevelle was easy to live with, stylish in a pleasantly conservative way, and quite reliable. Also, it was nice to know that I was probably the only person in Germany to own a '66 at the time. If I had a chance to get another '66 Chevelle, I'd surely invest more time and money to keep it in good shape.
How cool would it be, to have a 4-door '66 Chevelle , with a SS hood on it? My girlfriend loves her 4 door, and is about to paint it. We have done (too much) "restoration" on it, but she loves the car, and that makes it all worth it. I think she should invest in a SS hood, before painting the car. Any support out there?
Oh yes it was my first car in 1986, ran like a dream, had that "hum" mine had no power options, 283 v8 with oem a/c, back then everyone said it was junk, well I wish I still had it 18 years later!
I'm considering buying one for light daily use (after complete restoration). It's also a 6i, but with 3speed manual... Do you think the 3man is better than the 2auto? I really don't know, better mileage, but I think I'll always need a free hand on a bench seat, haha ;)
anyway, you saying it's reliable now I'm more into it. I'll write if any success.
I have to agree with everyone on this one, the Chevelle 300 four door is a great car. I myself have 1967 Chevelle 300 four door, and it is just as reliable as any other car on the road. I have the Powerglide as well, and it is bullet proof. My Chevelle is my first car, and I love the thing like a child. Very little maintenance has been necessary, and most money that I have spent was not for repairs, but more for upgrades. I don't think that you can go wrong with one of these cars, but this is just my opinion.
I read this review very carefully, because I think this is about my car! I bought the Chevelle in 2003 with follow changes to the original 300: only rear and left rear window are colored, customized dual channel exhaust system, right rocker panel and hood was rusty because of an old accident, custom starter and the rear quarters are repaired with foam insulation (seems cologne style). Engine and transmission are changed (350/350). If you are the author of this review, please contact me: chevelle66@gmx.de. I would be interested in the history of the car, and I think you will be interested how the chevelle looks like today!
My first car was a 1966 Chevelle 300, 4 door, 283 V-8, Automatic transmission and that's it. Bought it in 1980 from my Aunt Edna, who had purchsed it new in 1966 in Toronto, Ontario. Fond memories of the car; the seat support broke and needed a hockey stick to keep it upright; the floorboards rusted out and it rained inside every time it rained outside... but I loved it. Six of us in a car, the engine was as strong as the day it was assembled; trunk space for every camping event (and more!), the high school days, driving around with the keys in the trunk... if only I had it now. Saw one just a few weeks ago at the GM Autofest in Oshawa, 30,000 miles; a blank check and a dreamy stare could not get the owner to separate with it. I would love to have it now. Stepped inside and nostalgia took over. Where are all those friends, Tom, Pat, Joanne, Chris, Lynn, Heather and the times we had in that car... what a life... what a car!!!
Good to read the nice things said about these cars. We just bought a 1966 4 door for my 16 year old daughter, will pick it up later today, $1,500.00, 67,000 miles, (possibly 167,000 miles, but the engine is really clean) all original and in really good shape for its age. Hardly any rust, faded paint and 1 small, very small, dent in the front by the headlight on the driver side. Sounds great running. The seats have been recovered and have 2 small splits and needs a rear window dash cover, but other than that it's road ready. Still has the original am radio.
I have a black 66 Malibu four door post car. 100% street car, this car inspired an executive from the arlington plant to build the Impala SS four door.
I have had my car since 1989. It has been powered with a 540 hp 469 cid Pontiac four door that runs low 12's in the 1/4.
The best thing about my black sedan is beating up on a 396 Chevelle two doors at the track with 3 more of my friends riding with me.
As for reliability, it has NEVER LEFT ME BESIDE THE ROAD EVER. No matter how hurt it was.
I have had all of the model Malibu's there are for 1966 and this one is my favorite. I will never let her go.
My first car I owned was a 1966 Chevelle Malibu 4 door that I bought for $400 back in 1984. The engine was a 230 in-line six cylinder and had a 2 speed Power Glide transmission. The engine looked so small in an engine compartment that was made for larger engines. In fact, I can remember changing the starter on night while in college while it was snowing with the hood practically closed and still had plenty of room. I gave it the name of Mabel and she took me and my friends everwhere. I loved that car, but due to my carelessness, I lost her in a car accident. I am still regretting that moment of stupidity to this day. Thanks to everyone for letting me relive a part of my youth and I hope that I have the pleasure of owning one in the future.
I have a 1966 chevelle 300 deluxe 4 door post with a 350sb and a turbo 350 trans with shift kit. It's a powerful car. I love this car and would rather drive this car than my new one. This is my summer driver. People always say nice car, except it's a 4 door. I always say don't let the extra doors fool you, it's very fast. So America, let's keep the 4 doors alive. We are too hung up on 2 door cars, so let the extra doors roll on, this car can be seen on American racing.com.
I just got a 1965 chevelle 300 deluxe and I'm putting a lot of money in it I'm replacing the floor pans and driver side fender its mist blue it was my dads car and hes had it since it was new it sat out on the farm for years the floor is all but gone, but I'm going to love this car.
I've got a 66 Chevelle Malibu, 2 dr. no post, originally a 230 6 cyl., now a 350/350 w a 12 bolt posi. Body and interior have 33,000 orig miles, bench seat. Body needs paint and minor bodywork and is almost completely rust free, but I love the style of it. I'm in the process of planning a build up for it.
I just got a 1965 Chevelle 300 4dr for my 16th birthday. I love the car and it runs great. I always would love to drop a 350 V8 in it, but why? It's an original matching number engine and runs great. I'm going to start restoration on it this Spring, and I hope it turns out great.
Ahh! the chevelle 4 door; I too love these cars. I passed up a '67 4 door in high school and regretted it. Then years later, it all came back and I landed a 1969 4 door chevell hard top with a 350 and a power glide. Ohh! how underrated these cars are and this one is my baby. Besides the 68-72 sedans, I think are even harder to come by (seeing as most were probably scrapped for parts to keep the 2 doors around).
Hello, I am the owner of Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Deluxe 1966
Building year 18-03-1966. Building in Antwerp Belgium.
I buy this car in 1983.I married in this car,1 year driving and than I put the car in garage for 24 years. This year I complete restored the car. Now I'm driving the car after 24 years again. The car is white and the inside is red. The car is now 41 years old. It is nice to see how the people are looking to my car. OK that's the short story about my Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Deluxe 1966.
Greetings. Hans from Netherlands.