- Stylish Sport Coupe
- One brute of an engine
- An untouched original car
Collectors agree these cars represent the finest hour
Chevrolet’s full-size Impala for 1966 saw a slightly face-lifted front-end design as well as revised wraparound taillights as compared to the previous 1965 models, and many felt these minor changes gave the car a more refined, cleaned-up appearance. Like the ’65 versions, “Super Sport” models featured a stylish Sport Coupe semi-fastback roofline design. Super Sports were part of the Impala line and the factory also offered a convertible version, and in either case; bucket front seats with center console were standard equipment. Records indicate a total number of 119,314 Super Sports were sold in 1966.
Riding on a 119-inch wheelbase and with a total length of 213-inches, these big Chevies certainly were not small automobiles, and depending on the options selected, the overall weight could be as much as in the 3900-pound range. In addition to the cosmetic makeover, Chevrolet engineers gave the ’66 full-size cars a heavier, stiffer frame along with revised body mounts to help improve ride quality.
A variety of V-8 engines
Like the 1965 models, full-size Chevrolets could be ordered with a variety of V-8 engines, including 283 and 327-cid small blocks as well as a 396-cid big block. And for the 1966 model year, Chevrolet added the powerful new 427-cid version of the big block, available in two ways: a “street version” that generated 390 horsepower and a “special-purpose edition” that was rated at 425 ponies.
The hairier version was a rather serious performance engine, and highlights of that beast included;
- larger 2.190-inch diameter intake valves
- high-flow rectangular heads
- a mechanical lifter .520-inch lift measured at 0.050 lift camshaft
- 11.0:1 forged pistons
- sturdy four-bolt mains
- aluminum high-rise dual plane intake manifold
- a big 780-cfm Holley dual-feed four-barrel carburetor
These special L72 engines are without question among the rarest of the rare of all Chevrolet muscle cars ever produced, and factory records don’t show how many of this top-of-the-line 427s came in full-sized Chevrolets, they were optional in Biscayne, Bel Air, Impala, Super Sport and Caprice models as a regular production option, the number has to be low. The L72 engine was most certainly the high-water mark for the Chevrolet and aficionados and collectors agree these cars represent the finest hour.
This Super Sport is one of the original L72 cars produced and is owned by an Arizona car collector. This Madeira Maroon-colored machine is a “survivor” car with less than 60K on the clock, and save for a re-sprayed paint job, required due to fading, it’s an untouched original car in every sense, right down to the numbers-matching engine, transmission, differential, starter, alternator and related engine accessories. Even the upholstery is original!
The car was found via an on-line classic car advertisement back in 2003, then located near Detroit, Michigan. This collector is a serious “L72” enthusiast and after seeing some photos and getting general information from the seller to make the deal, if in fact the decision was made to purchase it.
After the visual inspections took place, it was time to write down all the various serial numbers and codes on the car itself, plus identification numbers on the engine block, engine accessories and driveline. The car was spotless and with the news that all the numbers checked 100-percent, confirming that this was a “real deal L72” factory car and it didn’t take long to hand over the cash.
Besides the flawless overall condition of the car, the paperwork was very complete and included numerous documents that had stayed with the car since new. The ultra-rare Super Sport came out of a La Harpe, Illinois, dealership of Fred Gibb Chevrolet.
Today the car is very well cared for and while it certainly is pampered, the owner does take it out on the open road and “exercise” the tremendously potent 425-hp big block engine from time to time, opening up the venturi and running it through the gears! The car is equipped with the “M21” close-ratio 4-speed transmission and features 3.73 rear gears and is a major kick to drive!
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