autoevolution
 

This 1966 Chevelle Can't Remember What Tarmac Feels Like, First Time Outside in 45 Years

1966 Chevelle barn find 19 photos
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/eBay seller transitbuf66
1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle1966 Chevrolet Chevelle
Most people remember the 1966 Chevelle as the model introducing the full restyling that eventually paved the way for increasing sales towards the end of the decade.
The new Chevelle sported a new roofline that upgraded its sporty appearance, as well as new grilles, bumpers, and curved side windows. Chevrolet wanted the car to focus more on performance, so the SS continued to spearhead the company's investments in big-block engines (alongside the Impala SS).

1966 also witnessed an important change for the Chevelle SS. The GM brand upgraded this model to a stand-alone series, though the company decided to undo this strategy in 1969, bringing the SS back to an option package status.

This 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle that eBay seller transitbuf66 recently posted online survived a long time in hiding, still exhibiting an above-average condition seemingly allowing for easy restoration. No information has been provided on the time the car spent off the road, but the seller claims the Chevelle is a barn find. Based on the current shape, it indeed spent decades in storage, so you should expect the typical rust, especially on the floors.

The body panels also show signs of rust, though the shared photos seem to suggest the damage is only on the surface and hasn’t yet gotten through. You should still check out everything in person, as a long time of sitting could also produce damage that you can hardly see in pictures online.

The car was last registered in 1978, which means it has likely been sleeping in that barn for approximately 45 years. The owner says the floors and the trunk are still solid, and the rust shouldn’t be a big concern for potential buyers.

The engine under the hood comes in the form of a 283 (4.3-liter) V8. As most diehard Chevy fans probably know, the 283 isn't exactly the best engine choice on a Chevelle, but the base unit was potent enough for the sporty attitude of this refreshed model. Unfortunately, the owner forgot to include further specifics regarding the engine, so I can't tell if it's still running or not – I'm more inclined to believe that it doesn't, given the car has been sitting for 45 years, but make sure you ask this question before committing to a purchase.

The selling price could make many people walk away. The bidding starts at $9,000, but that's unlikely to be the price allowing the car to find a new home. The owner has also enabled a reserve with an unknown value, so unless someone is willing to pay much more than that, the Chevelle is likely to remain where it is. The vehicle is currently parked in Glen Clove, New York.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram
About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories