I have been looking for a 66 Chevelle for about a year now. I’ve wanted one for a while partly because I love the body style and partly because my dad had one as his first car, a 1966 Chevelle SS 396 (375hp) with the Muncie Rock Crusher 4 speed.
So a week or so ago, I found a damn good deal on one in Binghampton.
It’s an original panel, clean 136 car (Malibu V8). It’s pretty basic with bench seat, a 283 and powerglide transmission. But not for long. It also included a complete engine and transmission from a 1968 Chevelle, a 396 (325hp) carb to pan, and a turbo 400 transmission.
I’m going to be building it as the Buffalo Motorama Chevelle and display it at my show for 2-3 years with different upgrades and custom tweaks.
Plans are to keep it somewhat original looking and restomod. Building the 396 to about 400+ hp, the turbo 400 or a 4 speed overdrive trans, different rear end, suspension, brakes, and drop it. Paint will be like the original 1966 color Madiera Maroon Metallic. Then a custom interior.
Here are some pictures from when I got the car. Currently we are repairing a rear main seal leak and a slipping transmission to drive it for 2 months then start the build.
Not that I’m a purist, but the 396 was the big motor for the 66 Chevelle. Not going to be built as a drag car, more for pro-touring and some fun rides with power when I need it.
My 69 Camaro has the 472 and plans are to sell that and go for a supercharged LS motor over the winter.