This 1966 Chevrolet Caprice hardtop coupe is a 2-owner, 53k mile example that has been with the seller for 25 years. It is equipped with the optional 275-horsepower 327 V8, factory gauge cluster with rare tachometer, and factory A/C. The car received a professional repaint in 2003, and features a dual-circuit 4-wheel disc brake system, electronic ignition, rebuilt suspension, and hardened engine valve seats for unleaded gas. The seller reports that it has always been stored in a temperature controlled garage and that it was never driven during the winter. All body panels are said to be original with no evidence of prior damage or repairs.
Introduced as a trim package for the 1965 Impala 4-door hardtop halfway though the 1965 model year, the Caprice became a separate series for 1966 offering hardtops and wagons (but no convertible). Aimed at the Ford LTD, the Caprice offered more luxury than the Impala and the 2-door hardtops had their own unique roofline. This car was taken down to bare metal in 2003 and professionally repainted in a GM red clearcoat (it was white originally). Floor pans and trunk are said to be solid with no signs of rust.
The black vinyl interior is original and reported to be in excellent shape. The console features the factory gauge package. The car had air conditioning from the factory, however the compressor, dryer and other A/C parts are not currently installed. Those parts have been boxed up and will be included with the sale. The A/C system reportedly was in good working condition when removed and stored.
The car has the optional 275-horsepower 327 V8 (the 195hp 283 was standard). It was torn down at 40k miles and received new rings, bearings, seals, gaskets, valve springs and guides, push rods, etc. The heads got larger valves as well as hardened valve seats and the crank was balanced and polished. An Edelbrock Performer intake, Holley 750 carb and MSD billet distributor were added as were Jet-coated Hooker Competition Plus headers.
The 4-wheel disc brake setup has slotted rotors and stainless-steel lines. The suspension, including springs, ball joints, and related parts, was rebuilt at 40k miles. The Turbo 400 automatic also was rebuilt at that time and a 2,000-rpm stall convertor installed.
The seller says original parts taken off the vehicle and not reused during the rebuild have been stored in the same garage as the car and will be included with the sale. Those parts include the original cast iron exhaust exhaust maniforlds, intake manifold, distributor, and Rochester carburetor.
