This 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 convertible is powered by a numbers-matching overbored 396ci L35 V8 paired with a replacement four-speed manual transmission. The car was delivered new to Harter Chevrolet-Buick in Camden, South Carolina, and it was purchased as a non-running project by the seller out of Tucson, Arizona in 1989. A subsequent refurbishment completed in late 2020 included a repaint in white, refinishing the frame, replacement of the convertible top, an interior refresh, and rebuilds of the powertrain. Equipment includes air conditioning, a Delco AM/FM radio, a tilt steering column, a power-adjustable front bench seat, and power-assisted steering and brakes. This Chevelle SS is now offered with manufacturer’s literature, an NCRS-issued shipping-data report and Car Shipper sheet, refurbishment photos, parts receipts, and a clean Arizona title in the seller’s name.
Finished from the factory in Ermine White (C), the exterior on this example was refinished by the seller, who notes that a black Robbins replacement convertible top was installed during the refurbishment. Cosmetics unique to the SS included a blacked-out grille, a special SS 396 hood with faux twin scoops, 396 badging on the front fenders, SS 396 emblems on the grille and rear cove, Super Sport script on the rear quarter panels, and ribbed rocker-panel moldings.
Argent silver-painted 14″ steel wheels wear knock-off-style wire covers and are mounted with BFGoodrich Silvertown redline tires. A matching spare is located in the trunk. A set of four Rally wheel centers and trim rings accompany the vehicle, as pictured in the gallery below.
Interior finishes include replacement black vinyl upholstery (761) complemented by matching door panels and interior trim. A Hurst Competition Plus shifter has been fitted by the seller, and further work included refurbishment of the gauges, the Delco AM/FM radio, and the radio’s multiplex unit.
A woodgrain steering wheel frames instrumentation including a horizontal-sweep speedometer and a reset five-digit odometer that reads approximately 350 miles; actual chassis mileage is unknown. An optional instrumentation package (RPO U14) features a tachometer as well as gauges for oil pressure, amperage, and water temperature.
The 396ci L35 V8 was rebuilt during the refurbishment with a .030″ overbore, replacement stock 10.5:1 pistons, and a Crane Cams Blueprint camshaft. Power is routed through a replacement Muncie four-speed manual transmission that was rebuilt by the seller and is linked to a 12-bolt rear axle equipped with 3.31:1 gearing.
The engine’s stamping pad includes the sequence 133773, which matches the last six digits of the vehicle’s serial number. The EK suffix also on the stamping pad corresponds with the 396ci/325hp V8 engine application paired with an automatic transmission. Additional stampings and casting numbers are pictured in the gallery.
More images of the underbody showing the floors, suspension, and exhaust are available in the gallery below.
Photos in the gallery also document the refurbishment process, which involved replacing the trunk floor, rear wheel arches, and portions of the driver-side floor pan in order to address rust.
The car is shown above with the included Rally wheel centers and trim rings installed on the car. Videos featuring this Chevelle are presented below.
An included NCRS Shipping Data Report shows this Chevelle as being produced on January 4, 1966 and delivered to dealer 336 in zone 16, which corresponds with Harter Chevrolet-Buick in South Carolina. A Car Shipper sheet shown in the gallery details the vehicle’s factory-equipped options and notes a total price of $3,898.42.
