If you like your muscle cars big with enough horsepower to alter the earth's rotation, this 1966 Chevelle SS with its believed-to-be original L78 big block is right up your alley. In 1966, the Chevelle was Chevy's mid-sized car, but that also meant that a big block would fit under the hood, so they gave the SS models a performance look to match its moves. Sleek bodywork complete with those flying buttress C-pillars is instantly recognizable, but the clean, unadorned flanks suggest that GM stylists knew horsepower was the real draw here. Today it's still timeless, and thanks to the recent paint job in the original code R Regal Red, it looks absolutely wonderful. Correct SS pieces include the blacked-out grille and tail panel, and the faux hood vents are one of the coolest design elements to come out of the '60s. Fresh bumpers, lots of polished stainless, and new weather stripping all add to the new car feel. Cowl tag junkies will note that this car originally carried a black bench, but it has been upgraded to a set of beautifully reupholstered buckets from a 1967 Chevelle. The wood-rimmed steering wheel is a nice contrast to all the black inside, and neatly frames the original instrument panel, which reflects the SS's no-nonsense mission. A white-faced tachometer on the steering column and a trio of matching auxiliary gauges underneath remedy any OEM shortcomings in that regard, and there's a modern AM/FM/cassette stereo from Custom Auto Sound, which also includes new speakers throughout. A quick-acting shifter tops the 4-speed manual and you'll never miss third gear again with this one and it gives a cool race-ready look to the interior. The trunk is neat and clean, and features a correct form-fitting mat. The engine is a correct 4-bolt main L78 block and is believed to be the car's original engine. The block was decked, so there's no way to be certain, but you won't care about the numbers after you hear this Gordon Dempsey-built big block snarling to life. The original mechanical camshaft has been swapped out for a Comp Cams hydraulic unit with equal specs, so horsepower is unaffected but there's a lot less maintenance. There's Chevy Orange on the block and a touch of chrome on the valve covers and air cleaner, just the way the factory did it. A Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed spins the torque to a stout 12-bolt rear, and it sounds downright insane through the race-spec Flowmaster exhaust system. The suspension and brakes have been rebuilt, the chassis is solid and clean, and, well, if you're looking for a turn-key big block, they don't come nicer than this. Originally fitted with 14-inch steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps, it now wears glittering Cragars with 15-inch BFG rubber. If you're going to have a red Chevelle SS, you need a really big gun inside. This hardtop delivers. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom. For more information, please call (817) 764-8000 or toll free (855) 877-2707.
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