FOR SALE: 1966 Impala SS427 convertible *SOLD*

*SOLD*

While muscle cars aren't really my thing, I can certainly appreciate the rarity and performance of a car like this gorgeous 1966 Impala SS convertible. Is it a luxury car packing some muscle or a muscle car with all the luxury features? Hard to say, but not only does this big ragtop feature a burly L36 427/390 V8, but it also has a long list of factory options including A/C, cruise control, power windows, center console with gauges, quadraphonic stereo, and a remote trunk release. Nice, right?

It was pretty comprehensively restored about five years ago and has been driven about 7100 miles since it was completed. It was refinished in its original code W Chateau Slate color (which is basically silver metallic) with a black convertible top and the bodywork is extremely nice. All the chrome was freshened, the stainless was buffed and/or replaced as needed, and all the rubber weather-stripping is new, so it closes up rather well for a convertible. The styling wasn't dramatic, but this car definitely has presence, particularly when you notice those little '427' badges on the front fenders, details that it comes by honestly. The floors in the foot wells of all four positions were replaced, but there was no wholesale removal of the entire floor pan, so I don't believe this was a rust bucket, and as far as I can tell, the quarters and trunk are original and in excellent shape. I think like all convertibles, water accumulated in the footwells and the inevitable happens.

The interior was originally code 844 Blue but during the restoration it was switched to code 813 black. All SS models came with buckets, and the upholstery is beautifully done and quite accurate. There are very minor signs of wear and use, but nothing worth noting, and everything from the door panels to the carpets is new. The console, which features a rare quartet of auxiliary gauges (vacuum, oil pressure, ammeter and temperature) is in good original condition, but new brushed aluminum appliques are included for the flat surfaces should you wish to freshen them up. Other options include power windows, factory A/C (not working at the moment because the compressor rear plate cracked, but we've got a replacement on order), tachometer, cruise control (not hooked up because of the Holley carb), and quadraphonic stereo, which is that four-knob control panel on the console. There's a brand new black power convertible top overhead and it works superbly with no fighting to latch, even when it's cold, and there's a fresh black boot to go with it.

But the real thrill of this car is under the hood, where it packs a thundering 427 cubic inch V8 rated at 390 horsepower. This one has been upgraded to "Special Performance" specifications, which was essentially the Corvette's L72 427/425, and the cackling camshaft sounds wicked at idle and pulls like a freight train at speed. I only drove the car about a mile because of the salt on the streets, but there's really nothing like a big block kicking you down the road. There's a Holley double-pumper up top with a matching manifold, but the way the engine is dressed, you'll never notice it. Correct colors, emblems, decals, and hardware have been used to give it a show-quality look. It's a little cranky when it first fires up, but once it comes off the choke, watch out! The only other noteworthy upgrade is a more aggressive-sounding exhaust system that's a little loud for my tastes, but if you're going to have a 427, you may as well advertise a bit. As I said, the chassis is clean save for four modest floor patches and the TH400 3-speed automatic and heavy-duty 12-bolt rear with 3.36s on a Posi make for entertaining performance. New Coker redline radials have been fitted to the original 14-inch wheels and look just right.

Luxury/muscle is cool, no matter how you slice it. I don't know how many of these were built with the 427, but it's a rare find and to be loaded with this many factory options is a real treat. Not a show car, but one of the nicest drivers you'll see, and people really light up when they see what's going on under the hood. We're asking $54,900, and I guarantee the first guy to drive this monster will insist on taking it home. Thanks for looking!

SOLD! Thank you!