The production of the 1966 Chevelle consisted of nearly 450,000 units, with the SS 396 production also increasing to 72,000 cars. These numbers indicate that locating a 1966 Chevelle (or the necessary components for a restoration project) should not be too challenging, making the restoration process more convenient. However, a 1966 Chevelle recently listed on Craigslist offers the ideal restoration package, as the car does not display any worrisome issues. It meets most criteria for an easy restoration candidate, including all original parts and no rust problems. The photographs confirm that the Chevelle still possesses a sturdy body, with the floors appearing clean. It is difficult to determine if any metalwork has been done, but it is advisable to inspect the car further and ask additional questions by placing it on a lift. The body remains straight, retaining its original paint, although collectors may desire a complete respray for a flawless condition. Under the hood, the car is equipped with a 283 V8 engine, and the owner notes that the transmission slips in reverse. No further details were provided, but given that this is an all-original Chevelle, it can be assumed that the engine is the one installed by Chevrolet prior to the car leaving the assembly plant. The 1966 Chevelle was available with two options for the Turbo-Thrift six-cylinder units. The least powerful configuration was a 194ci unit with 120 horsepower, but most customers who did not want a V8 engine opted for the 230ci with 140 horsepower. The 283 was offered in two variations: 195 and 220 horsepower. The 327 small-block unit was rated at 275 horsepower and provided a well-balanced combination of performance, fuel efficiency, and cost. However, the highlight of the Chevelle lineup was the SS396 engine options, which included the L35, the L34, and the L78. The most powerful option was the L78 with 375 horsepower. All indications suggest that this Chevelle has the potential to become a stylish daily driver with the right restoration. Alternatively, the next buyer could choose to preserve its factory specifications and transform it into a collectible. Achieving this objective is feasible since everything remains in its original state, and finding an unrestored Malibu like this is not a common occurrence. The asking price of $22,000 seems reasonable considering all of the aforementioned factors. However, the best way to determine if this Chevelle is truly worth it is to inspect it in person or arrange for a third-party inspection. The car is located in Vacaville, but it is unclear whether it can be driven home or if a trailer is necessary. Opting for the latter is the safer choice, as the car does not appear to be prepared for a long journey.
According to the Source autoevolution.com