Vehicle Description
1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Convertible – Numbers-Matching L35 396, Muncie M20 4-Speed, Frame-Off Restoration, Protect-O-Plate
Top-rung #1 cars are comparatively few and far between, but this exquisitely restored, impeccably detailed, and numbers-matching Chevelle SS 396/four-speed convertible is in that class. Treated to a complete frame-off, rotisserie-style restoration a little more than 10 years ago, this Chevelle was returned to factory-stock condition featuring the correctly coded, numbers-matching L35 396 big-block, Muncie M20 four-speed, and 12-bolt Positraction rear end. With a concours-quality paint process, all-new interior, NOS date-matched shocks, and original Protect-O-Plate included, this is a truly exceptional example.
Restoration & Paint
- Complete frame-off, rotisserie-style restoration performed a little more than 10 years ago
- Returned to factory-stock condition with numbers-matching, correctly coded engine
- Total nut-and-bolt refurbishment
- Two-stage paint process: four coats of color, four coats of high-build clear
- Progressive block sanding: 800, 1200, 1500, 2000, and 3000-grit
- Buffed with wool pad followed by foam pad
- Frame finished with same primer and build process followed by four coats of acrylic enamel with gloss-reducing agent
- Laser-straight body panels with no blemishes, dings, or corrosion
Drivetrain
- Numbers-matching L35-code 396 Mark IV Big Block V8 (325 horsepower at 4,800 rpm, 410 lb-ft torque at 3,200 rpm)
- Two-bolt mains, iron oval-port heads, 10.25:1 compression ratio, hydraulic valve lifters
- Holley four-barrel carburetor on cast-iron intake manifold
- Wide-ratio Muncie M20 four-speed manual gearbox (standard with 396 Mark IV Big Block)
- 12-bolt Positraction rear end with 3.31 gears
- Engine fires with just a pump or two of the gas pedal – no smoke on startup
- Standard four-wheel drum brakes with optional power assist
Exterior & Convertible Top
- New, correctly dated glass installed
- New window seals
- New, properly functioning and leak-free convertible top (power top)
- All lights functioning normally
- Period-correct reproduction redline tires
- NOS mag-style hubcaps for 14-inch steel wheels
Interior & Comfort
- All-new interior including carpet and seat upholstery (standard vinyl-trimmed bench seat)
- All gauges and accessories work normally
- Factory options: gauge package, tachometer, AM/FM radio, wood steering wheel, deluxe seat belts
- Power steering and power brakes
Chassis & Suspension
- Suspension completely rebuilt
- NOS shocks that are correctly date-matched to the car’s assembly
Included Documentation & Provenance
- All original books and manuals
- Original Protect-O-Plate (factory-issued identification card with original owner’s name and equipment information)
This 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Convertible is a true #1 concours-quality example, the result of a complete frame-off, rotisserie-style restoration performed a little more than 10 years ago. The numbers-matching L35 396 big-block (325 horsepower) pairs perfectly with the Muncie M20 four-speed manual transmission and 12-bolt Positraction rear end with 3.31 gears, firing easily with no smoke. The two-stage paint process (four coats of color, four coats of clear, progressive sanding through 3000-grit, and wool/foam buffing) produced laser-straight body panels with no blemishes, dings, or corrosion. The frame received a similar high-quality finish with acrylic enamel. The all-new interior features the standard vinyl bench seat, gauge package, tachometer, AM/FM radio, wood steering wheel, and deluxe seat belts, while power steering and power brakes enhance drivability. The convertible top is new, leak-free, and fully functional, all glass is correctly dated, window seals are new, and all lights and accessories work. The suspension was completely rebuilt with NOS date-matched shocks. Rolling on 14-inch steel wheels with NOS mag-style hubcaps and period-correct reproduction redline tires, this Chevelle SS 396 convertible includes the original books/manuals and the Protect-O-Plate. For the collector who demands the very best, this impeccably detailed, numbers-matching convertible is ready for top-tier shows and spirited top-down cruising.
L35 396ci V8 | Muncie M20 4-Speed | 325 HP | 12-Bolt Positraction 3.31 | Frame-Off Restoration | Protect-O-Plate | NOS Shocks