Yes, if you were around in ’66, you were eyewitness to a dramatically altered automotive landscape - and I mean that in a good way! Even if you’re a diehard fan of the boxier “first” Chevelles (1964-’65), there’s no denying the all-new ’66 was a complete stunner. Aerodynamic “Coke bottle” styling, fresh new grille and taillights, and a very distinctive C-pillar with a wind-swept design on the SS models created a package that buyers couldn’t resist.

Four series of Chevrolet’s mid-size were available: Super Sport 396, Malibu, Chevelle 300 Deluxe, and Chevelle 300. Twelve models were spawned out of this series too - convertibles, sport coupes, wagons, and 2 and 4-door sedans. How does that compare to today’s Malibu line-up? Well, never mind...

Want a little more variety? How about a choice (depending on the model you select) of 3 different “standard” engines? The 120 horse Hi-Thrift 194 cubic-inch Six, the 195 hp Turbo-Fire 283 V8, or the 325 horse Turbo-Jet 396. Then of course, there was the “optional” engine line-up. Extra cost engines included the 140 horsepower Turbo-Thrift 230 cube Six, the 220 horse Turbo-Fire 283 (V8), the 275 hp Turbo-Fire 327, or the top-of-the-heap 360 horse Turbo-Jet 396. Today’s Malibu has, well, two engine choices. That’s not to demean Chevy’s current mid-size in any way; it’s just to illustrate how things were more than a tad different 44 years ago.

In addition to all those engine choices for 1966, you could select from 4 different transmissions as well. The standard tranny was a fully-synchronized 3-Speed manual unit. Extra cost optional trannies included a full-sync 4-Speed (floor mounted), an Overdrive automatic, or the legendary Powerglide -a three-element torque converter with hydraulically controlled 2-speed planetary gearing (P-R-N-D-L).

The top-of-the-line Chevelle for ’66 was, of course, the legendary Super Sport 396. You could order this beast in Coupe or Convertible form. Standard firepower with this model was the 325 horse Turbo-Jet 396 cube V8, with the manly 360 hp 396 being optional. With either engine, the 3-Speed tranny/floor mount shifter was base equipment. The 4-Speed (floor mount shifter) and Powerglide were both optional.

On the outside, all Super Sports got distinctive non-functional louvered hood “scoops”, polished stainless steel moldings on the wheel openings, sill area (rockers and rear quarters), as well as unique SS 396 badging.

Ah, the glory years of interiors! Yes, when it came to color choices inside the SS396, you could go hog wild. Eight color choices were on the list for ’66: Red, Blue, Black, Bronze, White, Bright Blue, Fawn, and Turquoise. Front and rear seatbelts were standard. Interiors were all-vinyl. Originally, our CC feature car sported a White interior, but was changed to Two-Tone Turquoise by the OPGI crew.

Strato-bucket seats are the perfect complement to a fully-loaded interior featuring floor console, Sports Styled Steering Wheel with Simulated Walnut, Power Windows and Air Conditioning.

The big bad 360 horse 396 - the top offering for Chevelle for 1966.
This particular motor is the original unit, and it’s been meticulously restored by OPG’s Sales Manager James Ferguson.

The 360 hp Turbo-Jet 396 features a 4-barrel carburetor,
chrome-plated rocker covers, air cleaner, and oil filler cap.

Cast aluminum pistons • 10.25:1 compression ratio • 4.094 x 3.76 (bore and stroke) • 360 hp @ 5,200 rpm • torque: 420 ft.lbs. @
3,600 rpm

H Willow Green
K Artesian Turquoise
L Tropic TurquoiseM Aztec Bronze
N Madeira Maroon
R Regal Red

Inspection of differential housing and gear set

In this short tech, we’re going to cover how to inspect your car’s differential housing and gears, not a total rebuild. You won’t need
a lot of tools for this job, just a standard socket set, flat-blade screwdriver, and a hammer or mallet. Your “tinware” will include new gear oil, clean rags, a container to collect the old oil, and a new differential cover gasket.

Let’s face it; it’s easy to neglect routine maintenance needs of
your car’s rear axle assembly.

1. What was the last year the “Chevelle” name appeared on a Chevrolet?
2. Which 3 GM divisions utilized front wheel drive during the 1960s and 1970s?
3. What was the largest available engine (from the factory) in the 1970 Camaro?
4. What do the numbers used by Oldsmobile “4-4-2” stand for?
5. What was the first year the Impala hit the road?
6. What year did Pontiac’s GTO become its own model, and not just an “option” on the Tempest?
7. When did the name “Stingray” cease to appear on the Corvette?
8. What year did the first “boat tail” Buick Riviera appear?
9. What was the last year Cadillac produced a convertible? (Modern day Caddys and modified/concept
    cars do not apply here!)
10. For which model year was the Monte Carlo introduced?
11. When did the first “Heavy Chevy” model arrive on the scene? And which Chevrolet model was it based on?
12. What do the letters “GTO” stand for?
13. What model year was the 350 cubic-inch V8 introduced in Chevrolets?
14. In 1968, what was the maximum allowable cubic-inch displacement for the A-body line-up,
     as dictated by GM Corporate?
15. What was the first year Pontiac utilized the front “soft nose” urethane bumpers?
16. What was the model name given to Oldsmobile’s “glass paneled roof” Station Wagons
      during the ’60s and ’70s?
17. What was the last year for side vent windows on GM A-body vehicles?
18. In 1970, which GM division produced the “Rallye 350”?
19. What do the words “El Camino” mean?
20. What was the name of the Chevrolet/Pontiac “half-breed” A-body produced by General Motors
      of Canada during the 1960s?