The Chevy Chevelle is one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time, and the 1966 Chevelle is no exception. Read on to find out what besides its looks and power made the ‘66 Chevelle such a favorite.
, the SS models produced until the 1973 model year offered the best performance. Today, the 1966 Chevy Chevelle SS396 is one of the earliest examples of this car's amazing power.
Under the hood of the 1966 Chevelle
The standard car had a big-block 325-horsepower engine, capable of producing 410 lb-ft of torque. This engine also had better gas flow than the one it replaced thanks to the position of the exhaust valves and other parts. However, the more impressive engine was the one that came with the Chevelle Z16's performance package.
This one made 375 horsepower, able to zoom to the quarter-mile mark in 14 seconds. MotorTrend says that it could potentially get up to 105 mph with the addition of lowered gears and dragstrip tuning. This package also came with an amped-up suspension, bigger brakes, and chassis upgrades to enhance the car's handling.
Many Chevelles came standard with a four-speed transmission, power brakes, and power steering. You could also add a touch of luxury to your cruiser with air conditioning, a wooden steering wheel, and stylish bucket seats.
While the Chevy Chevelle had a lot of great features, the creative customizations were even more impressive. For example, it was incredibly easy to swap out the stock tires for much nicer Mickey Thompson tires with chrome reverse wheels. You could also get an open intake with a chrome lid instead of the tacky standard snorkel.
These customizations were greatly appreciated due to the limited availability of the Z16 Chevelles. The Z16 performance package was even more desirable thanks to a multitude of interior upgrades. Drivers could now enjoy upgraded interior materials, a new AM/FM stereo, and a flashier speedometer design.
While not an actual part of the car, the 1966 Chevy Chevelle was considered special because of its relatively low price. The coupe version was $2,276 upon release, which would be a little under $20,000 today. Getting the optional 375-horsepower iron-head L78 engine was a mere $236 extra.
Chevy made 66,843 of these hardtops, so it was also easy to find in the first place. The convertible Chevelle was more rare and expensive, retailing for $2,964.
Even so, it was the first car for many gearheads of the ‘60s, making it one of the most nostalgic vehicles of the era. While cars were cheaper back in the day, you likely couldn't buy one and still have leftover dough to make extensive modifications. In contrast, the Chevelle was a bargain and came easy to modify straight from the factory.
How much does it cost to insure a classic muscle car?
Classic vehicles require more maintenance than modern cars, and can be more difficult to repair during an accident. Even so, complete coverage for these cars is usually cheaper than your average modern vehicle, especially when you sign up with
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