Unrestored 1966 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe With a 396 V8 Heads to a New Owner

For hobbyists hunting a first restoration project, the ideal candidate is usually a two-door classic that is free of rot and already runs well enough to enjoy. A 1966 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe currently for sale in West Babylon, New York appears to satisfy those requirements, and its 396-cubic-inch V8 adds considerable appeal.

The seller is asking $18,900 but has signaled a willingness to negotiate, so the final figure could land lower. The car wears a coat of Ermine White applied during a cosmetic restoration back in the 1990s, and the years since have left their mark in the form of scratches, stone chips and a handful of minor dents. The seller points out, however, that the floors, trunk and frame are all solid, and the underside photos support that claim. The chrome bumpers have dulled enough to warrant re-plating, while the glass remains clear. The car rides on American Racing Torq Thrust wheels that could use a polish.

Inside, the Impala fares better than its exterior. Beige vinyl covers bucket seats that show no splits or heavy wear, and the cabin retains an AM radio alongside a set of aftermarket gauges. The carpet carries a dirty patch below the driver’s left foot, and some bright trim on the dash has aged, though inexpensive reproduction pieces are easy to source. A buyer content with a driver-grade classic could leave the interior essentially alone.

Under the hood sits a 396 V8 paired with a three-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. The car has neither power steering nor power brakes, and while the air cleaner decal suggests 350 horsepower, Chevrolet offered only one 396 tune that year, rated at 325 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. A seller-provided video shows the Impala running and driving, with the big-block sounding healthy, the transmission shifting cleanly and no noticeable squeaks or rattles from the body.

That combination of solid structure and road-ready manners raises an interesting question for any prospective owner. With no rust to address and only modest cosmetic flaws, the car could be returned to show condition without enormous effort, yet there is no urgency to do so. Driving it as-is while weighing a full cosmetic refresh may be the most sensible route, letting the next owner decide over time how far to take the project.