Solid Survivor: 1966 Chevrolet Impala Wagon – SOLD!

February 14, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Survivor-quality, unmodified cars offer a unique dilemma. To some, there is a trade-off between what you want to keep original versus what you want to restore to enjoy the car more.  This survivor-quality 1966 Chevrolet Impala, last listed in January 2023 on Craigslist in Los Angeles, California, is a prime example.  A rust-free, always-in-Califonia daily driver, we would not blame the future buyer for restoring the interior and engine compartments to present the car better at shows while also enjoying the look of a fresh interior while driving it.

Last offered for $16,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is well below the five-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for sixth-generation full-size Chevrolets produced between 1965 and 1970.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the Impala featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $13,200 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $19,200 before making adjustments for powertrain and equipment options.

Redesigned in 1965, the Impala set an all-time industry annual sales record of more than 1 million units in the United States. All new full-size Chevrolets eschewed the “X” frame for a full-width perimeter frame, a new body that featured curved, frameless side glass (for pillarless models), sharper angled windshield with newly reshaped vent windows, and redesigned full-coil suspension.

In 1965, Chevrolet introduced a new luxury package for the Impala four-door hardtop, called “Caprice” coded as RPO Z18. Caprices received tufted upholstery, wood-grained accents on the dashboard and specialty pulls on the insides of the doors. This “halo” model also featured the “spinner” wheel covers from the Impala SS, with the “SS” logo centers replaced by a Chevrolet “bowtie” emblem. The Super Sport’s blackout rear trim strip below the triple taillights was also used, with the “Impala SS” emblem replaced by a large “Caprice by Chevrolet” badge. The Impala block lettering on each front fender was replaced with the “Caprice” script. The Caprice package was reintroduced as the Chevrolet Caprice Custom in 1966, taking the top position in the full-size Chevrolet lineup.

Engine choices included the inline six-cylinder as well as the small-block and big-block V8s. A new three-range Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission was optional for 396 cubic inch V8. Chevrolet discontinued the 409 cubic inch “W” engine was discontinued early in the 1965 model year, so early-production 1965s received the 409, while later in the model year one-tenth of one percent came equipped with the 396 big-block. Two-speed Powerglide, as well as 3- and 4-speed manual transmissions, were available. As with previous years, Impalas featured more chrome trim inside and out, with pleated tufted upholstery and door panels. The Impala would be the #2-selling convertible in the US in 1966, with 38,000 sold; it was beaten by the Mustang by almost 2:1.  1966 saw a pair of enlarged big-block V8s featuring 427 cubic inch displacements.

The 1966 Impala was a mild restyle of 1965, featuring a new instrument panel, grille, wheel covers (except for SS models), and rectangular taillights that wrapped around to the side of the quarter panels. Standard features now included lap belts front and rear, reverse lamps, a day/night rearview mirror, and a padded dashboard.

The OsbornTramain® YouTube Channel features this 1966 Chevrolet Impala commercial:

Cars are only original once. Not only does this 1966 Chevrolet Impala wagon feature a nice daily driver patina, but the body also appears to be rust-free. We would likely update the carpet, freshen up the interior door trim, and detail the engine bay. No harm and no foul in doing thus upgrades while leaving the exterior’s patina intact, at least in our book.

Here’s the seller’s description:

Restore or drive as-is: What would you do with this survivor-quality 1966 Chevrolet Impala station wagon for sale?  Please comment below and let us know!