Frame Off Restored Chevelle SS Convertible 396 4 Speed

When the words “big block” and “Chevelle” meet, a good time is pretty much guaranteed. Throw in a complete, frame-off restoration and a killer red on red color combination, and you end up with a tire-melting, conversation-starting A-body that everyone will stop to look at. This top notch Super Sport convertible is a complete, road ready big block car which features a period-correct 396, a stout Muncie M21 4-speed and a restoration that's so fresh it hasn't even had time to accumulate dust on its glossy inner fenders. If you're one of those buyers who values absolute authenticity, we can certainly accommodate you. But, if you're one of the growing number of enthusiasts who wants to actually enjoy the performance, look, and value of Chevrolet's ultimate muscle car, this '66 Chevelle is your opportunity to turn someone else's toil into your new pastime!

During a professional nut and bolt rotisserie restoration, this solid old Chevy was entirely disassembled and completely striped of its dull, original paint. Once that paint was removed, an incredibly straight fuselage was augmented with new fenders and a new hood. As those massaged panels featured better-than-factory alignment, four coats of Regal Red base were followed by three coats of clear. When that clear dried, many labor-intensive hours were spent wet-sanding a spectacular shine. And today, one close look at our high definition pictures reveals a handsome payoff in the form of one of the best looking Chevrolet muscle cars on the planet!

When it comes to classic cars, a lot of people simply don't understand the difference between a frame-up restoration and a frame-off restoration. If a car has been frame-up restored, that means it's probably been envisioned as a nice cruiser that was rebuilt as needed over a long period of time. In contrast, a frame-off restoration, which was likely completed all at once, would indicate an owner's desire to attend shows. It's not a matter of one being better than the other; it really just depends on what you're looking for when it comes to purchasing the car of your dreams. And even though this pristine Chevelle can be driven all day long, its frame-off restoration ensures it's nice enough to park on almost any show field! At the front of this hot red drop-top, you'll find a black, body-width grille which hangs a fresh and prominent “SS396” emblem between four halogen headlights and a bright chrome bumper. At the top of that grille, a pristine Super Sport hood props a chrome center spear and chrome SS396 louvers in front of new glass that's framed by dent-free trim, cleared by mirrored wipers and capped by a white vinyl top. At the sides of that hood, ribbed rocker guards, fade-free fender trim and obligatory chrome door handles combine with detailed cross-flag emblems, chrome bowtie mirrors and subtle “Super Sport” scripts to detail a tasteful, conservative profile. And at the back of the car, a stainless-trimmed valence centers a wide-set “CHEVELLE” script between a second “SS396” emblem, crystal clear tail lights and a second chrome bumper.

If you wanted a top-of-the-line Chevelle in 1966 you had one option: 396 cubic inches of big block Detroit iron! Rolling out of the restoration shop with stout 10.25 to 1 compression, an impressive 325 horsepower and a massive 410 lb./ft. of torque, this Super Sport's correct L35 V8 is clean, mean and ready to roar! At the top of that big engine, oxygen is forced into a chrome, correctly decaled air cleaner which rides on a rebuilt Quadrajet carburetor and a cast iron intake manifold. At the sides of that intake, spotless chrome valve covers reflect fresh black plug wires above correct heads and fully restored exhaust manifolds. At the back of those valve covers, a reproduction points distributor rides between a rebuilt wiper motor, a new coil and a fresh brake booster. At the opposite end of the engine bay, a new 4-core radiator sends coolant around a shrouded fan via reproduction GM hoses and familiar screw clamps. And at the side of that radiator, spark is supplied by a reproduction Delco yellow cap battery. Naturally the car's glossy engine bay, which consists of black fenders and a Regal Red firewall, is 100% detailed and looks great. Its Chevy Orange block features the usual array of stainless lines and chrome ancillary pieces. And everything from the car's modern power steering to its glossy silver hood hardware displays the kind of excellent attention to detail that ensures both big points and great performance.

Underneath this rock solid A-Body 'better-than-new' is the prevalent theme with freshly over-restored floors, which are covered in a super slick coat of Regal Red paint, hanging over a spotless and highly detailed chassis. Behind the car's stout big block, a correct Muncie M21 4-speed transmission sends power to a rebuilt 12 bolt Posi-traction rear end that's equipped with easy driving gears. Holding that killer drivetrain off the ground is a completely restored chassis that's been hand-sanded and layered in a durable coat of single-stage paint. Modern power steering combines with fully rebuilt, power front disc and rear drum brakes to provide greatly improved turns and modern car stops. At the center of the floors, the big engine's restored manifolds dump spent gases into an aluminized true dual exhaust system that's complete with welded, dual-chamber mufflers. At the corners of the floors, restored 15 inch Rally wheels spin 235/60 BF Goodrich Radial T/As around low profile center caps and dent-free trim rings. And naturally, the bottom of this first class Chevelle is as pristine as it is spotless; with everything from the car's fresh stainless fuel tank to its new chrome oil pan completely detailed for both show and go!

Pop this Super Sport's sculpted doors open and you'll find a new GM code 750 Medium Red imitation leather interior that was installed during the restoration. The car's correct front bucket and rear bench seats, which were rebuilt with fresh foam, wrapped in new seat covers and bolted to fresh brackets, show virtually no wear at all. In front of those seats a bright red dash hangs brand new gauges and a correct Delco AM/FM radio above a cool 'knee knocker' tachometer. Below that dash, a great looking console frames a chrome shifter and a correct clock in pristine stainless trim. And below that console, like-new carpet is protected by a set of heavy duty, color-keyed floor mats. In front of the driver, a two-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel spins around a painted Ididit tilt steering column. At the sides of the cockpit, fade-free door panels center glossy frames, pristine stainless trim and new chrome handles on straight and pliable armrests. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk features a correct mat and a full-size spare tire.

If a run-of-the-mill Camaro or Nova simply won't do, this high-quality Chevelle is your perfect solution! Building any classic to the show-worthy level of this Chevy will probably cost about twice our asking price and, even if you started today, it would be at least a year before that project began resembling a finished car. So, why not give in to temptation and let this awesome Super Sport rag-top show you exactly what instant gratification is all about!