1966 Chevelle Trivia

Any interesting trivia for 1966 Chevelles?  Let me hear from you and be sure to specify 1966 trivia.

»» U.S-built Chevelle VINs continued with the division, series, body style, and year such as 136176.  Canadian Chevelles continued to have the production year as the first digit in the VIN, i.e., 613617. See the 1966 VIN page for more information.

»» The first year for the SS396 series. This performance series came standard with a 396 cubic inch engine rated at 325 horsepower. The SS396 series was available in a sport coupe (13817) or convertible (13867) body style. Two optional 396 V8s were offered over the base 325hp model.  A 360hp and 375hp version were optional under RPO L34 and RPO L78 respectively. Standard transmission for the SS396 was a heavy duty 3-speed manual with 3 different 4-speeds or a Powerglide automatic were optional.

»» A front bench seat was standard on the SS396 and Malibu although bucket seats were a popular option for the SS396, Malibu sport coupe, Malibu convertible, and the Malibu series sedan pickup (13680).

»» The same three 396 engines were also available in the 300 Deluxe and Malibu series sedan pickup but there was not an SS396 El Camino in 1966.

»» Both the Malibu and SS396 sport coupe received a new body type designation of "17" due to the new 'strut back' top design.

»» Although there are engine codes for the 327/350hp L79 engine (EP, ER, and ES), none are known to have been sold.

»» Early SS396 models had a blacked-out rear cove but was discontinued early in the model year. Dealers often painted the rear cove black because it looked sportier and cars sold better.

Want more in-depth information on 1966/1967 Chevelles? Take a test drive of my 1966/1967 Chevelle Reference CD.