The 1964 model year marked the debut of the Chevy Chevelle, built on GM’s A-Body platform. The A-Body was aimed as a direct competitor to the mid-size Ford Fairlane. Lineage of the Chevelle name has become lost to time, but the consensus seems to be it was taken from either the Hebrew or French name for “bold and beautiful.” Rolled out in August of 1963, the Chevelle would sell 338,286 copies in its first year of production.
The Chevy Chevelle made its entry into the muscle car world with the SS models. In 1965, the SS Z16 option would net buyers a 396 cubic-inch Turbo Jet Big Block with large port cylinder heads, an aluminum intake, Holley four-barrel carburetor, and hydraulic lifters, all working together to produce 360 horsepower. The Chevelle SS Z16 was dressed with a heavy-duty suspension, rear sway bar, larger power assisted brakes, a 6,000-rpm tach, a 160-mph speedo, and an AM-FM stereo.
For 1966, the Chevy Chevelle SS 396 had its own special VIN, with a 13817 prefix for hardtops and 13867 for convertibles. Chevelle SS 396s had reinforced frames, simulated hood scoops, higher-rate front springs, thicker front sway bars, performance shocks, red-stripe tires, and bright trim. The 396 cube Big Block mill could be had in 325-horsepower, 360-horsepower, or 375-horsepower trims, each available with a three-speed manual, four-speed manual, or two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.
Our feature Chevy Chevelle SS is a true factory Super Sport as evidenced by its 13817-VIN. It has been the subject of a body-off restoration. Finished in Marina Blue, the paint and brightwork gleam even on an overcast day. Power comes from an L78 396 cubic-inch Big Block producing 375 horsepower backed by a Muncie M21 four-speed manual. The rear end is a twelve-bolt Positraction unit with 3.31 gears. Spent gases exit through Hooker headers and Flowmaster exhaust. The Chevelle is equipped with power steering, power brakes, tilt woodgrain steering wheel, a center console, a custom-built dash, and custom trimmed bucket seats with thicker, contoured foam. The whole affair rolls on staggered 17-inch and 18-inch Billet Specialties polished alloy wheels shod in BFGoodrich G-Force performance rubber.
This sharp Chevy Chevelle SS will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Las Vegas, Nevada sale November 10th through the 12th.
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Comments
Aftermarket/custom gauges ruin the dash. Had a 66 coupe as my second vehicle at age 15, but it was a 283 powerglide. Dad was an insurance agent and wouldn’t let me have a big block. Had “chrome reverse” wheels. Drove it until my SR year of HS, but man, I wanted a SS>
I agree with Davy about the dash. What’s wrong with the original. The rest of the car seems to be mostly original right down to the valve cover sticker from the Chevy Tonawanda Engine Plant in Western New York that currently builds the 6.2 engine and exclusively builds the Corvette engine. It was a great place to work and retire from. I just hope they can somehow survive and stay open given the latest EV insanity.
I agree with the dash comments. I have a 138 with original dash and love it.