This 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible was one of those cars ordered with a 427 cubic inch V8 up front. Finished in black, the 1966 Impala received a few minor styling updates over the 1965 car that were generally considered to clean up the styling of the prior year’s car. Things like a trio of rectangular taillights in the rear and a new horizontal metal grille up front. This Impala is fitted with a set of desirable 5-spoke hubcaps that simulate magnesium wheels, known by order code N96, and wrapped in period-correct BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires. The black vinyl top is in exceptional condition, fitting nice and taught, and the window in the rear is clear and massive for a folding soft top. As the Impala could be optioned with any number of engines and transmissions in the era, the only thing on the outside that gives away what lies under the hood are the “Super Sport” and crossed flag “427 Turbo-Jet” badging on the front fenders. The black interior on this car is finished to a very high standard, with a pair of black vinyl bucket seats up front, and a large bench in the rear. Chrome and brushed aluminum trim is fitted throughout the cabin, and the sizable center console features a long shift lever, topped by the same shift ball you would have found in a C2 Corvette. In the driver’s seat, you are met with a wide, 2-spoke steering wheel with a central horn ring, and behind it sits a horizontal 120-mph speedometer with a tach to the right and the fuel level on the left. In this example, an auxiliary gauge pod has been added beneath the heater controls to give you accurate water and oil temperatures, which are crucial for a big motor classic like this. In 1966, Chevrolet ran an advertisement touting both the redesigned Impala interior and the new engine options with the tagline, “The big news isn’t the gauges… it’s what the gauges connect to!” and that couldn’t be more true with this example. Open the expansive hood and you are met by one of Chevrolet’s most iconic engines from the 1960s- the 427 Turbo-Jet. An updated version of the 325 horsepower 396 V8 offered in the Impala, the 427ci unit was offered in two trim levels- the 390 horsepower model found in this car or the 435 horsepower unit intended more for the race track. Although the 435 horsepower unit may sound more exciting, it was far more temperamental around town and produced power much higher in the rev range. In light of this, the 390 horsepower unit is the best option for a larger car like the Impala and allows you to cruise all day with modern traffic or roast the tires in multiple gears if you so desire, thanks to a claimed 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine sends power through a solid-feeling Muncie M20 4-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels, making for a truly entertaining combination. What makes this Impala so appealing is that it is remarkably quick and sounds great. There is also nothing more fun than putting a bunch of friends or your whole family into a classic and cruising with the top down. And if you happen upon a local muscle car show, open the hood, and everybody will be excited to see a real 427 Impala SS.