Body - Introduction

For consistency, the term series refers to Chevelle 300 (131-132xx), Chevelle 300 Deluxe (133/134xx), Malibu (135/136xx), SS 396 (13817-67). The term model refers to the particular body style such as 2-door sport coupe (17), convertible (67), pickup (80), etc.

The 1966 Chevelle body styling was completely new and changed from the 1965 model year with fresh front and rear sheet metal styling. The Chevelle 300 remained the entry level model with the 300 Deluxe, Malibu, and SS 396 as the upscale series offerings. The 1966 Chevelle sport coupe introduced the 'strut-back' styling that only lasted two years.

Paint Colors

As is generally the case in a new model year, several paint color choices were dropped while new colors were added. Notably removed were Evening Orchid, Palomar Red and Cypress Green. Added were Marina Blue and Aztec Bronze. Changed slightly were Tahitian Turquoise to Tropic Turquoise, Sierra Tan to Sandalwood Tan, Glacier Gray to Chateau Slate and Goldwood Yellow to Lemonwood Yellow.

GM of Canada offered two color choices not available in the U.S. market, Cypress Green Metallic and Plum Mist Metallic. Additionally, some colors were given different names (and possibly different mixing formulas) but were essentially the same color such as Provincial White vs. Ermine White.

SS 396

All SS 396 models (13817 and 13867) included special lower body trim, a dual-louvered hood and SS 396 badges. All SS 396 series came standard with a 396/325hp engine, heavy duty, full synchromesh 3-speed floor shifted transmission and front bench seat. Bucket seats, consoles, 4-speed manual transmission and the Powerglide automatic transmission were optional equipment.

Not all SS 396 models received a blacked-out rear cove. It's not certain when the change occurred but even showroom brochures changed. The early version of the brochure shows the blacked-out rear cove where the later version has the rear cove painted lower body color. See Std/Optional Equipment > Brochures > Chevelle Options Brochure for examples. Early production post cards also show the blacked-out panel where later production cards to not. Even the 1966 Chevelle Custom Feature Accessories booklet shows a Regal Red SS 396 convertible with the blacked-out treatment. See Body > Rear Panel for more reading on this subject.

Need additional reference material?

Chevelle Data and ID Guide

1966 Factory Assembly Instruction Manual

1966 Chevelle Factory Assembly Instruction Manual

1966 Chevrolet shop manuals and parts book

Body Section Links

Body - Introduction

Paint Colors

SS 396