Introduction - 1966
The 1966 model year saw the formal introduction of the SS 396 series with a definite performance theme. Introduced in the 1965 Malibu SS 396 to whet the market's appetite, the Mark IV 396 cid engine was now available in the Chevelle SS 396 to anyone with the moxie to order one. The base 396 engine (RPO L35) was factory rated at 325 hp with an optional (RPO L34) 360 hp version and a solid lifter monster (RPO L78) rated at 375 hp. Although not an SS 396, both V8 El Camino series (13480 & 13680) could order any one of the three 396 engines as well.
The 1966 Chevelle was offered in 14 various series/body style combinations with a choice of two 6-cylinder engines or choice of six 8-cylinder engines. Sadly the 300 series 2-door station wagon was not a series/body choice after 1965. A buyer had a total of 15 solid paint colors and eight two-tone paint schemes to choose from. Color choices were limited somewhat by the body style; convertibles with a soft top were not considered a two-tone, sedan pickups and station wagons were limited to solid paint colors only. Unlike 1964 and 1965 there were no SS 396-specific paint colors - all colors were available on all series and body styles.
The new sport coupe body style designation number changed from "37" to "17" for 1966.
A fine example of the new for 1966 is this SS 396 shown here in Danube
Blue
Want more in-depth information on 1966/1967 Chevelles? Take a test drive of my 1966/1967 Chevelle Reference CD/Factory Assembly Instruction Manuals and check out my Chevelle books.
1966 Chevelle Links
- Only items in ALL CAPS and with an asterisk ( * ) are
active
- PRODUCTION NUMBERS *
- Vehicle Identification Number
- ENGINES
*
- Transmissions
- Rear Axle
- Interior Trim
- Exterior Paint
- Interior/Exterior Combinations
- Regular Production Options
- Dealer Installed Accessories
- SS 396 *
- Facts/Trivia
- Trim Tag Data
- PLANT PRODUCTION NUMBERS
*
- TIRES & WHEELS *
