1966 Chevrolet Impala SS 396 Convertible (LHD)

Description

Launched in 1958, the Impala was Chevrolet’s full-size offering and led the industry in both styling and performance, becoming America’s best-selling large car by the late 1960s. Sitting above the more basic Biscayne and Bel Air model lines, the Impala shared similar styling but offered the buyer more standard equipment. The fourth generation Impala was revamped for the 1966 model year, its pronounced ‘Coke bottle’ shape still regarded as one of the best looking large American cars of the era. Chevrolet offered an extensive range of body styles including sedan, hardtop, fastback, custom coupe (with formal top roofline borrowed from the Caprice), convertible and station wagon. There were a myriad of engine and transmission combinations available, ranging from a 250ci six-cylinder to the classic small-block 327ci V8, although budding drag racers could order the Super Sport (SS) package with the tyre-shredding 385hp 427ci V8. The Impala was sold in Australia through Holden dealerships in the ‘60s but were only available as pillarless hardtop sedans. Examples such as this two-door convertible have been imported privately.