Patina Paint/Original Drive Train/Original Interior/2 Owner Car

Description for Chevrolet Caprice 1966

1966 Chevrolet Caprice

The Caprice name was coined by Bob Lund (Chevrolet's General Sales Manager) after a classy restaurant he frequented in New York City. Some say the car was named after Caprice Chapman, daughter of auto executive and influential Indy-car official James P. Chapman.

For consignment a 2-owner car through its lifetime appearing as a 1966 Chevrolet Caprice. This is a first generation, first year of this generation car, it sports its original drivetrain (engine, rear axle, and transmission) and is all looking in overall fair condition. Just a bit of aging on the body and paint, with some invasive rust to bring it back to perfection. It has its original interior which is aged as well with seats that will need recovering, and the numbers matching engine appears to have been the beneficiary of an earlier rebuild, and possible cosmetic upgrade.

Exterior
Sandalwood Tan showing some dulling on the finish covers the panels of this bowtie. Decidedly Chevrolet in its design, looking much like the Impala of yore save for the lack of the triple taillights. Invasive rust has taken over on the rockers and rear of the wheel wells, as well as some bubbling on tops of the wheel well curves. A black vinyl top which is a little faded covers the roof of the passenger compartment and shows slight rust underneath on the seams just under the corners of the rear window trimmings. Badging is dimpled, bumpers look fine, and other trimmings are in good condition. 15 inch torque thrust wheels are on all 4 corners.

Interior
Looking original in form and condition, we see horizontal tufted tiled with button centered vinyl panels on the doors, bordered by a wood appliqu, chrome trimming, and a gold carpet strip below on the bottoms. A bit of dirt soiling is going on near the armrests. Inside more smooth tan vinyl bolsters with piping bordering the tuck and roll tufted buttoned stitched broadcloth inserts. The driver's side has some tearing and padding is showing through on these insert panels. All other seating looks good and is fairly clean and free of faults. The original GM styled dash with a padded top in gold, instruments hiding underneath the padded topper overhang, and a metal strip which is just above another horizontal band of wood appliqu which houses the various knobs and pulls as well as the ignition. Worn gold carpeting is on the floors, and the headliner is tight.

Drivetrain
Looking like at one point restored or at the least repainted, the orange/red Chevy block, clean and shiny air cleaner cover and red painted valve covers. Inside is a numbers matching 396ci V8 (T1115IVH 1121043 (Tonawanda November 15th, 1966 396ci V8 325hp 4bbl TH400 Passenger Car) with a single 4-barrel carburetor under that new air cleaner cover. An original 3-speed automatic (TH400 model) is on the back of the mill, and way back we see a 12-bolt 3.07 posi rear axle. A newer Flowmaster exhaust has been put on this car.

Undercarriage
With plenty of surface rust to be seen, there is one area of concern that being on the passengers side rear frame which has been suffering from invasive rusting and has holes within its structure. Floorpans have patina but are structurally sound, and suspension is also showing fairly heavy surface rusting. New front disc brakes are now on with the original drum setup on the back, and new springs and shocks have been installed within the last year.

Drive-Ability
It fired right up, and ran like a champ through the test track. Interior was just a bit shabby, but all was working save for the radio, and the mechanicals were solid. Surprisingly quick for a full-sized cruiser.

A first year example in this 1966 Caprice, will need some TLC overall but it's all there ready for the next owner to take it to the next level. Go ahead, make its day!

VIN DECODE
166476N121043
1-Chevrolet
66-Caprice V8
47-2 Door Sport Coupe
6-1966
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
121043-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
11E-5th Week November Build
ST 66 16647-1966 Caprice 2 Door Sport Coupe
BDY NOR42181-Norwood Body #
TR 857A-Light Fawn
PNT T2-Sandalwood Tan, Black Vinyl Top
W-Tinted Windshield
2Z-TH400
T-Power Rear Antenna
R-Rear Seat Speaker

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.