Here’s How Much A 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Is Worth Today

Summary

• In 1966, a Chevrolet Chevelle SS would cost between $2,300-$3,000, but today prices range from $34,000 to $187,000, making them highly sought-after collector cars.
• The 1966 Chevelle SS had one engine option, the 396 cubic-inch V-8, and came in coupe or convertible models.
• When purchasing a 1966 Chevelle SS, buyers should be aware of potential issues like rust, electrical problems, interior wear, and engine health, and have a mechanic inspect the car before buying.

The first generation Chevrolet Chevelle was introduced in 1964 as a new model to the line-up and was Chevy’s response to the changing automotive market at the time. It was available in various body styles from a four-door sedan to a two-door sports convertible. This diversity meant there was a Chevelle for everyone and even a high-performance package for anyone who wanted a more performance-focused car.

In 1966, Chevy decided to make a performance variant of the Chevelle known as the Super Sport. It had a bigger engine and handled better than the rest of the line up, this car began a series of high-performance Chevy’s with the SS badge still being used. The original SS are also becoming desirable so we’re taking a look at how much these cars are worth today.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Hagerty, Carsurvey, Bring A Trailer, and Classic.com.

Here’s How Much A 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Is Worth Today

In 1966, if you wanted to purchase the fastest Chevelle on the market, you would end up buying a Chevelle SS. A Chevelle SS would cost between $2,300- $3,000 and was available as a coupe or convertible. Adjusted for inflation, these cars would cost around $21,775-$28,400. But today’s values greatly exceeds these prices as they’ve now become collector’s items.

In today’s market, prices for the 1966 Chevelle SS start at $34,000 for cars in good condition and as much as $187,000 for pristine examples. Around 72,272 Chevelle SS models were made in 1966 but that number has significantly reduced since then. Below is a table that details the expected values of the ’69 Chevelle SS Coupes and Convertibles.

1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Valuation Highlights

(Source: Hagerty)

The above values are based on the base SS with the standard engine, optional versions with the more powerful engine cost more. Only around 5,400 Convertible SS versions were built, which makes them rarer than the Coupe models. This is reflected in the price as they’re more expensive since they’re harder to find.

The First SS Series

The original Chevelle began production in 1964 and came in four body styles which included coupes, sedans, convertibles, and very rare station wagons. But this was also the era where muscle cars were becoming a thing so there was a performance package available for the Chevelle Malibu known as the Z-16 option. This was originally the only way to get an SS model which was just a package that was added to the regular Chevelle.

The SS stood for Super Sport and was only available on the two-door Coupes and Convertibles. This package included;

• Special bright paint
• 14-inch full disc wheels
• SS emblems
• Vinyl individual seats
• Four-gauge cluster
• Optional dash-mounted tachometer

But all this was just a package that could be added to the regular vehicles and didn’t transform the car as much. But the first true SS model would only come in 1966 and would start the SS lineage seen in various Chevrolet sports cars today.

The Chevelle SS 396

In 1966, The Chevelle SS was no longer a performance package but a standalone vehicle. It was still based on the Malibu Coupes and Convertibles but had been completely re-inforced for more power and better handling. Only one engine was available which was the 396 cubic-inch V-8 which was mainly recognized as the SS engine even when later models would offer bigger engines. Some mechanical changes made to the SS model included:

• Reinforced frames
• Revised front suspension with higher-rate springs
• Recalibrated shocks
• Thicker front stabilizer
• Different exterior trim
• Hood scoops
• Red-stripe tires
• Bright trim moldings.
• 396 Cubic-inch big-block V-8

Features Of The 1966 Chevelle SS

For the 1966 model year, the Chevelle received a slight facelift to the overall look of the vehicle. This happened a lot with cars of this era with each year having subtle differences from the rest. The entire body had smoother edges compared to the previous model with other SS-specific designs which included

• A wider front grille with a new design
• Slightly redesigned bumper
• SS badging
• Hood scoops (SS only)
• New flying buttress design on the C-pillar
• Larger rear fenders
• New rear-end design

Most of these styling changes were not specific to the SS models only. The entire 1966 Chevelle lineup was redesigned which allowed Chevy to make the SS a standalone vehicle.

The Chevy SS Was Still An Option

Despite becoming the first series production SS vehicle in 1966, the full-fledged Chevelle SS was still an option you had to tick. It still retained the Z-16 name just like the previous model years but instead of extra add-ons, this meant you wanted a Chevelle SS. You could opt to have your SS either as a Coupe or convertible. There was only one engine option available but with three power ratings.

It Made Over 300 Horsepower

The first series production Chevrolet Chevelle was only available with one engine which is the 396 Cubic inch V-8 which was the biggest engine available at the time. In its standard form, the SS made 325 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque which was a healthy number for the time but if you wanted more power, all you had to do was tick a different option.

Engine Specifications

• Each engine had an RPO (Regular Production Option) code attached to it and the 396 V-8 had three codes.
• The L35 was for the standard engine while L34 unlocked the next power level which comes with 360 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
• If you wanted the most powerful option then you chose the L78 option which gives your 375 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.

They were all available with a three/four-speed manual or a two/three-speed Powerglide automatic sending power to the rear wheels only.

What To Look For Before Buying A 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

The first generation Chevelles aren’t the most desirable ones and many of them can still be found well under $100,000. Very few SS models have been restored so there are higher chances of finding a good deal but this means many of these still suffer from some of the regular issues that plague old cars like these. These include rusty and worn-out parts, electrical wires and connections, and a host of other small things to look after. Some of the major issues to look for include:

Rust

A major issue with cars from this period is that they’re prone to rust. The ’66 Chevelle is almost six decades old and does not hold up to the standard of modern steel and rust protection. So some of these cars, especially the ones found in wet climates and have sat for long might have a ton of rust. So please check the car thoroughly for any rusty areas, especially under the fenders, trunk floors, and the floorpan.

Electrical issues

The wires and connections of cars from this era become brittle over time and can start breaking and the ’66 Chevelle is no exception. It is necessary to check every connection in the vehicle to make sure they are good and if they’re not, they should be replaced. This is best to avoid short-circuiting and any form of electrical fire.

Interior Condition

Wear and tear is a regular thing for any vehicle but cars of this age can have significant interior wear. These cars came with either cloth or vinyl and many of them will not hold up very well. Just like the other materials in the car, they can become brittle and start tearing apart. This is a regular occurrence with cars like these and they may need re-upholstering unless they’ve been well preserved. For convertibles, the soft top needs to be checked to make sure there are no leaks.

Engine health

The 396 big-block v-8 is a very robust and reliable engine, its simplicity also makes it very easy to work on. But decades of use will cause some wear and tear on the engine so everything should be looked over by a mechanic to make sure the engine is in good condition. Some items like the carburetor and spark plugs may need immediate changing but making sure the engine is in good shape is necessary.