Owner Claims This 1966 Impala Was Mainly Used for Getting Ice Cream With the Kids

According to the seller, this classic Impala spent most of its life tucked away in storage and only came out on short weekend drives — usually for a quick ice cream run with the kids or a trip to a local car show. Now, the time has come for it to find a new home.

The 1966 Impala didn’t see major design changes that year, though one significant shift was the Caprice becoming its own model line. Originally introduced in 1965 as a luxury version of the Impala, the Caprice followed the same path the Impala had taken back in 1959 — evolving from a trim level into a full-fledged series.

That move paid off: Chevrolet sold around 181,000 Caprices in 1966, helping push total full-size sales to nearly 1.5 million units out of 2.2 million Chevrolets built that year.

Under the hood, the lineup also saw an upgrade — the 396 big-block grew to 427 cubic inches, a welcome change for Super Sport buyers seeking more muscle, with top versions making up to 390 horsepower.

This particular Impala, though, stands apart for a different reason.
Being part of a private collection explains its remarkably clean condition and low mileage. The seller says all original body panels remain intact, and there’s no rust underneath. The undercarriage has never been patched or welded, and the metal is described as solid throughout.

The car no longer wears its factory paint — hardly shocking for a nearly 60-year-old vehicle — but the previous repaint has held up well. Some minor flaws like chips and scratches are visible, but nothing that ruins the overall presentation. It’s the kind of car you’ll want to inspect in person to see how the finish looks under natural light. From most angles, though, it still presents well.

Inside, the Impala’s interior has been refreshed with a new carpet, new door panels, and other replacement pieces, giving the cabin a clean and inviting appearance. While it’s no longer 100% original, it’s been tastefully redone.

The powertrain tells another story.

The Impala originally came with Chevrolet’s dependable 283-cubic-inch V8, the same engine offered in many full-size models of the era. Introduced in 1957, the 283 was known for its smooth balance of power and economy — a perfect fit for daily use.

However, the original engine was swapped out at some point for a 396-cubic-inch V8, equipped with a mild camshaft, aluminum intake, four-barrel carburetor, and a few performance tweaks.

The result is a car that’s ready for the road. The seller says it starts, runs, drives, and stops properly, with a transmission that shifts smoothly. The brakes were recently serviced, so it should be roadworthy right out of the gate. In fact, the seller claims the buyer could drive it home without issue.

That said, a few typical issues remain. The air conditioning isn’t working, and the radio is dead, which is why a hands-on inspection is highly recommended. Seeing it in person would make it easier to assess these small details and estimate what it might take to restore the Impala to top shape.

From the photos and description, it’s clear that returning this Chevy to its original glory wouldn’t take much — just some light cosmetic care and mechanical attention. It’s a solid, drivable classic that still has room for a personal touch.

The seller seems determined to let the market set the value, listing the Impala on eBay with no reserve. That means the highest bidder will take it home once the auction wraps up in five days. As of now, 29 users have already added it to their watchlists, and that number is expected to rise as more buyers discover it.

The car is located in West Babylon, New York, and comes with a title.
If you’re nearby, you can drive it home; otherwise, trailering it or shipping it under a cover would be the safest way to get this piece of Chevrolet history to its next garage.