Lucas Bell 
There are really two things that defined the original era of muscle cars: V8 engines and great styling. Cars that nailed this combination have become the American dream car for generations of gearheads. This 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS listed for sale on Bring A Trailer looks poised to take on the drag strip, and it has the powertrain to match.
According to BaT, this 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS underwent a period of refurbishment and modification from 2009 until early 2012. Not a full restoration by any means, the car does have a few rough edges noted in the gallery. However, that is not to say that some serious work wasn’t done during that time. Under the 4-inch cowl induction hood of this Impala sits a 505 cubic-inch big-block V8, which features a SCAT crankshaft, a COMP hydraulic roller camshaft, Diamond pistons, Eagle connecting rods, Scorpion roller rockers, and Edelbrock cylinder heads.
A three-speed GM TH400 automatic transmission is mated to the back of the V8, and is upgraded with a B&M Holeshot torque converter and a Tru-Cool transmission cooler. For even better drag strip performance, there’s a NOS Big Shot wet nitrous system in the trunk complete with a blue 10-lb bottle. Other performance modifications include a Dynotech Ultra HD driveshaft, a 12-bolt rear end with 3.73:1, a Strange spool kit and 33-spline axles, Ridetech rebound-adjustable monotube shocks, four-wheel disc brakes, an adjustable Panhard rod and an aftermarket line lock.
This 1966 Impala SS was repainted in Chrysler metallic graphite in 2011, and features Silver Vein powder-coated accents throughout. The two 15-inch Vision Nitro wheels up front are finishing in black with a polished lip, whereas a pair of 15-inch Weld Racing wheels out back are blacked out and wrapped in Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S radials. The exterior treatments come together really well, and this Impala looks downright sinister.
While a nicely restored example may cost quite a bit of money these days, we’re willing to bet that this Impala SS finds its new home for a reasonable price. For that reason, it just might be the coolest one out there right now.
