A 1966 Chevrolet Impala listed with minimal mechanical details has become the center of a growing bidding war, as dozens of buyers compete for a full-size classic that offers both promise and unanswered questions. The no-reserve auction has attracted strong attention despite uncertainty surrounding the car’s engine, suggesting buyers are drawn to its condition, originality, and potential rather than complete documentation.
The 1966 model year marked a turning point for Chevrolet’s full-size lineup. One of the most notable changes was the elevation of the Caprice to a standalone series, ending its short run as an Impala trim level. That decision reshaped buyer demand, with Caprice sales reaching 181,000 units and cutting into Impala volume. Chevrolet still moved more than 2.2 million vehicles overall, though full-size sales declined industry-wide. The Super Sport continued as a separate performance-focused series and accounted for 119,300 units that year.
Engine offerings for the Impala remained broad in 1966, ranging from a 155-horsepower inline-six to several V8 options, including the long-running Turbo-Fire 283 and the rare L72 427-cubic-inch engine rated at 425 horsepower. That breadth of factory choices now complicates matters for this particular car, which lacks confirmation of its current powerplant.
The Impala’s body appears solid, with clean undersides reported by the seller. The exterior finish shows signs of age, including bubbling and surface imperfections, suggesting an older repaint rather than original paint. The car has reportedly been sitting for an extended period, making it a project that will require attention before returning to regular road use.
Inside, the cabin appears largely stock and in good condition, with no reported modifications and no visible major damage. Photos suggest the upholstery and interior components have been preserved better than expected for a car of its age.
Under the hood, the mystery deepens. The engine starts and runs, but its identity is unknown. The seller notes uncertainty about whether it is original, though the VIN confirms the car left the factory with a V8. Visual clues suggest a big-block configuration, and factory air conditioning components are visible, along with power steering and power brakes. Aftermarket additions include an Edelbrock carburetor and a non-original distributor.
Interest has been strong since the auction began earlier in the week. With no reserve in place, bidding has climbed quickly, reaching $8,300 after 40 bids at the time of reporting. More than 90 users have added the listing to their watchlists, and nearly 200 views were logged in a single day. The car is located in Pahrump, Nevada, and is expected to change hands when the auction concludes in the coming days.
Via eBay
