A 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle parked on the corner of a garage looks scary, but is still completely

Anyone who went to a Chevrolet dealer to buy a Chevelle could choose from three models: the 300, the 300 Deluxe and the Malibu.

The Malibu was the icing on the Chevelle cake and one of the biggest changes it underwent involved the Super Sport package. Chevrolet simplified the approach this year by converting the car into the SS 396 and selling it separately.

It wasn’t long before the GM brand changed its mind again and three years later the SS 396 was relegated to an option package for the Chevelle.

The 1966 release was quite successful. Chevrolet eventually sold 447,000 units. The rarest configuration was produced with an L78 engine. It is estimated that about 100 units rolled off the assembly line with this monster unit under the hood.

The 1966 Chevelle Malibu looks like it’s been sitting in the corner for years in these photos, but despite the fearsome appearance, the car is “largely complete.” The owner explains on Craigslist that the bodywork is “pretty rough,” and despite the limited photo gallery shared online, it’s clear he’s right.

The car needs a complete restoration and I wouldn’t expect nearly every inch of metal to have rust damage. The best bet for anyone looking to buy this car is to get it out of the garage and examine the undercarriage. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the underside was already damaged, so be prepared to install new floors and probably a new trunk liner.

The good news is that the car still has an engine, and more importantly, it’s the original unit that Chevrolet installed before it left the factory. This Chevelle came with a 283 unit, paired with an automatic transmission, and while no other details were provided, I wouldn’t expect the drivetrain to be in great shape. It certainly won’t start or run anymore, but that’s something that can only be determined by a personal or third-party inspection.

The Chevelle is worth a second chance at the right price as this project is obviously not for the faint of heart. There is significant metal work involved and I doubt anyone without restoration experience would be able to get it back on the road.

The owner is willing to let the car go for $2,500, but he claims he’ll consider other offers as well. You’ll need transportation to get it home, but you should see it in person first to decide if it’s worth restoring. The car is parked in Kensington, NH, and is probably still sitting in the same garage waiting for someone to take it outside for the first time in years.