1966 Chevelle SS
Real L78 396/375 H.P.

Chevelle
By. Dave Lindsay

Location: Irvine, California

 


GM launched the Chevelle SS396 in response to Pontiac's GTO as a formidable challenge in the Muscle Car Marketplace. In 1966, the Chevelle SS396 had (3) engine options including a 325 H.P., 360 H.P., and the 375 H.P.

 

The RPO L78 396/375 H.P. included a bullet proof 4-bolt main bearing cap block, 11:1 high compression pistons, high revving solid lifter camshaft, large port rectangular heads, "high rise" aluminum intake manifold topped off with a dual feed 780 CFM Holly carburetor.

 

In 1966 only 3,099 Chevelle  SS 396 cars were equipped  with the legendary L78 396/375 H.P. engine.
This is one of the very first cars with the RPO L78 396/375 option. This car has its original engine, 4-speed transmission, and factory equip  4.10 ratio 12-bolt positraction rear end. The car has undergone a complete frame-off, "nut and bolt" restoration with no detail overlooked.

 

This Chevelle SS396 is a "Numbers Matching", (4) owner car with copies of all of the original titles, and has the all important Protector  Plate. Listed below are the RPO codes with the description of how this car was originally equipped from the factory.

 

 

RPO DESCRIPTION


A01 Soft Ray tinted glass, all windows
A39 Custom Deluxe front and rear seat belts. A51 Front bucket seats Astro type. B90 Door window frame moldings. D55 Console.
G80 Positraction rear. J50 Power brakes. KK1 4.10 rear axle ratio.
K76 61 amp. alternator.
L78 396/375 H.P. M01 Heavy duty clutch. M20 4-speed standard transmission. N10 Dual exhaust.
N33 Tilt steering. N34 Wood grain steering wheel. T07 7.75-14 Red line tires. U14 Instrumentation package.
U16 Tachometer "Knee Knocker".
U63 AM push button radio. U80 Rear speaker. V.31 Front bumper guards.
V74 Hazard warning equipment.
Z83 Road hazard package.

 

 

Chevy Chevelle

America's Most Sinister Muscle Car

Article: C.A. 8/18/10

1970 Chevelle

Photos: Steven Arredondo

 

 

The powerful Chevrolet Chevelle 1964 -1977 genre was one of Chevy's most triumphant muscle car creations.

An sinister element of the General Motors  A-Body platform, the Chevelle Super Sport was produced for the sole intentions of tearing up America's streets and competing with its bitter rival, the mighty Ford Fairlane and potent Ford Mustang.

 

NASCAR owner and race car driver Cale Yarborough earned the primary two of three successive Winston Cup Grand National Championships racing a third generation Chevelle Hardtop Coupe.  The Chevelle sported an exclusive carved body with tapered fenders and inherited a long hood and short deck profile.  

 

Billed as one of America's most sinister muscle cars, the Chevelle would be laid to rest in 1977 but be remembered as a true muscle car legend.

 

 

 

 

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1966 Chevelle SS

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