The 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle cornered in a garage looks scary, even though it's still complete

Anyone who went to a Chevrolet dealership to purchase a Chevelle could choose from a range of three models, including 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 was the Super Sport package. This year, Chevrolet simplified the approach, renaming the car the SS 396 and selling it separately.

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

The 1966 release was a moderate success, with Chevrolet eventually selling 447,000 units. The rarest configuration came with an L78 engine, as it is estimated that around 100 examples rolled off the assembly line with this monstrous unit under the hood.

The 1966 Chevelle Malibu in these photos looks like it's been sitting around for years, but despite its scary appearance, the car is “mostly complete.” The owner explains on Craigslist that the body is “a little rough around the edges,” and despite the limited photo gallery shared online, it's clear they're right.

The car needs a complete restoration and I wouldn't expect nearly every inch of metal to have rust damage. The best option for anyone interested in purchasing this car is to pull it out of the garage and inspect the frame. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see the underside already destroyed, so be prepared to install new floors and probably a new trunk panel.

The good news is that the car still has an engine, and more importantly, it has 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 shared, I wouldn’t expect the powertrain to be in good shape. Sure, it won’t start or run anymore, but that’s something you can only decipher with an in-person or third-party inspection.

The Chevelle deserves a second chance at the right price, because it is clearly not a project for the faint of heart. It will require a lot of metalwork, and I doubt anyone without restoration experience would be able to get it back on the road.

The owner is willing to sell the car for $2,500, but says he will consider other offers. You’ll need transportation to get it home, but you should see it in person first to determine if it’s worth the restoration work. The car is parked in Kensington, NH, and is likely still sitting in the same garage, waiting for someone to take it out for the first time in years.