PART 2: Differences between a '65 and '66 Impala

Last week, we posted the first video "Differences between a 1965 and 1966 Impala" and there was some great feedback that we didn't show the differences as well as we could have. See original video here: • Differences between a ...
We've given this comparison another shake with the Part 2 version of the video, showing the specific differences so you'll learn how to identify the two cars and tell them apart, even from the side profile!
For context, the convertible in the video is the 1966 Impala SS Convertible with the original big block 396. The white coupe is a 1965 Super Sport with an LS swap. Both are awesome muscle cars. Be sure to check back for an update on the progress on the '66 vert! (and drop us a message if you want to buy it.)
#classicnation #65impala #66impala

[@ClassicNation]

Check out Part 1 of the 65/66 Difference video here first if you haven't already! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5ScmH5_o5aKqck

[@taydermac6370]

Like these classics

[@cotatirick]

Great Video!! ‘65 Impala SS is one of my favorite American cars from the ‘60s. I was 10 years old when it came out and remember how HOT it looked. A head turner. But WOW... that ‘66 must have every option Chevy had available that year. That’s going to be the BOMB when the restoration is complete!! Good job 👍

[@ClassicNation]

Thank you! Consider subscribing to stay up to date with future updates on both cars!

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

1965 has always been my favorite. It's also the last year you could get a 409 in it.

[@MrDch1975]

When I was really young I remember my mom had a black 66 sport coupe. When I was in high school my brother had a metalic blue 66 sport coupe. 327 4bbl with an automatic on the column, man that this was huge but I enjoyed driving and all my friends wanted to ride in It

[@ClassicNation]

So awesome! Can't beat the coolness of a 327!

[@dyer2cycle]

...I like the '65 overall better, like the grill/front fenders and round tail lights better..although the '66 looks nice, too..that '65 is a beautiful car..although those wheels are way, way too big in diameter and look out of proportion on the car..those Impala SS wheel covers like on the '66 are hard to beat...

[@vladtheimpala5532]

Yep, you’re right. You do know the years of your cars. 😮 Fancy that! I get a kick out of people who will confidently tell you the wrong information with such certainty. 🤣 I had a 66 but I prefer the 65. It looks more sleek in my opinion. I like just about everything about the 65 better than the 66 although they’re both beautiful cars. It’s also one of the few years that I prefer the hardtop over the convertible. (Another one being the 58.) I like the roofline better on the hardtop. The lines are different on the convertible because of that. I had a 64 convertible and that was the perfect car to be a convertible because the lines are the same on both. Also the 409 was still available in 65. You can’t see it with the hood closed but it’s a nice difference although there’s nothing wrong with the porcupine. You have some nice cars there. (But you already knew that of course.)

[@adamdavis2760]

The 65 Impala and the 66 Chevelle are my favorite muscle cars of all time...The 65 has the sexiest tail lights ever

[@ClassicNation]

Agreed!

[@stevefick3919]

Great Video! I just bought a '66 Caprice. White with turquoise interior. Buckets, console and gauge package. 327-275 powerglide, posi. Your '65 is real nice! I'm going to do a disk brake conversion on it along with a quick ratio steering gear and a rear sway bar. That should tighten things up considerably.

[@grantkoeller8911]

My dad bought a brand new 1966 Impala station wagon dark blue. 327 V-8 automatic transmission in 1966. I was 4 years old

[@cwathne]

65 over a 66 everyday. And no I’m not saying it becouse I have a 65 myself 😁. VHX gauges are awesome. I have black with white lighting myself. I have power seats with heat.. but they from an audi a5.. the original bench was killing me on road trips.

[@ClassicNation]

Sweet!

[@markpfeifer1402]

I had a 396ci 1966 Caprice with an SS package that looked almost identical to the 66 Impala, it just had a black vinyl top.

[@ClassicNation]

Sweet!

[@daviddinsmore2610]

I had a '64 SS but always preferred the '65 body. As time goes by the '66 body line have grown on me but I much prefer the '65 tail lights. If I had a whole bunch of dough I'd 'frankenstein' a '66 with '65 tail lights!

[@ClassicNation]

Haha, that would really confuse people!

[@tonykrabill6896]

Also, the tops of the ‘65 headlights are notched into the body. ‘66 body goes straight across the top of the headlights. I love those cars. You’re living my dream with that ‘65. My uncle and my dad had ‘67s and two other uncles had ‘65s. Beautiful cars.

[@randyluca6339]

My Dad’s white Caprice 4 door hardtop with blue interior had the same rear end as your Super Sport and the same grill as your Super Sport. The regular Impala’s were different in those areas as I am sure you know. It was the first year of the Caprice and only came in the 4 door hardtop that year. I love your car and also loved the look of that Caprice. The 66 Caprice did come in a 2 or 4 door Hardtop. I know you like those years and just thought you might like that tidbit of information. Great video.

[@ClassicNation]

Thanks Randy! Yes, I love the Caprice's as well! Thanks for sharing!

[@hotrodray6802]

Chevy engineers said the 65 front cap was suppose to be the front cap for a 66 BUT they had stamping problems with the front wrap around shape so the 65 was produced with the 66 front end. Compare the 65 front line to the similar 66 chevelle line.

[@RS-yu4lb]

The 66 is loaded, tilt/tele and the FM multiplex adapter on the console, rare options !

[@ClassicNation]

Yeah it is!

[@rjkubr]

Should have mentioned the different stitching in the seats. Sixty-five had a large "V" pattern on the seat back where all other years had vertical stitching. It was a very nice touch.

[@stickshiftdriver1832]

I I like the 65 better. It has it own unique features especially the round taillights.

[@shawnlanders2034]

Love the video. My dad used to have a '65 biscayne but he sold it.

[@ClassicNation]

Thank you!

[@thomastrevino7734]

You missed on more thing on the front fender. On the front lower valance I guess you wood call it. On the 65 it’s two pieces and on the 66 it’s connected to the fender all one piece.

[@ClassicNation]

Correct!

[@bartricky5894]

Gotta go with the '65 just for the tail lights alone. My mom had a '59 and a '66 SS. They just didn't look right without the 3 tail lights and the '59 was just flat fugly... I wrecked the '59 and they got a "61 to replace it which they later gave to me and I traded that on a '62 Vette. Now that was a car..

[@cotatirick]

Absolutely... The rear set of the three round tail lights makes the car sexy

[@ClassicNation]

Agree!

[@joepuckett112]

I like the 65 better. The taillights are classic.

[@dfhh4795]

Still got the Caprice 66 sport Coupe sold my SS 66 Impala the Caprice is a bit more on the fully loaded side

[@vidiupload4174]

Imagine the comments you'd get if you switched the front ends on these model years!

[@ClassicNation]

Oh man, that would be asking for it!

[@1966roadking]

Nobody ever mentions the front fender of the 65 being two pieces.

[@ClassicNation]

True story.

[@ThomasRichardson-pj5gk]

Thanks!

[@chevychitchat]

I had an idiot argue with me for about 20 mins that my 68 was a 2dr, it was Sport Sedan. We have 2 x 65 Impala Sport Sedans now. GMH Aussie built, inverted wipers are best tell for them. Cheers

[@kerrythompson9506]

A favorite teenage memory is the day my boss let me drive his nearly-new '65 Impala SS 327 - and he told me to hurry! He didn't have to tell me twice, that car could really hurry! The real mystery here is why GM bungled such a perfectly-styled body with the '66.

[@ClassicNation]

So cool! The 327 is one of my favorite engines!

[@christianglez4658]

@classicnation is the wood grain steering wheel original to the 65 impala?

[@HeavyChevy1965]

I have a 65 belair and I have had people tell me that it is an impala they act like they know more about my car than me and its frustrating

[@RYTHMICRIOT]

They can't count the difference between 2 and 3?

[@ClassicNation]

Haha, I feel your pain. ;-)

[@hotrodray6802]

The 66 deck lid is squarer across the rear as are the quarter corner mouldings.

[@Cheva-Pate]

The only difference is that -65 Impala is a more good looking car with the golden cut, than the copycat -66 -65 has a soul of a superstar the -66 is anonymous! Yes I have a-65 since 2007…. CSB 400, TH400, 12 bolt rear, Wilwood disc’s, hydro booster (Escalade), power window, power seat, power antennas, power lock’s with remote also to the trunk, power steering, power steering pump (Volvo V40) feeding both breaks and steering, and a copy of Chip Foose Imposter stainless grill. Ralley Wheels, 2,5” Flowmaster exhaust system, Linelock to the brakes, custom dash-changed place radio/ RPM gauge, Appel carplay stereo, relays for everything electric/ Headlights/ rear lights/ fans. Its a very nice car

[@georgekalafatis7286]

I've been around both cars all my life they're both beautiful cars one just has a little bit more rounded edges that's it

[@fredsquiresfs]

Their is another difference in the length of the quarter panels from a 65 to a 66 the 65 quarter's are 2 inches longer and the front fenders are 2 inches shorter than the 66 impala.

[@davekana8388]

Liked and subscribed! Thanks

[@ClassicNation]

Awesome, thank you!

[@user-se5zg7en8z]

which one do you like best?😊

[@robertcarlson6632]

Monti Carlo front, love it

[@ClassicNation]

Agreed!

[@ljduce]

Soooo wouldn't you consider the '67 as not havin 3 individual taillights??

[@ClassicNation]

Yea, I should have clarified when I said that comment "up to the 65/66 year."

[@ce0687]

What inch drop is in the back of the 65? I'm not sure if I should get a 2" or 3" drop springs on the back. And I can only find 1.5" drop springs for the front. I would like to have the back sitting up a little higher than the front but just dropped.any help would be appreciated.

[@ClassicNation]

I had 2” dropped spindles in the front and 3” dropped springs out back and I think it sat perfect. Hope that helps!

[@ce0687]

@@ClassicNation sweet! I just ordered 3in drop springs for the back👍🏽 now finding the right wheel and tire size. Thinking of 20x9.5 in back and 18x8 in front.

[@ClassicNation]

@@ce0687 That sounds like a great combo and should look awesome!

[@nunyabidnis5407]

I prefer the three round taillights. I miss looking forward to the new cars every year. What would they look like? Seems like they changed quite a bit year to year. Now, who cares?

[@ClassicNation]

Totally agree.

[@justshaggy2320]

The 66 has the narrow risers on the front bumper and the 65 has the wider ones also.

[@ClassicNation]

True!

[@jamesdelk8926]

Squared off one is a dank Impala which shortly in two months became Caprice the one with back tail lights that are not separate and narrow and rectangular is a future two months later Caprice that one that looks brown in the back I'm talking about not white but the one you restoring that's a dank i don't know why they called that by that name couldn't they called it other borderline changing name besides this lol it is funny name for it

[@jamesdelk8926]

The 66 was becoming a new name Caprice only when it was changing called it dank Impala before calling it Caprice it was an evolving borderline name of Caprice called dank Impala

[@ljduce]

And also '66 is the only year i can think of that the reverse lights were not part of the taillight cluster

[@ClassicNation]

I think you may be right.

[@devinbosse8886]

The difference is that the 65 is single person's ride and the 66 is more of a family car. My dad bought a new 66 impala, 4 door in burgundy The 65 is a bad ass compared to the 66.

[@ClassicNation]

Interesting. I haven't ever heard anyone mention that aspect.

[@meathead585]

Typically of both GM and Ford, the first year of a new body style was best, then they messed things up after that.

[@noretreat151]

wow... even a request to family members aren’t fulfilled this prompt.

[@ClassicNation]

Not sure I understand.

[@noretreat151]

@@ClassicNation .. after watching part #I, I suggested you include more pictures... found part #2 which did include more pictures and was released before my suggestion. LOL (I was 2yrs. late to the party)

[@noretreat151]

you released part 1.... you released part 2.... 2 yrs. later > after only watching part 1 ..........I suggested you release a part 2- with more pictures.. (my bad)

[@larrybruce4856]

Chevy has always been defined by the three separate tail lights. Very disappointed the 66 chevy has a bar tail light. Of course the 65 and 66 are different. That's what sets every car apart. If every year looked the same what's the point ??? Today, many vehicles have reached their limits od looking different and the main attraction today seems to be a focus on the technology and electronics incorporated in the vehicle. I loved my 65 chevy impala and wish I still had it. the curved side windows, three speed smooth and graceful windshield wipers, the fantastic ride and gas mileage is something i wish i had today instead of my expensive, gas guzzling, and box-shaped, SUV.

[@ClassicNation]

I completely agree. The styling of these old cars has yet to me matched, in my opinion as well.

[@slickdawg4634]

How much is a stock 65 worth all stock and stock paint needing a paint job ???? Roughly

[@markg7030]

Look up classic cars for sale to get an idea.

[@ClassicNation]

Hard to say. I'd look at currently for sale cars in your area to get the best estimate on value.

[@slickdawg4634]

@@ClassicNation thing is you can’t find these anymore let alone for sale

[@jamesdelk8926]

The one with all one tail lights was getting ready to branch off and going to call it Caprice they did branch them off and gave them different names they changed like sharks 66 and up look like impalas now now late seventies to 80s impalas even tail lights except white in middle and other all red but same shape body but logo on grill and logo on hood ornament same as late 90s impalas look like caprices fraternal twin cars mostly identical but little differences tail lights like late 90s caprices and head lights like one those cars looked weird like a cross between which was full filled like crown Vic s and Ford sables but still had tail white in middle tail lights and logo on grill and other on hood yes you can still call Caprice an Impala to certain extent the. Original Caprice was not called Caprice it was called Impala but became branched of and built separately afterwards in late seventies etc

[@65supersportmtz]

What size rims and tires on the 65

[@ClassicNation]

18"s all the way around. Rear tires are 275-40-18 and fronts are 245-45-18. Hope that helps!

[@jamesdelk8926]

And eventually it became Caprice some of them and built them separately after but used some of them as a model for evolving them Impala is really a Caprice model of mid sixties even back twilight's not rounded all same red no white in one of them is identical to 66 Caprice but before becoming 66 Caprice later in 66 it was called a changing evolving name from this model not separate build a dank Impala then afterwards became Caprice

[@nathanmartinez1251]

How much do you want for your 65?

[@ClassicNation]

Sorry man, mine won't be for sale anytime soon.

[@bill1154]

Literally...

[@ClassicNation]

Literally.

[@8092DJ]

Is this really that big of a topic?

[@bubbajoexxx]

totally different frames as well and steering is way improved on the 66

[@ClassicNation]

Totally different frames? Do you have a source on that?

[@bubbajoexxx]

@@ClassicNation factory chassis manuals I own

[@impalaSS65]

@@bubbajoexxx Could you name the chassis manuals precisely and also give details on what is different? Mostly the 65-70 are very similar in frames, but the rear upper link arms are longer or shorter from 67-70 (I have both, but forget which is which). Another way to verify whether parts are different or not is to check the OEM article numbers in the original parts catalog. I have one spanning 1965-1975. What parts are supposed to be different in the steering for example?

[@achannel8142]

*NERD ALERT!*