Corvette: Year By Year

    

About The Corvette

    

Corvette Specs

    

1966 Corvette

1966 Chevrolet Corvette

1966 Chevrolet Corvette

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1966 Chevrolet Corvette

1966 Chevrolet Corvette

Close1966 Chevrolet Corvette

Big block engines dominated the Corvette story for 1966. They first appeared in April 1965 and as such had limited exposure. 1966 extended the big block Corvette story with the introduction of the legendary 427 cu. in. motors. They were bored and stroked versions of the 396 cu. in. 1965 big block motors and were available in two flavors: 390 hp (RPO L36, $181.20) and 425 hp (RPO L72, $312.85). The extra cost for the L72 was justified as it included four bolt mains, impact extruded aluminum pistons, a very aggressive camshaft, Holly 780 CFM carburetor mated to a aluminum intake and a free-flowing exhaust. The K66 transistorized ignition was a mandatory option with the L72.

There are reports that the L72 actually featured more horsepower than the 450 hp that was quoted. The specifications were downgraded to avoid undesirable backlash from safety legislation, but enthusiasts only had to read the magazine reviews to learn what was really going on.

1966 Corvette Model Information

GM document with 1966 Corvette information, including Powertrain availability, features, specifications, transmissions, engine detail, body features, chassis specs and optional equipment.


1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427 fender emblem

1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427 fender emblem

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Notification of the engine displacement appeared on the front fenders.


1966 Chevrolet Corvette Hood Script

1966 Chevrolet Corvette Hood Script

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Above: The Corvette script was revised to a more vertically elongated style for 1966. For 1966 only it appeared on the hood front driver's side in addition to the right rear.

1966 Corvette Disk Brake Brochure Illustration

1966 Corvette Disk Brake Brochure Illustration

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GM, per the 1966 brochure, was rightfully proud of the four wheel disk brakes which first appeared on the 1965 Corvette.

1966 Corvette C2 Seats (Brochure Illustration)

1966 Corvette C2 Seats (Brochure Illustration)

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Corvette C2 seating was quite comfortable, definitely more so than the C1, and, some would argue, better than the early C3 seats.

1966 Corvette C2 Seats (Brochure Illustration)

1966 Corvette C2 Seats (Brochure Illustration)

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1966 Corvette Engine and Transmission Choices

1966 Corvette Engine and Transmission Choices

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Drivetrain choices were nicely varied in 1966. Notice the number of axle ratios available, quite a contrast to later years when regulations would effectively limit the number of options. The "Not recommended for general driving" refers to the famous M22 "Rock Crusher" Muncie four speed transmission. The M22 was exceptionally strong but, due to its straighter cut gears, had an audible whine.

1966 Corvette Coupe Bargain Color Advertisement

1966 Corvette Coupe Bargain Color Advertisement

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GM was always proud of the "Bang for the Buck" aspect of the Corvette; it would be a constant theme in their marketing efforts. Below: 1966 Corvette convertible on display at Carmel-By-The-Sea California.

1966 Corvette Convertible on Display at Carmel-By-The-Sea California

1966 Corvette Convertible on Display at Carmel-By-The-Sea California

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Zora Arkus Duntov With 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

Zora Arkus Duntov With 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

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Above: Zora Arkus Duntov, Corvette Chief Engineer, next to a 1966 Corvette, a highlight of his career.

1966 Chevrolet Corvette Teak Steering Wheel

1966 Chevrolet Corvette Teak Steering Wheel

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Above: Teak steering wheel was a handsome option (RPO N32, $47.40) that was first available in 1965.


Below: As in 1965, the "Bubble" hood signified a big block was lurking beneath.

1966 Chevrolet Corvette Big Block Bubble Hood

1966 Chevrolet Corvette Big Block Bubble Hood

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1966 Corvette Stingray in Rally Red

1966 Corvette Stingray in Rally Red

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1966 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel Filler Door

1966 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel Filler Door

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Above: Stylish emblem on the rear deck also functioned as a lid for fuel fill-up access.


1966 Chevrolet Corvette in Nassau Blue

1966 Chevrolet Corvette in Nassau Blue

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1966 Chevrolet Corvette Window Sticker

1966 Chevrolet Corvette Window Sticker

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Above: Sample 1966 Corvette window sticker. A price of $5308.90 might seem like an amazing bargain these days, but in 1966 it was big $$$ and almost three times the price of an economy car.


1966 Chevrolet Corvette in Ermine White

1966 Chevrolet Corvette in Ermine White

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1966 Chevrolet Corvette GM Photo

1966 Chevrolet Corvette GM Photo

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1967 Corvette

C2 Corvette Photos


1966 Corvette Options