The Corvette Story: 1966 Corvette

Corvette: Year by Year

1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965
1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978
1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

The Year of the Big Blocks

1966 Corvette sign courtesy of Carls Jr.

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 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.

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.

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

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Left: Teak steering wheel was a handsome option (RPO N32, $47.40) that was first available in 1965. Middle: As in 1965, the "Bubble" hood signified a big block was lurking beneath. Above Right: Stylish emblem on the rear deck also functioned as a lid for fuel fill-up access.
Right: 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 Corvette For Sale
1966 Big Block 450HP 4 speed Price: $69,995 obo Exterior: Mossport Green Interior: Black Miles: 100 Location: Troy, Ohio 45373 Click Here for more info
Frame OFF new SS brake lines, SS gas lines, new just about everything. Firestone Gold Lines Radials. Correct side exhst (more)

1966 Corvette: Official GM Photo.

1966 Corvette Options

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Comments (8)

Corvette Tool Kit

Did the 1966 Corvette offer a factory tool kit? I seem to have seen one advertised but I cannot find it again. If one was offered, what did it include? I am not referring to the lead hammer that came with the knock-offs.
Please let me know about this as my curiousity is at a peak about this.
Thanks

#1 - Paul LeMaire - 12/22/2010 - 11:22

Webmaster

The 1966 did not come with a factory tool kit, at least not in the traditional sense. There was the usual jack, etc. for emergency tire changing and the lead hammer that you mentioned, but no tool kit similar to what other cars came with. After market suppliers may have sold them and enthusiast owners may have put them together for themselves but none were factory sourced.

#2 - Paul - 12/23/2010 - 04:14

Teak Wheel

That's not a teak steering wheel. The teak wheel had easily disecernable sections in it and wasn't evenly colored. I know because my Dad's '66 big block (427/390) had that, with the telescopic column. We had to wait an extra two months to get the car bacause of the wheel. As a current Corvette owner, the options list is drool-worthy - especially since I had to get a power top I didn't want just to get the heated seats and head-up display I wanted...

#3 - Norman - 02/02/2011 - 21:54

1966 Corvette script

Is their a name of the script used on the hood and tail of the 1966 corvette?

#4 - Wayne Margelot - 02/26/2011 - 12:09

Did the 66 327-350hp have decals on the valve covers and air cleaner?

#5 - Kenn - 06/07/2012 - 22:41

I have a 1966 roadster built in aprill of 66 just when the 67s were beginning to roll out. Did some of the later produced cars have tank stickers?

#6 - Tom Burke - 12/26/2012 - 15:38

1966 Tank Sticker?

There is some controversy over the concept of the 1966 tank sticker. Some say they do exist but the evidence is rare. It is known that not all 1967's had tank stickers. I would say that it is very unlikely that your '66 has one.

#7 - Paul - 12/26/2012 - 18:58

Other 1966 options?

I was interested in the 1966 Corvette Station Wagon, but without the big block engine... anybody know of one?

#8 - The Dudeman - 05/03/2013 - 08:46


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Corvette: Year by Year

The Year of the Big Blocks

1966 Corvette For Sale

Comments (8)