Should I ever own a big-block 1960s American car, a package like this is probably what I would pick; a stock-looking mid-size/mid-trim sedan, with a 396 under the hood and 4-speed manual at my hand. I’m not fond of screaming power to all around, and the understated looks of this 2-door speak to me. Add that it’s a Chevrolet, and the bowtie loving part of my brain engages. Finally, it’s a mid-size, the right-sized American cars of that era.
Admittedly, in 300 Deluxe form, the Chevelle’s looks may be too tame for some; it’s, after all, the trim line just above entry-level. However, to me, the car’s styling is tastefully restrained; the Chevy magic of those days. Add the punch of a 396, and you’re talking quiet power; a very appealing proposition to me.
Regrettably, other than speculation, we’ve no idea how this car’s particular combo came to be. Found in the Netherlands by Corey Behrens, it seems to still carry a version of the Cameo Beige color it originally came with; with no badges indicating a V8, it must have carried a six. Either the standard 194, or the optional 230.
However, online information indicates this 300 Deluxe arrived in the Netherlands in 2019, carrying a 396 under the hood (as shown in that nation’s transport department). Back in 1966, the 396 was offered solely on the Chevelle’s SS version, so the one in this 300 is a later swap.
Now, the car’s 4-speed was noted by the uploader at the Cohort, and I’ll take his word for it. After all, a floor-shifter is not easy to miss in these old cars, you know? Thicker tires and larger exhaust pipes complete this sleeper’s tasteful killer looks.
In all, a restoration that is a novelty; a restorer keeping stock appearances. Neat.
I sometimes wonder how an old 1960s big-block beast would feel today, but that’s one area where I’m not such a purist. If suspension upgrades and other “minor” touches provide a better daily driving experience, that’s a-OK with me.
And well, back in 1966, MT tested a 396 Chevelle SS, the closes we got to today’s find. In their words, the Chevelle SS “was the type of vehicle we hated to part with. It has just the right measure of ride-handing and acceleration that would make it the nuts for all kinds of driving, especially long trips. It’s a fun car for today’s dull traffic, and if it helps relieve the tedium of travel, you can’t ask much more.” A rather positive endorsement.
And in understated form, it sounds like the kind of 1960s Chevrolet experience I would like to enjoy at some point.
Related CC Reading
Curbside Find: 1966 Chevelle Malibu At The Shopping Center – The Way It Used To Be
Curbside Classic: 1967 Chevelle Malibu Sedan – The American Big Opel
Although the 1966 road test is summarized in a Motor Trend “feature” from 2017, it was actually written by Eric Dahlquist in the February 1966 issue of Hot Rod.
Good to see Corey’s work again, it has been a while.
The Chevy belongs to ‘Isi’, some more pictures here, all the way down (on a site where you wouldn’t have expected it).
https://bijzonderplekje.nl/inspiratie-bij-magnolia-spring-boutique-apartments/
Funny – the first thing I did upon reading this was to find out the location, and that led me to the guest house’s website (www.magnoliaspring.nl) where the Chevy also features prominently. Look like a good accessory to the style-conscious apartments. I’d certainly consider staying there!
And I agree with Rich that this is the kind of combination I’d pick for a 1960s big American car. Excellent find here!
It’s located in the town of Bergen, known for their creative inhabitants.
Quote: ‘Since about 1900, Bergen has been the home of many painters, writers and architects’
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergen,_North_Holland
Every time I see a stock look 60s Chevy I think “another one saved!”
This is the very definition of a sleeper car. A plain car hiding a big engine, or these days a turbo. I suppose a modern version is a silver Toyota Camry with a supercharger kit and nitrous.
My kind of Chevelle, although I would prefer one with a warmed-over 292 six.
I always forget about about the different 2door sedan roofline on 66-67s. It’s kind of an interesting extreme of what would you rather have in the real world, the big monster drivetrain in this very nondescript wrapper, or something much more mundane in the sexier hardtop body?
The ultimate sleeper. Would be fun to shock a few weekend warriors off the line.
I think that color is Sandalwood Tan. It had more of a “peanut butter” color. Camio Beige is more of an “off white”.