1966 Chevelle
Welcome to the ultimate technical reference and factory decoding center for the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle. Marking the debut of a complete redesign with aggressive “coke-bottle” styling, a distinctive recessed rear window, and the introduction of the iconic Chevelle SS 396 as its own standalone series (13837/13867), the 1966 Chevelle stands as a landmark year for American muscle cars. Whether you are authenticating a true 138 VIN SS 396, verifying Fisher Body cowl tag codes, or restoring a Chevelle 300, 300 Deluxe, Malibu, El Camino, station wagon, sport coupe, or convertible, this guide offers factory-correct data. Explore detailed reference charts for VIN plate breakdowns, engine suffix codes (including the L34 and L35 396 V8s), interior trim combinations, exterior paint codes, rear axle ratios, power teams, and RPO production totals to accurately decode and restore your 1966 Chevy Chevelle.
Chevelle or El Camino?
Decoding Information Links
- Engine Suffix Codes/Camshaft Specifications ~ 396 Production Numbers & Pad
Listing of engine ID codes for size, horsepower, and transmission type & camshaft specifications. - Engine Horsepower/Torque Specifications
Table of standard and optional engine horsepower ratings and torque specifications. - Exterior/Interior Color Combinations & Convertible/Vinyl Top Colors
Exterior paint colors and recommended interior trim codes. - Fisher Body Number Plate Decoding
Decode your Fisher Body Number Plate (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, firewall tag). - Fisher Body Number Plate General Breakdown
General decoding of Fisher Body Number Plates (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, firewall tag). - Interior Trim Codes
Listing of all interior trim codes found on the Fisher Body Number Plate and samples of many. - Interior Paint Colors
Ditzler interior paint colors. - Interior Trim Combination Chart
Listing from GM parts book on all Chevrolet trim numbers, materials, and applications. - Is it an SS396?
How to tell if a 1966 Chevelle is a true SS396. - Paint Codes
Listing of all exterior paint codes found on the Fisher Body Number Plate and samples of many. - Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards
Decoding Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards ~ See samples via Chevelle and El Camino links below. - Rear Axle Codes
Axle ratio, date, manufacturing plant. - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plate Breakdown
Generic decoding of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plates.
Other 1966 Reference Material Links
- Build sheet Examples
Examples of build sheets/trim sheets/etc. - Trim Tag Examples
Examples of every assembly plant’s trim tags for Chevelle and El Camino. - Trim Tag Analysis
Analysis and breakdown of trim tag formats for the various assembly plants. - Trim Tag Codes
Group option codes. - Engine Photos
Several engine compartment photos, Partial VIN stampings, Production Numbers of 396 V8 Engines - Interior Photos ~ Bench Seat
Examples of several interiors by code number. - Interior Photos ~ Bucket Seat
Examples of several interiors by code number. - Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous paperwork/dimensions/weights/model identification/exterior & interior equipment/etc. - Options and Accessories when installed by Chevrolet
Options and Accessories when installed by Chevrolet - Options by Quantity/Cost
Options listed by RPO and, where known or suspected, quantity sold and original costs. - Options by Series/Model Number
Options listed by RPO and series/model the RPO was available on. - Physical Year Calendar Weeks
January 1 through December 31 - Power Teams
Engine, transmission, rear end combinations. - Production Year Calendar
August of 1965 to July of 1966. - Production Numbers By Plant
Last VIN reported by GM for each assembly plant. - Production Numbers By Series/Model
How many of each style, model, and engine type (L6 vs. V8) was produced. - Standard Interior And Exterior Equipment
Standard Interior And Exterior Equipment by Chevelle series. - Steering Wheels/Door Panels/Instrument Panel
Different steering wheels, door panels, & instrument panel by Chevelle series. - Trim, Moldings, and Front Sheet Metal
Part numbers from GM Parts & Accessories Book. - Warranty Protect-O-Plate cards ~ Chevelle
Examples of Chevelle Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards. - Warranty Protect-O-Plate cards ~ El Camino
Examples of El Camino Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards. - 1966 Chevelle Sport Coupe, Convertible, Sedan, & Station Wagon Photo Gallery
Photos of 1966 Chevelles in almost every color offered. - 1966 Chevelle El Camino Photo Gallery
Photos of 1966 Chevelle El Caminos in almost every color offered. - Chevelle Dealer Brochures
A variety of 1966 Chevelle dealer brochures. - Beaumont Dealer Brochures
A variety of 1966 Beaumont dealer brochures. - 1966 Trivia
Just for fun stuff.