Bill Wente (67since67) 1966 Survivor SS396 Chevelle!

**Xplantdad** · #1 04-15-2021, 03:13 AM

John Hopkins, a cotton farmer from Centre Alabama, took delivery of this 1966 Chevelle SS396 from Burkhalter Chevrolet Company in Centre on October 28th, 1965. Because of the nature of his work it was never used as daily transportation. Conversation with John plus maps and brochures in the glove box revealed that numerous trips were made to Florida's Gulf coast.

January 8th of 1978 the oil was changed at 59,310 miles. On January 13th of 2001 the oil was changed using Quaker State 10-30 at 61,950 miles. Today the milage is 62,240.

In November of 2009 John traded the Chevelle on a new Corvette. I asked him if he ever regretted parting with the Chevelle, he said no, he had always wanted a Corvette. Sadly John passed away in 2014.

After trading the Chevelle in 2009 it fell into the possession of a collector friend who named it "Belle". I acquired it in 2013 as part of a three way shuffle. In 2014 at MCACN Vintage Certification it was awarded "Legend" status with a composite score of 93%. It is a true sweetheart and one of my favorites to drive, a real Southern Belle!

Bill Wente

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**Xplantdad** · #2 04-15-2021, 03:13 AM

Engine shots including the early production five hole hood

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**Xplantdad** · #3 04-15-2021, 03:13 AM

Interior pics including glove box contents including the real original POP and front license plate screws, with the circles on the heads

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Name: 5_Glove box contents including the real original POP and front license plate screws, with the c.jpeg
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**Xplantdad** · #4 04-15-2021, 03:13 AM

The important numbers!!

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**Xplantdad** · #5 04-15-2021, 03:14 AM

Here's a bunch of detail pictures...if you hover over the pictures, it will give you some info about the picture!

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Name: 1e_Proper 66 wiper arm, dull, shiny, then dull Trico blade holder with three rib blade.jpeg
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Name: 2_Original dated plug wires with non-trademark R dist cap and 204 coil.jpeg
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Name: 3_396 Chevelle only PS reservoir set up.jpeg
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Name: 4_Early big block PS adjusting brace.jpeg
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**Xplantdad** · #6 04-15-2021, 03:14 AM

Here's more detail pictures...if you hover over the pictures, it will give you some info about the picture!

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Astock · #7 04-15-2021, 04:30 AM

Really nice!

BillD · #8 04-17-2021, 12:47 PM

Bill, Thanks for sharing. Great reference pictures. Beautiful Chevelle.

**grantprix** · #9 04-19-2021, 02:01 AM

Absolutely love this car!! What an amazing time capsule!! Those mag covers are so cool, I always put those on my past '66s as well...

**67since67** · #10 04-19-2021, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grantprix

Absolutely love this car!! What an amazing time capsule!! Those mag covers are so cool, I always put those on my past '66s as well...

Thank you Grant!

I am not a fan of N96 covers on every car, but they are so right on a '66 Chevelle, especially a black one IMO.

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