1966 · Chevrolet · United States
1966 Chevrolet Chevy II / Nova: the L79 327
The source engine table lists the 327 L79 at 350 gross hp. Enthusiast-compiled production: 172,485 cars; Super Sport 20,986.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
This record's own dek describes 1966 as the year the source engine table lists the L79 327 V8 at 350 gross hp, with an enthusiast-compiled production total of 172,485 cars, of which 20,986 were Super Sports. This record's own production row marks that 172,485 total as approximate, stating specifically that the source calculated it by subtracting an exact number from a rounded total rather than reporting a directly tabulated figure.1
Only one body-style row is documented this year, 51,585 four-door wagons, with the 20,986-car Super Sport figure kept separately scoped rather than folded into it; no coupe, sedan or convertible row survives in this record's production table for 1966. This record's own production notes flag 1966 specifically as a muscle-focus year and state that the GM Heritage vehicle information kit, the best missing primary source for the year since gm.com returned a 403 error, should confirm Super Sport, L78 and L34 installation counts before those figures are promoted into this record.1
Seven engines are documented for 1966: the 153 four-cylinder, the 194 six, the optional 230 six coded L26, two 283 V8s coded L32 and L77, and two 327 V8s coded L30 (275 hp) and L79 (350 hp at 5,800 rpm), the L79 reaching the highest compression ratio in this record's table at 11.0:1. Only three engines carry installation counts in the production table, 49,737 230-six cars, 32,676 283 V8 cars and 10,589 327 V8 cars, and those last two figures sum exactly to the 43,265-car V8 cylinder-count row also documented in this record, confirming the two tallies agree with each other for the year.1
Four transmissions carry their own installation counts: 53,538 three-speed manuals, 5,744 M20 four-speeds, 4,303 M21 close-ratio four-speeds, and 109,215 M35 Powerglide automatics. This record's own key facts cite Chevrolet's December 1965 option list directly, which offers the 350-hp L79 alongside the 275-hp L30 and 220-hp L77 on the V8 Chevy II series 114, 116 and 118, a series that includes the Nova SS 11837, together with the M20 and M21 four-speed options and a 3.73:1 axle coded H05.
This record documents an extensive Regular Production Option list from that same December 1965 kit, running to more than forty individual codes covering air conditioning, radio antennas, a convenience group, bucket-seat and bench headrests, transistor ignition, three rear-axle ratios, metallic and power brakes, and both the four-speed and close-ratio four-speed transmissions, though none of these carries a price in this record. Fifteen solid exterior colors are documented, from Tuxedo Black through Lemonwood Yellow, while this record's own interiors, specifications and performance sections are all empty for the year.
This record's own identification section documents cowl-tag series and body codes across three engine families, three assembly-plant abbreviations, NOR for Norwood, Ohio, OSH for Oshawa, Ontario, and WRN for Willow Run, Michigan, and a Super Sport VIN note stating that series 17 covers the six-cylinder Super Sport and series 18 the V8 Super Sport across 1965 through 1967, a span this record's own source states directly rather than one assembled by comparing separate year files. Conflicts and unpublished leads are both empty for 1966.1
Fact sheet · 1966 · United States
The numbers
1966 Chevrolet Chevy II / Nova — The source engine table lists the 327 L79 at 350 gross hp. Enthusiast-compiled production: 172,485 cars; Super Sport 20,986.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-22.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
- Total 1966 production per source: 172,485 (approximate).1
- Chevrolet's December 1965 option list offers the 350-hp L79 327 V8 (with the 275-hp L30 and 220-hp L77) on the V8 Chevy II series 114, 116 and 118, which includes the Nova SS 11837, along with the M20 and M21 four-speeds and a 3.73:1 axle (H05).
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy II / Nova, all series1 US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source marks this value approximate: calculated by subtracting an exact number from a rounded total. | 172,485 | built, model-year | Estimate |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Sport1 Super Sport · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 20,986 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-door wagon1 4-door wagon · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 51,585 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| V8 cars1 V8 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 43,265 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 230 I6 engines installed1 230 I6 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 49,737 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 283 V8 engines installed1 283 V8 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 32,676 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 327 V8 engines installed1 327 V8 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 10,589 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-speed manual installed1 3-speed manual · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 53,538 | built, model-year | Reported |
| M20 4-speed installed1 M20 4-speed · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 5,744 | built, model-year | Reported |
| M21 4-speed installed1 M21 4-speed · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 4,303 | built, model-year | Reported |
| M35 Powerglide installed1 M35 Powerglide · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 109,215 | built, model-year | Reported |
All counts are from one enthusiast compilation (NovaResource.org), which says its numbers were compiled from many sources and carry no guarantee; the underlying Chevrolet documents were not seen. Status is reported, or estimated where the source itself marks a value approximate or rounded.
Rows are separately scoped. Body, cylinder, engine-displacement and transmission rows each describe the whole line from a different angle and must not be added across groups.
A value missing from this table was marked unavailable ("?") or zero in the source and is not shown; missing does not mean zero.
Muscle-focus year. The GM Heritage vehicle information kit (best missing primary source; gm.com returned 403) should confirm SS, L78 and L34 install counts before these rows are promoted.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 153 I41 153 cu in · 1-barrel carburetor | 90 hp @ 4,000, 152 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| 194 I61 194 cu in · 1-barrel carburetor | 120 hp @ 4,400, 177 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L26 · 230 I6 (L26)1 230 cu in · 1-barrel carburetor | 140 hp @ 4,400, 220 lb-ft @ 1,600 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L32 · 283 V8 (L32)1 283 cu in · 2-barrel carburetor | 195 hp @ 4,800, 285 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L77 · 283 V8 (L77)1 283 cu in · 4-barrel carburetor | 220 hp @ 4,800, 295 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L30 · 327 V8 (L30)1 327 cu in · 4-barrel carburetor | 275 hp @ 4,800, 355 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L79 · 327 V8 (L79)1 327 cu in · 4-barrel carburetor | 350 hp @ 5,800, 360 lb-ft @ 3,600 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| 3-speed manual1 | offered | 53,5381 Reported |
| M20 · M20 4-speed1 | offered | 5,7441 Reported |
| M21 · M21 4-speed1 | offered | 4,3031 Reported |
| M35 · M35 Powerglide1 | offered | 109,2151 Reported |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
C60RPO |
All-weather air conditioning (all except 11100) | — | Not yet sourced |
U73RPO |
Manual rear radio antenna (except wagons) | — | Not yet sourced |
U75RPO |
Power rear radio antenna (except wagons) | — | Not yet sourced |
D10RPO |
Rear door armrests (111-113-11400) | — | Not yet sourced |
V55RPO |
Roof luggage carrier (wagons) | — | Not yet sourced |
Z19RPO |
Convenience group (glove-box lamp, inside and remote outside mirrors, door edge guards, underhood and luggage lamps) | — | Not yet sourced |
C50RPO |
Rear window defroster (except wagons) | — | Not yet sourced |
A01RPO |
Tinted glass, all | — | Not yet sourced |
A02RPO |
Tinted windshield | — | Not yet sourced |
V31RPO |
Front bumper guard | — | Not yet sourced |
V32RPO |
Rear bumper guard (except wagons) | — | Not yet sourced |
C48RPO |
Heater deletion | — | Not yet sourced |
A81RPO |
Strato bucket-seat headrests (117-11800) | — | Not yet sourced |
A82RPO |
Bench-seat headrests | — | Not yet sourced |
U03RPO |
Low D-note horn (115-116-117-11800) | — | Not yet sourced |
P19RPO |
Spare wheel lock | — | Not yet sourced |
U63RPO |
Push-button radio and antenna | — | Not yet sourced |
A85RPO |
Shoulder harness | — | Not yet sourced |
A39RPO |
Custom deluxe front and rear seat belts | — | Not yet sourced |
U80RPO |
Auxiliary radio speaker | — | Not yet sourced |
V74RPO |
Traffic hazard lamp and flasher switch | — | Not yet sourced |
A33RPO |
Power tailgate window (wagons) | — | Not yet sourced |
T60RPO |
Heavy-duty battery | — | Not yet sourced |
M01RPO |
Heavy-duty 10-in. clutch (six-cylinder models) | — | Not yet sourced |
N10RPO |
Dual exhaust (V8 models 114-116-11800) | — | Not yet sourced |
K19RPO |
Air injection reactor | — | Not yet sourced |
K02RPO |
Thermo-modulated fan clutch (V8) | — | Not yet sourced |
K76RPO |
Delcotron 5-61 amp | — | Not yet sourced |
K79RPO |
Delcotron 12-42 amp | — | Not yet sourced |
K81RPO |
Delcotron 23-62 amp (all except 11100) | — | Not yet sourced |
K66RPO |
Full transistor ignition (V8) | — | Not yet sourced |
V01RPO |
Heavy-duty radiator | — | Not yet sourced |
K24RPO |
Positive closed engine ventilation | — | Not yet sourced |
L26RPO |
230 cu in L-6, 140 hp (113-115-11700) | — | Not yet sourced |
L77RPO |
283 cu in V8, 220 hp (114-116-11800) | — | Not yet sourced |
L30RPO |
327 cu in V8, 275 hp (114-116-11800) | — | Not yet sourced |
L79RPO |
327 cu in V8, 350 hp (114-116-11800) | — | Not yet sourced |
G76RPO |
3.36:1 rear axle | — | Not yet sourced |
G96RPO |
3.55:1 rear axle (111-114-116-11800) | — | Not yet sourced |
G80RPO |
Positraction rear axle | — | Not yet sourced |
H05RPO |
3.73:1 rear axle (V8: 114-116-11800) | — | Not yet sourced |
J50RPO |
Power brakes (all except 11100) | — | Not yet sourced |
J65RPO |
Metallic brakes | — | Not yet sourced |
P01RPO |
Wheel trim covers (all except 117-11800 Nova SS) | — | Not yet sourced |
P02RPO |
Simulated wire wheel covers | — | Not yet sourced |
N96RPO |
Magnesium-style wheel trim covers | — | Not yet sourced |
G66RPO |
Air-lift rear shock absorbers | — | Not yet sourced |
N40RPO |
Power steering (all except 11100) | — | Not yet sourced |
F40RPO |
Heavy-duty front and rear suspension | — | Not yet sourced |
P53RPO |
6.50x13 4-ply whitewall tires (111-113-11500 except wagons) | — | Not yet sourced |
P66RPO |
6.95x14 4-ply blackwall tires (111-113-11500 except wagons) | — | Not yet sourced |
P67RPO |
6.95x14 4-ply whitewall tires | — | Not yet sourced |
T11RPO |
6.95x14 8-ply whitewall tires (wagons) | — | Not yet sourced |
M20RPO |
Four-speed manual transmission (V8: 114-116-11800) | — | Not yet sourced |
M21RPO |
Four-speed close-ratio manual transmission (V8: 114-116-11800) | — | Not yet sourced |
M35RPO |
Powerglide | — | Not yet sourced |
M55RPO |
Powerglide oil cooler (113-115-11700) | — | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
A |
Tuxedo Black1 | Not yet sourced |
C |
Ermine White1 | Not yet sourced |
D |
Mist Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
E |
Danube Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
F |
Marina Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
H |
Willow Green1 | Not yet sourced |
K |
Artesian Turquoise1 | Not yet sourced |
L |
Tropic Turquoise1 | Not yet sourced |
M |
Aztec Bronze1 | Not yet sourced |
N |
Madeira Maroon1 | Not yet sourced |
R |
Regal Red1 | Not yet sourced |
T |
Sandalwood Tan1 | Not yet sourced |
V |
Cameo Beige1 | Not yet sourced |
W |
Chateau Slate1 | Not yet sourced |
Y |
Lemonwood Yellow1 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Identification
- Cowl tag series and body codes
- Cowl-tag series: 11/13/14 Chevy II 100 L4/L6/V8; 15/16 Nova 400 L6/V8; 17/18 Nova SS L6/V8. Body: 11 2-door sedan, 35 wagon, 37 2-door coupe, 69 4-door sedan.1
- Assembly plants (cowl-tag codes)
- NOR Norwood OH; OSH Oshawa ON (Canada); WRN Willow Run MI1
- Super Sport VIN
- NovaResource: 1965-67 Super Sport VIN series 17 (six-cylinder SS) or 18 (V8 SS).1
Identification
Read a 1966 Chevrolet VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1966
- Buick Riviera A longer, heavier new body on the same X-frame; 5,718 of 45,348 carried the GS option, and the dual-quad Super Wildcat went from dealer add-on to factory MZ engine in March 1966.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX The Gran Sport became its own Skylark series (44600) on the restyled body, still with the 401 at 325 hp; 13,816 are tabulated.
- Buick Wildcat The one-year Wildcat Gran Sport: 1,244 built, 242 convertibles, 22 Super Wildcats.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The first full year of the SS 396 as its own series, with a 396 V8 in every car: 66,843 sport coupes and 5,429 convertibles.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS No factory Super Sport El Camino is documented for this year; the record carries the host El Camino production as context.
- Chevrolet Impala SS Impala SS falls to 119,314 as the 427 arrives; 3,247 full-size Chevrolets got the 390-hp L36.
- Dodge Charger Dodge's first Charger, a fastback on the Coronet platform introduced on 1 January 1966, built 37,344 times, 468 of them with the new Street Hemi.
- Dodge Coronet R/T and Super Bee The first year the 426 Hemi was sold as a street engine; in the Coronet it was an option on ordinary sedans, hardtops and convertibles, before any R/T package existed.
- Ford Fairlane A new, wider Fairlane could take the 390 big-block for the first time, bringing the Fairlane 500 GT and GTA, and a small run of R-code 427 hardtops was built for Super Stock racing.
- Ford Galaxie The 428 became the big-car performance engine and gave its name to the Galaxie 500 7-Litre hardtop and convertible, with the 427 still available.
- Ford Thunderbird A 345-hp 428 became a $64.77 option, and the Town Landau outsold every other body combined.
- Mercury Comet and Cyclone The Comet moved to the larger Fairlane-based body, and the Cyclone GT brought the 335-hp 390 with twin hood scoops, bucket seats and a heavy-duty suspension.
- Mercury Marauder and S-55 The S-55 returned as its own line, a hardtop and convertible with the 345 hp 428 'Super Marauder' V8.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds The 4-4-2 package gained the L69 three-two-barrel 'Tri-Carb' option at 360 hp, and a handful of factory W-30 forced-air cars were built for drag racing.
- Oldsmobile Starfire The last Starfire of the 1960s: coupe only, moved downmarket, 13,019 sold.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda The last glassback-era year: one fastback body, the 273 Commando as the top engine, and production that fell to 38,029.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite The 426 Street Hemi reached showrooms in the Belvedere and Satellite, and 1,546 were built into Plymouth intermediates.
- Pontiac Catalina 2+2 and Super Duty The 2+2 was listed as its own model for the only time, and production fell to 6,383.
- Pontiac GTO The GTO becomes its own Pontiac series and has its biggest year: 96,946 built.
- Pontiac Grand Prix Production fell to 36,757 as the GTO and 2+2 drew performance buyers.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans Pontiac's overhead-cam six and the Sprint package arrive beside the 326 HO.
- Rambler and AMC Marlin The Marlin's second year: production fell to 4,547, less than half the 1965 figure.