1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS

In 1966 Chevrolet offered a full range of 396 cubic inch ‘Porcupine Head’ engines in the mid-size Chevelle line. With up to 375 bhp, the SS 396 put real power into the line that has come to epitomize Chevy’s muscle car heritage. Dubbed ‘Porcupine Head’ because of its different stem angles for intake and exhaust valves, the 396 breathed well and was Chevrolet’s response to the effectiveness of Chrysler’s more complicated Hemi head engines. This engine series had been quietly developed in several years of racing and proven in production since 1965.

To back up the 396’s power, and slightly greater weight than the standard 327 cu. in. Chevelle engine, the SS396 package included stiffer suspension. It also displayed the usual options and identification features that were de rigeur at the time to let bystanders know the driver of an SS 396 was the master of real power, at the stoplight or driven.

The SS 396 offered here has the hydraulic valve...