Last fall I was surfing eBay and ran across this 1966 LeSabre coupe. I like the unusual stuff, so this caught my eye. Although a production run of over 32,000 units for this body style is not a small number, I don't recall seeing one in person. According to the sparse info in the auction listing, the car had 23,000 actual miles and original paint. There weren't many details about the car, only a handful of photos, and the seller wasn't willing to answer any questions. It had some huge 20" wheels on it. Despite all of that, I had a good feeling about the car and took the gamble and bought it. I thought the price was reasonable. When I received the car, I was pleasantly surprised. The paint is mostly original, there are some areas that have been repainted. Someone had torched the springs to lower the car. The delivery driver destroyed the front bumper. But after looking it over and driving it, I believe the claim of 23,000 actual miles is true. I sent the car to a friend of mine who restores muscle cars. This is what he did: Color sand and buff paint Replace wheels with 17" US wheels Restore suspension to correct ride height with new springs Replace front bumper and re-chrome both bumpers Install front disc brakes, air conditioning, cruise control and fuel injection Install front bucket seats from '66 Impala and recover in correct fabric Install new carpet Install Chevelle console with clock The paint is not perfect and has a few battle scars here and there. But that means I won't be afraid to drive it, and I intend to do so. The car drives out really well, is tighter then most cars of it's age. I love the fact that it is an unusual body style, and I really like the body style. I think Buick knocked it out of the park with this one. I hope to be able to get some shakedown time in over the next couple of months, then it's off to the car shows.
