Abandoned 1966 Chevrolet Impala has rare options but also an unfortunate truth

This 1966 Chevrolet Impala has been pulled out of the Iowa woods after 35 years abandoned.

The poor old Impala was once a pretty fancy option, even coming with an air conditioning unit.

Sadly, the vehicle was in a dire state with rusted bodywork, missing windows, and a totaled interior.

But the big question was – could it be salvaged?

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The 1966 Chevrolet Impala was in a seriously bad way

Classic Chevrolet Impalas can make ideal restoration projects – just take a look at this once-abandoned 1961 example that has since been transformed into a custom-build, or this 1959 Impala that was abandoned for 50 years before being lovingly restored. 

Of course, not all abandoned cars can be saved – and, sadly, that looked to be the case for this one discovered in a wooded area on a farm in Iowa. 

The 1966 Chevy Impala was pulled from the woods by Ryan from the Iowa Classic Cars YouTube channel.

To say the Impala had seen better days would be an understatement – the vintage vehicle had almost gone back to nature and appeared to have trees and branches growing through it. 

“I opened the hood but I don’t think I’ll ever get it shut again,” Ryan said in the clip.

The bodywork was rusted and its front windshield was long gone. 

It had spent so long parked in the one spot – 35 years – that it had sunk into the ground and had to be hauled out by another car. 

So, let’s just say it won’t be road-ready any time soon.

The classic car had some rare options

While it’s sad to see any classic car end up in such a sorry state – it’s even worse when it’s a rare model. 

This 1966 Chevrolet Impala had some cool optional extras that would have been rare back when it was new, such as an air conditioning system.

Unfortunately, at some point in its life, a tree had landed on the Impala causing serious damage and prompting Ryan to label it a ‘parts car’. 

“It’s a parts rig,” he said. “[I] honestly, bought it because I wanted the motor out of it. I want the valve covers.” 

After taking the valve covers from the 327 cubic-inch V8 engine, Ryan said he would be trading the car for a 1950s vehicle. 

Here’s hoping the new owner is up for a challenge and this Impala ends up back on the road again.