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Editor's note: This is part of a series at KSL.com featuring some of Utah's coolest cars. If you own a customized vehicle — from sports cars to semitrucks — email fjolley@ksl.com with a photo of the vehicle and a brief description for consideration.EAGLE MOUNTAIN — When Jay Horrocks Jr. set out in search of a car at the age of 16, he already knew what he wanted. He was looking for a 1966 or 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle.
He never found it.
Instead, Horrocks ended up buying a '66 Chevy Impala SS. It’s been almost 30 years since he purchased it for $850 in the Salt Lake Valley, and the Eagle Mountain resident is glad things worked out the way that they did.
The ’66 Impala has undergone some changes since Horrocks picked it up, but in many ways it’s still the same car. The biggest holdover of the Chevy from Horrocks’ teenage years is in its purpose: the Impala is meant to be driven.
That’s exactly what Horrocks has done. He’s put around 275,000 miles on the ’66 Impala SS, with more to come. The Impala fits an award-winning textbook definition of American muscle, and that power and drivability don’t go to waste. Every time the Impala has won awards at shows in the western U.S., Horrocks and his car have driven there.
“I’m a firm believer that if it’s on a trailer, it’s either broke or stolen,” Horrocks said, when asked about his rubber-to-the-road philosophy.
There’s good reason to drive the ’66 Impala SS, too. It ended up in Horrocks hands with a 327 V8 engine with Powerglide automatic transmission. Horrocks put in a 400 small block with a TH350 automatic. He got 217,000 miles on the first engine rebuild before the crank failed. Horrocks has tacked on another 35,000 miles on the second rebuild that took place in 2008, and he’s enjoyed every single one of them.
“Driving this car is therapy for me,” Horrocks said.
It’s no wonder that the Impala has won awards at numerous shows and cruise-ins. Horrocks started showing the car in 1989, and since then it’s won awards in Moab, the Cache Valley Cruise-In, the Hot Rod Power Tour, the Route 66 Fun Run in Las Vegas and the Rat Fink Reunion in Manti.
“The awards and recognition are nice, but what I enjoy most is the car,” Horrocks said. “The car is a trophy itself in my mind."
The ’66 Impala has World Products S/R Torquer cylinder heads and sports a Crane Cam and Lifter set. An Eagle crank and rod rotating assembly with Speed Pro pistons produce some sweet power, and the Impala’s Pete Jackson gear drive makes sure that you hear the power as well.
It originally featured an 8.2-inch, 10-bolt rear differential, but now sports an 8.8-inch, 12-bolt Eaton Posi. Horrocks converted the front brakes to a disc brake set from ECI to maximize the ’66 Impala’s drivability. The suspension has also been upgraded with Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings to increase durability and maximize handling control.
The Impala’s gorgeous 1987 GM Bright Blue Metallic paint job, with navy and grey with light blue accents, was originally done in 1991.
Horrocks has more plans for his ride. From fresh paint, to interior touch ups, to wiring and electrical upgrades, to air conditioning reinstallation, the Impala will continue to be improved upon. Horrocks enjoys the process of fine-tuning his car.
“I know every nut and bolt in it,” he said.
One thing is for certain: The 1966 Impala SS will keep winning awards, and Horrocks will keep driving it to get there.
Wes Mangum is an Aggie and a citizen of Logan. He can change his own oil and always keeps his blinker fluid reservoir full. Wes can be reached by email at mangum953@gmail.com.
