Lot 4885-PHX: 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II / Nova SS 327/ L79

Great question! The 1966 Nova SS 327/L79 is one of the most cloned muscle cars out there because it’s relatively easy to turn a base Chevy II 100 into a “tribute” machine. Here’s how to separate the real-deal L79 cars from the fakes:

1. Start with the VIN (Most Important!)

The first three digits are your best friend:

This car (118376N170504) has the “118” prefix - that’s your first green light! The “6” confirms 1966, “N” is Norwood assembly, and “37” means 2-door Sport Coupe.

2. Engine Stamp Pad Verification (Critical)

Real L79 327/350hp engines have a VIN derivative stamped on the block plus a date/suffix code. For 1966 L79 Novas, you’re looking for codes that should match something like:

• Suffix codes around “ZG” or “HF” (varies by assembly plant)
• Date code format: month/day (like F0315 = March 15)
• Partial VIN that matches the car’s VIN

⚠️ Red flags:

• No stamp pad photo in the listing is a concern
• “Restored” engines often have restamped pads
• Pad should be on the passenger side deck surface

3. Mandatory L79 Equipment

These were ALL standard with the L79 package—no exceptions:

4. “Double Hump” Heads

Real L79s got the famous “camel hump” or “fuelie” heads with 2.02” intake/1.60” exhaust valves and proper casting numbers. These are physically different from standard 327 heads.

5. The Numbers Game

Only 5,481 L79 Novas were built in 1966—compare that to over 13,000 standard 327 SS models. If a seller claims “numbers matching” but the price and story seem too good to be true… dig deeper!

About This Specific Car

The listing vehicle (VIN 118376N170504) starts with the correct “118” code, so it began life as a true Super Sport. However, as noted in the FAQ, the engine stamp pad photos aren’t shown—that’s something you’d want to verify before buying any L79 claimed as original. The listing mentions a Holley 4-barrel and Muncie 4-speed, which aligns with correct L79 specs.

Bottom Line for Shopping

1. Start with VIN (must be “118” for ‘66)
2. Verify engine stamps (passenger side pad)
3. Check for 12-bolt and proper trans
4. Get documentation (old registration, Protect-O-Plate, build sheet if possible)

Want me to pull some comps on other authentic 1966 Nova SS L79s currently on the market? You can also browse similar cars at our Chevy II/Nova SS market page for current pricing trends!