What’s now known as the “second generation” was introduced in 1966. When the car underwent a massive redesign, it produced a much sharper-edged look. The car featured an almost fastback-like rear window and deck lid, as well as more-pronounced front fenders and wider grill. But what really showed that the car had arrived on the muscle car scene was the L79 option offered by Chevrolet.

This small block 327-cubic-inch beast produced 350 horsepower, well exceeding the hallowed ground of one-horsepower-per-cubic-inch goal hot rodders sought. Straight from the factory, this engine already had the parts needed to make it get down the track, making the need to head down to the nearest speed shop a waste of time. Forged high-compression pistons, a high-performance camshaft, over-sized valves, an aluminum intake and a four-barrel Holley carburetor made this car a terror right off the showroom floor. And to top it all off, the motor came with chrome valve covers and an oil cap to make it all come together. Buckle all that up with the factory Muncie four speed and you had a combination that was hard to beat.

The body sat on a 110-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 183 inches and a curbside weight of less than 3,000 pounds. Forty-one colors were available, either in one solid finish or an endless combination of two-tones that would satisfy the most picky owner. Interior options such as AM/FM push-button radios, rear window defrosters, tinted windows and the standard front buckets and center console made the ride a comfortable one. Add power steering, power brakes and factory air conditioning and you had the best of both worlds: luxury and performance.

There were only 5,481 L79 models made in 1966. Only six examples were made in 1967 before GM dropped the option altogether. After 45 years, the car is one of the more sought-after classic cars by muscle car enthusiasts, and finding one for less the $40,000 is a challenge. The 1966 Chevy II was a lightweight, high-output giant killer that surprised many a big block at the light and on the track. In 1966 Chevy showed the muscle car world how it was done and created a legend.