Did they build 396 malibu's in 66-67? Norman

No... not exactly. U.S. built cars are known simply as Super Sport models while Canadian built models are known as Malibu S.S. models. The quarter panel emblems reflect this also. El Caminos were not available with the S.S. package until '68, but you could get a 396, F40 suspension, and any other option available on the S.S. models..... within reason for an El Camino of coarse. The hardtop/ ragtop Malibus built in the U.S. could only have the 327, 283, or 6cyl. from the factory.

So this means that only a 138 vin car could have had a 396 in 66-67?

Yes, that is correct.

Thank you.I can now stop looking for one,but there is sure alot of 396 malibus
out there. Norman

Yea, I know what you mean. The big problem is when someone trys to pass off one for a true S.S. car. I personally don't mind what anyone does with their own car, you can put a jet engine from a 747 in it for all I care.... just don't pass that off as a "rare" Turbo-Jet 396.

Todd (TH396) hit the nail on the head. I can go just a bit further and qualify what he said. For Chevelles in the U.S. the 396 for 66/67 was only offered on 138-series cars except for the 136-series El Caminos. In Canada for 66/67, the Malibu SS he spoke of, even when equipped with a 396, would be a 136-series car.

Here's a made-up picture with the 1967 136 vs. 138 SS cars with 396 power: http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/data/500/396cdn-vs-us-D96.jpg