The Legendary 1966 Chevelle SS 396 with the 425 HP L78 Engine: The Story of the ‘Bounty Hunter’

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Muscle cars were a common sight at Jack’s Esso in Lockport, New York, during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Owner Jack Poyfair kept busy performing typical automotive repairs but also worked on high-performance street cars, street/strip cars, and dedicated racecars. The era was defined by powerful machines, and among them, the Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 held a special place. While factory ratings often told one story, enthusiasts knew that models like the 1966 Chevelle Ss 396 425 Hp L78 engine offered performance far exceeding the official numbers.

“It was a gas station, but we changed motors and transmissions, and we rebuilt a lot of components,” Poyfair recalls. “I installed a lot of headers. There were a bunch of guys hanging around the station who had fast cars.” Poyfair himself owned a quick 1965 GTO convertible. This environment was a hotbed for performance enthusiasts, making it the perfect setting for a car that would become legendary.

Rear three-quarter view of the Regal Red 1966 Chevelle SS396 ‘Bounty Hunter’.

A certain Regal Red 1966 Chevelle with skinny Cragars and “Bounty Hunter” scrawled on its fenders was a regular fixture at Poyfair’s gas station. The car was owned by Nick Colaizzi, a loyal employee at the GM Harrison Radiator plant in Lockport, New York. The “Bounty Hunter” was powered by the formidable L78 engine, and it was anything but slow. This particular vehicle, featuring the highly sought-after L78 big-block, represents a pinnacle among best classic american muscle cars.

For early 1966 models, Chevrolet introduced the Chevelle SS396 with two available engines. The standard option was the L35 396ci Mark IV big-block with two-bolt mains and oval-port heads, officially rated at 325 hp at 4,800 rpm and 410 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. Initially, the only optional powerplant in the SS396 was the L34 engine. With a hotter cam, it was factory rated at 360 hp at 5,200 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm.

Unlocking the L78’s True Power

A few months into the 1966 model year, Chevrolet discreetly began offering a top-tier performance engine branded with the RPO code L78. It was officially underrated at 375 hp. However, enthusiasts in the know understood that its significant upgrades—a four-bolt-main block, compression increased from 10.25:1 to 11:1, a solid-lifter cam, larger rectangular-port heads with bigger 2.19-inch intake valves, and a substantial 780 Holley carburetor on a new aluminum intake—would surely yield much more than the advertised 15 hp increase over the L34 motor. Later tests conclusively demonstrated that the L78 engine actually produced closer to 425 hp. Nick Colaizzi was among those who recognized the L78’s true potential, making his choice a wise one for a serious performance machine. These high-performance options solidify the 1966 Chevelle SS396’s place among old classic muscle cars that defined an era.

The powerful L78 396ci Mark IV big-block engine in the restored ‘Bounty Hunter’ Chevelle.

He Persisted: Acquiring a Legend

Early in 1966, Nick Colaizzi visited Heinrich Chevrolet in Lockport, New York, determined to order a 1966 Chevelle SS396 equipped with the L78 engine. Although the dealership staff were helpful, the salesman was initially unaware of the L78’s mid-year introduction notice from Chevrolet. Concerned the order wouldn’t be accepted, he suggested ordering the more common L34 360hp version. Colaizzi, understanding the L78’s capabilities, persisted. The salesman placed the order for the L78, and it was accepted. One month later, Colaizzi became the first owner of what would become one of the most desirable Chevelles ever built – one of just 3,099 1966 Chevelles produced with the legendary L78 engine. This demonstrates the dedication required to own a truly special vehicle among the top 10 classic american muscle cars.

For the initial six months of ownership, Colaizzi’s SS396 served both street and strip duties. His passion for drag racing intensified, fueling his desire to make his Chevelle faster and more competitive. He sought out Jack Poyfair to help him extract maximum performance. Poyfair issued a friendly challenge: “If you can beat my GTO, I’ll work on your car.” They raced, Colaizzi won, and the two men forged a strong friendship building a fast car.

Detail shot of the brake master cylinder area on the 1966 Chevelle SS396 ‘Bounty Hunter’.

Many hours were dedicated to experimenting with various combinations and trick parts. Colaizzi reflects, “Those were good times spent together working on the car and racing it with Jack. He’s a great guy.” The “Bounty Hunter” racing career spanned from 1966 to 1974, primarily competing at Niagara International Drag Strip. Colaizzi eventually put the Chevelle into storage, hoping to restore it one day. It remained there until 1993 when circumstances led him to the difficult decision to sell his prized Chevelle.

Close-up view of the cylinder heads on the ‘Bounty Hunter’s’ high-performance 396 engine.

Enthusiast Extraordinaire Finds His Prize

Enter Larry Robison, a Chevelle enthusiast extraordinaire and a longtime employee at the GM Parma Plant in Cleveland, Ohio. Robison has a deep appreciation for 1966 Chevelles. While many muscle car fans praise the 1970 LS6, Robison famously stated, “I would stand on the hood of a ’70 to get a look at a ’66.” This kind of specific passion is common among collectors of best classic muscle cars.

Robison was exploring the automotive scene in Cleveland in 1993 when he discovered a 1966 Chevelle SS396 race car listed for sale. His interest soared when he learned it was an original L78 car, showed only 2,109 original miles, and had the storied history of being campaigned on the dragstrip as the “Bounty Hunter.” He contacted Nick Colaizzi, who was moving to Nevada and unable to take the Chevelle with him. Robison struck a deal to buy the car and all its accompanying spare parts as a package. The parts alone filled a box truck, and the car was transported back to Robison’s home in Ohio.

Overall view of the black bucket seat interior in the restored 1966 Chevelle SS396.

The “Bounty Hunter” remained in storage until 2009 while Robison dedicated time to restoring other project Chevelles. Once work commenced on the ’66, he separated the body from the frame and undertook a meticulous restoration to original condition. The rear quarters, which had been modified to accommodate racing slicks, were expertly worked back into shape by Robison. Paint and body expert Paul Clark then finalized the metal work and repainted the car in its stunning original Regal Red hue.

Robison brought the car back home and began the assembly process with the help of friends and fellow members of the Northern Ohio Chevelle Club: Ron Thompson, Mark Meldrum, the late “Big Ray” Tumbry, and George Kelovski. The restoration was completed in 2015, and the car made its grand debut at the MCACN (Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals) show that year.

Close-up of the ‘knee knocker’ 7,000 rpm tachometer mounted below the dashboard.

In 2017, Robison and Mark Meldrum arranged a special reunion for Nick Colaizzi with the fully restored “Bounty Hunter.” Jack Poyfair was also invited to share in the occasion. “It was great meeting Larry and Mark, and seeing Jack again,” Colaizzi recounted. “Larry did a great job restoring the car. Seeing it again, and getting to drive it, brought back a flood of mixed emotions. It was really a tremendous experience.”

These days, Larry Robison proudly showcases the “Bounty Hunter” at various car shows. Sometimes, Mark Meldrum will park his own “Bounty Hunter” tribute car alongside it, creating a striking pair. Robison remains easy to spot at shows – he’s the enthusiast literally looking over the hoods of 1970 models to admire a 1966 Chevelle, a testament to the enduring appeal of the 1966 Chevelle Ss 396 425 Hp legend.

Detail shot of the front fender on the ‘Bounty Hunter’, showing the iconic SS396 badge.

At a Glance: The ‘Bounty Hunter’

Year: 1966 Chevelle SS396
Owned by: Larry Robison, Avon, OH
Restored by: Owner, Paul Clark, and friends
Engine: 396ci/375hp (underrated, estimated 425 hp) L78 V-8
Transmission: Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed
Rearend: 12-bolt with 4.10 gears and Positraction
Interior: Black bucket seats
Wheels: 14×6 steel with caps
Tires: 7.75-14 Firestone Deluxe Champion redlines
Special Parts: 7,000 rpm “knee knocker” tachometer
Best e.t.: 11.73 seconds

Straight rear view of the restored 1966 Chevelle SS396 ‘Bounty Hunter’.

Nick Colaizzi’s “Bounty Hunter” Chevelle was a formidable competitor, most frequently raced at Niagara International Drag Strip. It proved to be an excellent race car, bringing Colaizzi and Jack Poyfair significant success, largely due to Poyfair’s dedicated mechanical efforts.

“We worked on the cylinder heads, tried different camshafts, stagger-jetted the carburetors, used steel and aluminum flywheels, and changed the collector length on the headers just to get a tenth of a second out of the car,” Poyfair remembers, highlighting the dedication to performance. He adds, “Nick had an edge in driving. He was good on the tree, pulled the gears really good. He knew he had to go through the traps at 7,400 rpm to get a good run.”

Colaizzi remains thankful for the support and friendship of Poyfair, as well as the help he received from his brother Dick and his son Nick throughout his racing career. Over the years, Colaizzi owned a few different racecars, but the “Bounty Hunter” Chevelle, with its potent 1966 Chevelle SS 396 425 hp L78 engine, always remained his number one race car. Its story is a vivid chapter in the history of American drag racing and classic muscle cars.

The restored ‘Bounty Hunter’ alongside a tribute car, showcasing the iconic look.