History of the Chevelle
During the early 60’s Chevrolet was looking for a car model that would compete with the Ford Fairlane. In this search the 1964, Chevelle was born and ended up being one of Chevrolets most popular vehicles.
The First Year:
In 1964, the first Chevy Chevelle rolled off the assembly line and was the only brand new production car available this year. Slightly larger in body size than the sub compact Chevy II models but with major interior room the car had the makings of a best seller. The Chevelle was available in two and four doors body styles as well as a small wagon and the popular El-Camino. Customers had the option of six or eight cylinders and a range of transmissions. Two and four speed manual transmissions were standard equipment and a two-speed power glide was optional. With all the many options in body style, engine and transmission there were 22 possibilities for customers to choose from.
In 1964, the first Chevy Chevelle rolled off the assembly line and was the only brand new production car available this year. Slightly larger in body size than the sub compact Chevy II models but with major interior room the car had the makings of a best seller. The Chevelle was available in two and four doors body styles as well as a small wagon and the popular El-Camino. Customers had the option of six or eight cylinders and a range of transmissions. Two and four speed manual transmissions were standard equipment and a two-speed power glide was optional. With all the many options in body style, engine and transmission there were 22 possibilities for customers to choose from.
Super Sport:
Perhaps the most popular option coming down the line was the Malibu Super Sport package. This option would add bucket seats and instrument clusters to the interior while the exterior received SS symbols and a full 14-inch wheel cover borrowed from the Impala SS. If all the bling were not enough, Chevy smartly offered this model with an optional 283-cid engine with dual exhaust, giving it the same horsepower as the popular ’57 power pak.
Perhaps the most popular option coming down the line was the Malibu Super Sport package. This option would add bucket seats and instrument clusters to the interior while the exterior received SS symbols and a full 14-inch wheel cover borrowed from the Impala SS. If all the bling were not enough, Chevy smartly offered this model with an optional 283-cid engine with dual exhaust, giving it the same horsepower as the popular ’57 power pak.
Z16:
In mid 1965, Chevy unveiled a taste of things to come with the much coveted z16 model 1965 Chevy Malibu SS. This beauty would come standard with a monster 396-cid engine and a plethora of performance and comfort options. There were only 201 of these classic cars manufactured and only one of those was a convertible.
In mid 1965, Chevy unveiled a taste of things to come with the much coveted z16 model 1965 Chevy Malibu SS. This beauty would come standard with a monster 396-cid engine and a plethora of performance and comfort options. There were only 201 of these classic cars manufactured and only one of those was a convertible.
This convertible was reportedly special ordered by then general manager Semon "Bunkie" Knudsen. A car reported to be this one is now in the private collection of Art Astor. As the story goes, the general manager gave his z16 to Dan Blocker, or as you may know him Hoss from Bonanza, because his ten-gallon hat would not fit in his hard top z16. Whatever the truth of that story it is safe to say that the z16 is a much sought after vehicle both then and now.
70 and Beyond:
Over the years, the Chevelle would become sportier in looks and function. In 1970, the classic muscle car was freed from Chevrolet’s earlier restrictions on motor size and for the first time a muscle car other than the Corvette would receive a motor larger than a 400 cid. This made way for the SS454 that was the crowning glory of the Chevelle run.
Over the years, the Chevelle would become sportier in looks and function. In 1970, the classic muscle car was freed from Chevrolet’s earlier restrictions on motor size and for the first time a muscle car other than the Corvette would receive a motor larger than a 400 cid. This made way for the SS454 that was the crowning glory of the Chevelle run.
Though 70 may reign supreme in classic muscle car history for the Chevy Chevelle, the later 70’s models should get their due. From 73-77, the Chevelle was the favorite muscle car on the NASCAR track, some familiar names have graced the seat of Chevelle race cars, Dale Earnhardt, Ricky Rudd, Bobby and Donnie Allison as well as Nascars female driver Janet Guthrie.
Whether you are a racecar fanatic or simply a lover of classic cars the Chevy Chevelle is a classic muscle car that you will never tire of looking at or driving. Some of us are reliving the days of the muscle car when raw power was at its peak while younger generations love the design and styling of a truly classic automobile.
