The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid sized automobile produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors in three generations for the 1964 through 1977 model years. Part of the GM A-Body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet’s most successful nameplates. Body styles include coupes, sedans, convertibles and station wagons. Super Sport versions were produced through the 1973 model year, and Lagunas from 1973 through 1976. After a three year absence, the El Camino was reintroduced as part of the new Chevelle lineup. The Chevelle also provided the platform for the Monte Carlo introduced in 1970. The Malibu, the top of the line model through 1972, replaced the Chevelle nameplate for the redesigned, downsized 1978 models.
The Chevelle was intended to compete with the Ford Fairlane, and to return to the Chevrolet lineup a model similar in size and concept to the popular 1955-57 models. Enthusiasts were quick to notice that the Chevelle’s 115 inch (2,900 mm) wheelbase was the same as that of the 1955-57 Chevy. Two door hardtop coupes, and convertibles, four door sedans, and four door station wagons were offered throughout the entire run. In line with other Chevrolet series, the two door hardtops were called Sport coupes. Four door hardtops, dubbed Sport Sedans, were available. A two door station wagon was available in 1964 and 1965 in the base 300 series. Various wagons were sold with exclusive nameplates, Greenbrier, Concours, and Concours Estate. Six cylinder and V8 power was offered across the board. The Chevelle was the basis for the Beaumont, a retrimmed model sold only in Canada by Pontiac dealers.
The Chevelle SS represented Chevrolet’s entry into the muscle car battle. Early 1964 and 1965 Chevelles had a Malibu SS badge on the rear quarter panel. Chevelles with the mid 1965 Z16 option priced at US$1,501 in 1965, had the emblem on the front fender, as well as distinct in house style numbers, 737 for the hardtop, 767 for the convertible. The $162 Super Sport package was available on the upscale Malibu two door hardtop and convertible models, the option added special exterior brightwork with SS emblems and the 14 inch full disc wheel covers from the Impala SS. Inside, the vinyl bucket seat interior featured a floor console for models equipped with the optional Muncie aluminum four speed manual or Powerglide two speed automatic instead of the standard three speed manual. Malibu SS also got a four gauge cluster in place of engine warning lights, and a dash mounted tachometer was optional. The available 283 cubic inch four barrel V8 engine rated at 220 horsepower was the same rating as the 1957 Chevy Power Pak 283 engine.
The 1968 Chevelle got an all new distinctly sculpted body with tapered front fenders and a rounded beltline. The car adopted a long hood/short deck profile with a high rear-quarter kick up. While all 1967 Chevelle models rode a 115 inch (2,900 mm) wheelbase, the 1968 coupes and convertibles now rode a sporty 112 inch (2,800 mm) wheelbase. The sedans and wagons turned to a 116 inch (2,900 mm) span. Tread width grew an inch front and rear. Hardtop coupes featured a sem fastback, flowing roofline. Three luxury Concours options became available in March of 1968 for the four door sedan, the four door sport sedan and consisted of special sound insulation, and a deep padded instrument panel with simulated woodgrain accents and all vinyl color keyed interiors. These Concours options (ZK5, ZK6, and ZK7) should not be confused with the two Concours station wagons. Also new for 1968 was the elimination of the term sedan for the two door pillar body style. This was now called a coupe (or pillar coupe) while the two door hardtop remained a sport coupe. These coupe/sport coupe designations would continue into 1969 as well.
The 1973-’77 Chevelles accounted for nearly 1.7 million sales in one of the most unsettling periods the automotive industry ever faced. Little changed in design during the five years they were built. When these Chevrolet intermediates were retired, though, it had to be obvious to anyone who bothered to notice that there would never be cars quite like them again. Surprisingly large and comfortable, surviving Chevelles of this era bring back memories of how enjoyable V8 powered, rear drive 1970s GM cars could be. That is, if you can find a nice one today. Pristine examples of the 28,647 1973 Malibu SS Coupes and wagons, 42,941 1973 Laguna Coupes, and 38,790 1974-1976 Laguna Type S-3 Coupes are difficult to find, which is a shame now that fuel is plentiful, and the 55 mph (89 km/h) national speed limit has been consigned to history.
The most extensive redesign in its 10 year history marked the 1973 Chevelle, and with it marked the end of hardtops as we knew them. The newly named Colonnade Hardtop featured a semi fastback roofline, frameless door glass and fixed, styled B pillars, structurally strong enough to contribute to occupent safety of a roll over type accident. GM had anticipated Federal roll-over safety standards that ironically didn’t materialize. Distinctive rear quarter glass on two door coupes and new side windows with styled center pillars were featured on four door models. Rear windows on coupes no longer opened. In addition to the new roofline, front and rear ends looked markedly different this year as 1973 was the year of the federally mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) front bumper, adding to the car’s length.
