Any Chevrolet is worth some attention. Chevy’s are solidly built cars that offer a wide selection of options. From trucks to everyday salons, sports cars, and limousines, if you want a Chevy in any format, you will get one. Besides, you can get a Chevy anywhere in the world. It might also be true to say that virtually everyone knows about the Chevelle today. They are subtle yet conspicuous and unforgettable.
The Chevrolet Chevelle came to existence at a time when the automotive industry was witnessing an immense transformation. New ideas were rife, and competition was still in the sixties. There was outright rivalry within some players, and even everyone, including regulators, seemed to have been struggling to understand the industry that was playing out. The ambiguous rules that NASCAR instituted are a clear demonstration of the struggles of the industry at the time. These guidelines had so many loopholes that some witty competitors took advantage to win races.
This season was also an epitome of automotive engineering in many ways. Brilliant ideas rolled of production factories as finished products that delighted the masses. The market was happily receptive to tremendous and unconventional car models never seen before. This is how vehicles such as the Chevrolet Chevelle found their footing and became a success.
We think such cars should find their way back to the market and we can justify these reasons.
10 It Was An Instant Hit And Vanished Too Soon
The Chevelle was produced from 1964 through 1977 and carried General Motor’s A-body platform. Despite its short life, it was one of the companies most successful nameplates. Offered as a sedan, coupes, convertibles, and station wagons, there was something for any class of buyers.
An estimated 383,085 Chevelles were sold in the first year alone. Although there are various Chevelles models and you might come across a rare find, pricing is still significantly high. They may range from $25,000 to $54,000. Nonetheless, this is a sturdy car worth any collector’s coin.
9 It Gave Chevrolet A Competitive Edge In The Muscle Car Market
This was a massively competitive period, and any automaker that was caught sleeping on the job had a rough time. It was also a shaky period to remain in business as buyers’ tastes changed drastically from the influence of new ideas. Hot Cars reckons that around 300,000 units were sold in the first year alone. This was massive!
Thanks to the Chevrolet Chevelle, the company maintained a firm market standing and actually revitalized its fortunes. For instance, the 1969 Chevelle SS396 Hardtop was hailed as "America's most popular mid-size car." Chevy engines were exceptionally responsive yet simple in design. The optional 7.4-liter 454ci Big-Block V8 engine was a roadmaster. It produced 360hp while a racing engine carried by the LS6 made 450 hp,
8 It's A Pop Culture Icon
The Chevelle looks like a car that was truly built to star in movies. It’s been there done that, living a life of stardom that many of its ilk can only admire from a distance.
The 2012 film Jack Reacher is one of the most memorable in which a Chevrolet Chevelle SS raised the bar. In the movie, the Chevy blends so well with the 1970s theme depicted because that’s where it fittingly belongs. Several Chevrolet cars have found time to act in the movies, but the Chevelle is a superstar, recording more than 1000 appearances.
7 Several Successful Models In A Short Time Span
In a short season of about 13 years, a huge variety of Chevrolet Chevelles were built. It also became a launching ground for new platforms and engines.
There were equally as many upgrades over the years, making the Chevelle a refreshing car at every turn. The Chevelle Laguna, the Chevelle SS, and the Malibu are just some of the siblings in this lineage that headlined the season differently.
6 Rare Models Such As The 1965 Z16 SS
Nothing is more distinguishing than a rare collection in a long car lineage. The 1965 Z16 SS is among these exceptions when it comes to Chevrolet Chevelles.
The company built only 200 of them in coupe format and one convertible. It was meant to be an overwhelming excitement car riding the newly introduced 396 big-block engine. This would, as expected, become a very rare and expensive collectible. Possibly very few can be traced today.
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4 Successful NASCAR History (1973-1977)
The Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna was among amazing race performers recording 34 races under driver Cale Yarborough.
But the (in)famous rally driver Smokey Yunick also rode a Chevy, which became famous for several reasons. Smokey was an enigma in NASCAR circles, but his involvement in all the same very phenomenon. In his autobiography, Smokey wrote extensively about the Chevelle that allegedly made him smack a NASCAR official.
Related: This Has Got To Be The Meanest-Sounding Chevelle On Roads Today
3 They Fetch Huge Prices At Auctions
It should be clear to you by now that Chevrolet Chevelles are indeed special cars in the automotive realm. They are sparkling from their historical and performance perspective.
In the used car market, Chevelles still fetch a handsome price. A good example is the 1970 Chevelle SS 427 LS6 that sold for $1.15 million in 2013. Although it was in a special class of only 20 Chevelles built, it still points to its incredible lineage.
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1 Raised Chevrolet from Obscurity
At a time when competition was above average, it was not easy to keep your head above the water. The Chevrolet Chevelle was the game-changer for this company, and it served and helped to keep it afloat.
One of the strategies that Chevrolet used to remain competitive was heavily segmenting the available models. By doing this, Chevrolet catered for a wide range of customers within 13 years, earning it a huge following.