Chevrolet is one of the great American motoring names. A company that has dished out awe-inspiring vehicles for decades, making its mark on the sports car world with the impressive Corvette, while also delivering muscle favorites the 1969 Camaro and 1996 Impala SS. And long-running people hauler, the Chevrolet Suburban.
Standing apart from these well-known flagship models are several hidden gems. Classic cars that may not have had as much time in the limelight yet remain excellent in their own right. Vehicles that get perched to become tomorrow's must-have collector's cars once their abilities and true assets get unearthed.
Those looking to get in on the classic Chevy car scene take note.
10 1973 Chevrolet Nova SS
A compact yet capable muscle car, the 1973 Chevy Nova SS sported a 5.7-liter V8 capable of deploying 175 hp. That's not a lot of power for a muscle car but was decent for the time. Off the line, it could haul to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. It's no supercar, still adequately warm.
The lack of performance on offer means the 1973 Chevy Nova SS was overlooked. This leaves a gap in the market for growth. Especially as interest grows in the marque. Keep it factory straight, or drop in a crate engine. Either way, they pose a good future investment.
9 1979 Chevrolet Camaro
There's no avoiding the fact that the 1979 Camaro is a styling mess, overcomplicated, and a random mish-mash of ideas. It's also pretty gutless. The tried and tested 5.7-liter V8 puts out a paltry 175 hp, but under the surface, the 1979 Camaro is a decent car with potential.
The 1979 Camaro was heavily revised. It offers better suspension, a smoother ride, and decent fuel economy for its class. It also sold well. As fashions change, many got dumped for faster, sexier cars. The 1979 Camaro became a forgotten sports car poised for a great return.
8 1969 Chevrolet El Camino
Sporting yet practical, the Chevy El Camino is one of the best classic muscle trucks produced. Handsome, butch, and reliable. From the in-line six engines to the more powerful V8s. The El Camino ticks a lot of boxes for a lot of gearheads. And it's a rising star on all fronts.
The sweet spot in the 1969 range boasts a 5.7-liter V8 engine. A 300-hp workhorse with 380 lb-ft torque, it'll hit 60 mph in 7.5 seconds – plenty fast enough for a vintage work truck. It's a collectible classic muscle car with a difference. One that has garnered a loyal following.
7 1990 Chevrolet 454 SS Pickup
Pickup trucks are cool. Performance pickup trucks are kick-ass, especially when they come fitted with a 255-hp V8. And can sprint to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, which is why the 454 SS is so special. It's got a killer 1990s retro vibe and offers plenty of power on tap.
A bit of a sleeper, only its decals give away the fact that a 7.4-liter V8 hides under the hood, delivering 405 lb-ft of torque. Inside, red bucket seats await the keen driver. Other fast trucks robbed the 454 SS of sales success, but its day is coming, and it's well deserved.
6 1973 Chevrolet Corvette
By 1973, the Corvette had evolved into a great all-around sports car. More comfortable, impressively fast, and with a host of options. Its design may not have been as flattering as early cars, but it was still a Corvette. The main issue was that power outputs had plummeted.
Even opting for the 7.4-liter V8 would only get a driver 275 hp – nowhere near what the previous generation offered. Considered underpowered for the marque, this 1973 Corvette is mostly ignored, just waiting for the right buyers to dust off its sporting credentials.
5 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
By 1980s muscle car standards, the '87 Monte Carlo SS was a powerhouse. Its 5.0-liter V8 strangled to only produce 180 hp. But despite its power shortage, it sold very well. As what it lacked in grunt it made up for with pure 1980s panache.
The Monte Carlo SS had all the right ingredients: a body shape linked to NASCAR racing, a plush fabric interior, and plenty of standard-fit equipment. Kicked in the guts, it would hit 60 mph in 8.7 seconds. A massive slice of 1980s retro cool, the Monte Carlo SS has swagger.
4 1963 Corvair Monza Coupe
A gorgeous-looking coupe, the Chevy Corvair Monza makes an impressive first impression. Sweeping lines emphasize grace and a muscular character. Think of it as America's version of the Porsche 911 but with far more practicality. The Monza is a unique vehicle.
Rear-wheel drive, rear-engined, and air-cooled – those are early German main stays re-engineered by Chevy. The Monza gained an unfair reputation for poor handling. In reality. It was no worse than any other period vehicle. The stain stuck, putting many future buyers off.
3 1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26
The Chevy Beretta Z26 was a very impressive car for its time – an attractive-looking coupe with sporting credentials. The Z26 boasted a 3.1-liter V6 making 155 hp. Good for getting to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. Standard equipment was generous.
The Beretta Z26 still looks good. Parked up among modern machinery, it can hold its own. Out on the road, its performance is average. A car that is better at cruising than racing, it's one for the Chevy connoisseur to add to the garage.
2 1973 Chevrolet Caprice
A comfortable land barge, the Chevy Caprice is an attractive full-sized classic car, one that offers acres of interior space and loads of style plus plenty of get-up-and-go, especially when optioned with the 7.4-liter V8. The gutsy unit pumps out a healthy 245 hp and 375 lb-ft.
For custom car fans, the Chevy Caprice makes for the perfect 'donk'. An eye-catching creation that serves only to impress bystanders. Many Caprices have gotten modified. So, for purists, finding an un-abused model is getting harder.
1 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega
In Europe, anything with a Cosworth badge makes gearheads weak at the knees. It's a brand synonymous with going fast. The Cosworth Vega taps into a lot of European thinking, using a race-bred small displacement engine. Tuned suspension and race car-like handling.
The rev-loving 2.0-liter engine made 110 hp. The Vega could hit 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. It easily outperformed many of its immediate rivals. Only 5000 were made. That makes it something of a rarity. It's the exclusivity of the Vega and its pedigree that makes it something special.