Looking for information about the best year Chevelle in the market for your next purchase in your collection? Are you curious about the most popular Chevelle model? Or do you own a Chevy Chevelle and want to know how sought-after your car is in the marketplace? The Chevrolet Chevelle is an enduring symbol of power, style, and automotive ingenuity.
Brief History of the Chevrolet Chevelle
In the 1960s and 70s, when muscle cars were in full swing, the Chevrolet Chevelle emerged as a bridge between the Impala and Chevy II/Nova.
Gaining popularity with its performance, the Chevelle was positioned to compete with the Ford Fairlane and Oldsmobile Cutlass.
With a brief but sweet run from 1964 to 1977, the Chevelle became one of the most iconic Super Sport (SS) cars in the history of American muscle cars.
The Chevelle’s wheelbase was an impressive 115” when it was first released, sharing the A-body platform with the Pontiac Tempest and Buick Skylark. Its pinnacle was in 1970, when interior options, like the popular bench seat, were officially unveiled. By 1964, production volume reached just under 371,000 units, many featuring a classic black interior.
General Motors produced the Chevelle for over a decade, releasing various models and trim levels. The most noteworthy trim levels include the Chevelle SS and Malibu.
Chevelle SS is known for powerful engines, heavy-duty suspension, and distinctive exterior styling elements. Early Chevelle styling featured long hoods, short decks, tapered fenders, and body style options such as hardtops, convertibles, and even an El Camino.
The Malibu trim level offered additional luxury features and styling options. Other notable Chevelle trim levels include the Concours Estate and Heavy Chevy.
The Chevelle was discontinued in 1977, with the Malibu becoming not just a trim level, but the top-of-the-line Chevrolet model taking its place as a mid-sized offering in 1978. The discontinuation was due to:
- A decline in popularity during its third-generation
- The discontinuation of big block Chevelles
- The downgrading of the SS model
- The end of the muscle car era (due to fuel shortages and the Arab oil embargo).
Even years after the Chevelle’s discontinuation, these vehicles remain a fan-favorite among collectors and enthusiasts and celebrities alike. But have Chevelle enthusiasts reached a consensus on the best years the Chevelle had to offer? While opinions may vary, here are a few top picks.
What Is the Best Chevelle Year?: Top 5 Favorites
#5: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
Image courtesy of Classic Cars of Sarasota
- Engine: 454 cubic inch (7.4L) V8
- Transmission: 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic
- Price: $50,000 to over $100,000
The 1970 Chevelle SS 454 was a standard muscle car boasting immense power and a bold design. The car was produced in various colors, including tuxedo black, green mint, marina blue, and more. This Chevelle’s output was impressive, with the LS6 variant producing 500 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating acceleration. The LS6 also had the option for front disc brakes.
Externally, it carried the SS badging, prominent cowl-induction hood, muscular lines, and federally mandated bumpers. Inside, it featured a driver-centric cockpit, offering performance-oriented features and comfort. This 1970 model remains the best year for Chevy Chevelle muscle cars.
#4: 1964 Chevrolet Malibu SS 327
Image courtesy of Bonhams Cars
- Engine: 327 cubic inch (5.4L) V8
- Transmission: 3-speed automatic or a 4-speed manual
- Price: $25,000 to $60,000
The 1964 Malibu SS 327 engine delivered a torque of about 360 lb-ft and approximately 300 horsepower. It offered a thrilling driving experience without sacrificing comfort. Outside, it carried the SS badging, showcasing its sporty nature, while its sleek lines and well-proportioned body highlighted its elegant yet athletic stance.
This model is often appreciated for its combination of functionality and style, representing a significant era in Chevrolet’s pursuit of producing classic cars that were both sporty and practical.
#3: 1968 Chevy Chevelle SS 396
- Engine: 396 cubic inch (6.5L) V8
- Transmission: 3-speed automatic or a 4-speed manual
- Price: $35,000 to $110,000
The 1968 Chevelle SS 396 is the first car in the Chevelle model to feature a big-block engine and was the most powerful of its time. The Chevy Chevelle SS Convertible was the rarest of the first three years of production, with only 57,595 produced in 1968.
The SS badging, blacked-out grille, and subtle yet athletic body lines characterized its appearance. Inside, the Chevelle SS 396 has bucket seats, a floor-mounted shifter, and performance gauges, offering a driver-focused cabin for an immersive experience.
#2: 1965 Chevelle Malibu SS 396 Z16
Image courtesy of Street Muscle Magazine
- Engine: 396 cubic inch (6.5L) V8
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Price: $85,000 to $250,000
What makes the 1965 Malibu SS 396 Z16 particularly rare and a favorite Chevelle sought is its exclusivity. Only 200 units were produced, making it a limited edition among the Chevelle lineup. It has a distinctive front bumper, a blacked-out grille, and unique trim details. The Z16 also included heavy-duty suspension and brakes to handle the increased power.
Also, the car has a deluxe interior with bucket seats upholstered in premium vinyl, exuding a blend of comfort and sportiness. Its cockpit featured a sports steering wheel and optional console. This rare Chevy car is cherished for its significant power output of 375 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
#1: 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
- Engine: 350 cubic inch ( 5.7L) V8
- Transmission: 3-speed and 4-speed manual, optional 3-speed automatic
- Price: $25,000 – $50,000+
The 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS featured a redesigned grille and rear bumper, distinct SS badging, and optional sport stripes accentuating its body style. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with bucket seats upholstered in vinyl, power windows, and air conditioning.
This car is in various body styles, including coupe and convertible, offering buyers options for their preferred driving experience. The 1972 Chevy model also marked the last availability of the big-block engines in the Chevelle SS lineup until its later reintroduction in the mid-’70s.
Summary
Special editions and rare finds, such as the 1974 Laguna Type S-3, are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Other rare finds include the “Heavy Chevy” trim level, which was a low-cost, high-powered option introduced in 1971.
Chevy Chevelle cars are popular classics and valuable investments, and they require special care due to their susceptibility to moisture retention and rust. To prevent this, store your classic car in an enclosed and clean space.
If your home garage lacks sufficient room, you might want to explore options like renting a residential garage near you or even storing your classic in a storage unit. With Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, you can get a safe, nearby, and budget-friendly indoor storage or garage for your classic gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was the Fastest Chevelle?
The 1969 L78 SS396 Chevelle, powered by the 425hp Chevrolet L78 engine, was one of the fastest and most powerful cars of its era.
What Is the Rarest Chevelle?
One of the rarest and most sought-after Chevelles is the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Convertible. In 1970, Chevrolet produced only 20 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Convertibles. These cars were equipped with the potent LS6 engine, making them incredibly powerful and desirable among collectors.
