The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized automobile that was produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors (GM) in three generations for the 1964 to 1977 model years. Part of the GM A-body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet's most successful nameplates. Body styles included coupes, sedans, convertibles, and station wagons. The "Super Sport" versions were produced through the 1973 model year and Lagunas from 1973 through to 1976.

After a four-year absence, the El Camino was reintroduced as part of the new Chevelle lineup in 1964.

From 1964 to 1969, GM of Canada sold a modified version of the Chevelle that included a Pontiac-style grille, and a LeMans instrument panel, marketed as the Beaumont.

The Malibu was the top-of-the-line model to 1972, and completely replaced the Chevelle nameplate starting with the redesigned, and downsized 1978 model year. __TOC__

First generation (1964–1967)

Overview The automobile marketplace was changing significantly during the early 1960s and featured increased competition in the smaller-sized car segments. The domestic Big Three automakers (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) were responding to the success of American Motors' compact Rambler American, and Classic models that made AMC the leading maker of small cars for several years and increasing Rambler on the 1961 domestic sales charts to third-place behind Chevrolet and Ford. The innovative Chevrolet Corvair, and the Chevy II, which was designed to compete with Ford's Falcon, were losing ground. Ford released the mid-sized Fairlane in 1962, to which Chevrolet responded with the 1964 Chevelle based on a new A platform design. Built on a wheelbase, the new Chevelle was similar in size, simplicity, and concept to what was classified as the "standard-sized" 1955–1957 Chevrolet models. The Chevelle was the U.S. auto industry's only all-new car for 1964, and was positioned to fill the gap between the small Chevy II and the full-sized Chevrolet models. Introduced in August 1963 by "Bunkie" Knudsen, the achieved sales of 338,286 for the year.

Originally conceived as an upsizing of the Chevy II with a unibody platform (similar to the Fairlane, and the full-size Chrysler B-platform of the same era), which originated with the XP-726 program, GM's "senior compact" A-platform used a body-on-frame construction using a suspension setup similar to its full-sized automobiles with a four-link rear suspension (the axle has four control arms which are attached to the frame with rear coil springs sandwiched between the axle, and spring pocket—this design was used with the B platform vehicles). The name "chevelle" has been speculated as influenced by gazelle and Chevrolet combined, as a smaller sedan to the Impala.

Two-door hardtop coupes, and convertibles, four-door sedans, and four-door station wagons were offered throughout the entire run. This also included a coupe utility (El Camino) derivative of the two-door wagon. In line with other Chevrolet series, the two-door hardtops were called Sport coupes. Four-door hardtops, dubbed Sport Sedans, were available (1966 through 1972). A two-door sedan and station wagon was available in 1964 and 1965 in the base 300 series. These economy-focused models included a simulated floor carpet made of vinyl-coated rubber color-matched to four available interior colors. The station wagons were marketed with exclusive nameplates: Greenbrier (previously used with the Corvair based vans), Concours, and Concours Estate. Two six-cylinder engines, and several V8s were offered in every model.

Chevelles were also assembled, and sold in Canada. While similar to their stateside counterparts, the convertible was available in the base Chevelle series, a model never offered in the United States. The Chevelle was the basis for the Beaumont, a retrimmed model sold only in Canada by Pontiac dealers through 1969.

Chevelle SS

The Chevelle Super Sport, or SS, represented Chevrolet's entry into the muscle car battle. In early 1964 and 1965, Chevelles had a Malibu SS badge on the rear quarter panel. Chevelles with the mid-1965 Z-16 option, priced at US$1,501 (~$ in ) in 1965,Flory, J. "Kelly", Jr. American Cars 1960–1972 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Coy, 2004), p. 354. had the emblem on the front fender as well as distinct in-house style numbers: 737 for the hardtop, and 767 for the convertible.All Chevelles were 13000 series. Flory, p. 356. 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 came with a four-gauge cluster instead of engine warning lights, and a dash-mounted tachometer was optional. The available 283-cubic-inch four-barrel V8 engine was rated at , the same rating as the 1957 Chevrolet Power-Pak 283 engine.

Starting in mid-1964, the Chevelle could be ordered with the division's 327-cubic-inch V8, in either 250 or . Both used a four-barrel carburetor, and 10.5:1 compression. For 1965, Chevrolet added the 350-hp 327 V8 as a Regular Production Option (RPO) L79. A total of 294,160 Chevelles were built in the first year, including 76,860 SS models.The Editors of Consumer Reports After 1965, the Malibu SS badge disappeared except for those sold in Canada. A limited 201 Malibu SS 396 'Z-16' big-block-equipped cars were also eventually produced starting in late 1965, with most being built between mid-March and mid-April.

The Chevelle SS 396 became a series of its own in 1966 with series/style numbers 13817 and 13867. SS396 sport coupes, and convertibles used the same Malibu sport coupe and convertible bodies with reinforced frames. The front suspension was revised with higher-rate springs, recalibrated shocks, and a thicker front stabilizer bar, but with different exterior trim. They also had simulated hood scoops, red-stripe tires, and bright trim moldings. The engines included three V8s – the standard, rated at , an optional , and an optional (the mid-horsepower 396 was rated at for 1966 and thereafter). The SS 396 series lasted from 1966 through 1968 before being relegated to an option package in 1969. The 1966 and 1967 model years were the only two years of the 'strut back' 2-door sport coupe with its style number, 17.Flory, p.434.

In Canada, Chevelles continued to have "Malibu SS" badges for the 1966, and early 1967 model years. These Chevelles were available with the same equipment as non-SS Malibu models in the U.S., and did not get the domed hood or the blackout front, and rear treatment. Redline tires were not available on Canadian Chevelles in 1966. A 1966 Malibu SS factory photo shows wheel covers on the car from the 1965 Impala. The Canadian Malibu SS got its "SS" name from the "Sports Option" package under RPO A51 and was primarily a trim option. This A51 option included bucket seats, a center console (except when the three-speed manual transmission was ordered), standard full-wheel covers, and ribbed rocker panel moldings. The "Malibu SS" emblems were carried over from the 1965 Malibu SS series. This Canadian option could be ordered with any six-cylinder or V8 engine. Starting in January 1967, the Chevelle SS396 became available. It was the 138xx series, the same as in the U.S. Produced at the Oshawa, Ontario production facility, only 867 SS 396 models were produced during 1967.

Z-16 SS 396 Only 200 regular production 1965 Z-16 Chevelles were built at the Kansas City plant. The Z-16 option included the convertible boxed frame, a narrowed rear axle, and brake assemblies from the contemporary Impala, heavy-duty suspension, plus virtually all Chevelle comfort, and convenience options. The Z-16 standard big-block 396 Turbo-Jet V8 (fitted with hydraulic lifters instead of the solid lifters of the same motor used in the Corvette) came only with the Muncie wide-ratio four-speed manual transmission. The rear panel of the Z-16 had unique black, and chrome trim which framed untrimmed Chevelle 300-style taillights (Malibu and Malibu SS models had bright silver-painted lens trim).

The prototype Z-16 Chevelle was built at the Baltimore plant. One prototype, and the 200 production units comprise the often-quoted 201 figure. All were two-door hardtops. One convertible was reportedly specially built for Chevy General Manager Knudsen, but was destroyed. Approximately 75 Z-16s are presently accounted for.

New body 1966–1967 1966 saw a complete restyle of the Chevelle on the previous frame that included smooth contours, a broad new grille, bumper treatment, and curved side windows. Bulging rear fender lines, and a "flying buttress" roofline (tunneled into the "C" pillar) were highlights of the 1966 hardtops, shared with other GM "A" body models. The new body reflected the "Coke bottle" body shape that became the fad for American cars in the mid-1960s. A four-door hardtop-styled Sport Sedan joined the Malibu series. It was available through 1972 but never sold as well as the pillared sedan. Chevelles continued in 300, 300 Deluxe, and Malibu trims. Optional engines included a 220-horsepower 283-cubic-inch V8 and a 327-cubic-inch V8. Options included a tachometer, mag-style wheel covers, sintered-metallic brakes, four-way power seats, a tissue dispenser, and cruise control.

The 1967 models received a facelift. Large wraparound taillamps went into a new rear end with standard backup lights. "What you'll see inside," claimed the sales brochure for the 1967 Chevelle, "will probably bring on a severe compulsion to go driving." Front disc brakes were available on all models, and a new dual master cylinder brake system incorporated a warning light. Chevrolet also added 14-inch wheels, and a three-speed automatic transmission to their line of transmissions. New safety equipment became standard, including a collapsible steering column.1967 Chevelle brochure The SS396 continued as a separate model in hardtop and convertible body styles. The 375-horsepower 396-cubic-inch V8 was unavailable until late in the model year, and returned with 612 being sold. Seven transmissions were available: two manual three-speeds, two manual four-speeds, an overdrive three-speed, and two automatics. The Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission included a manual-shift selection. Options included Superlift air shock absorbers, Strato-ease headrests, and full instrumentation.

Second generation (1968–1972)

Overview

The 1968 Chevelle received an all-new 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 115in (2921mm) wheelbase, the 1968 coupes and convertibles rode a 112in (2844mm) wheelbase. The 4 door sedans and wagons turned to a 116in (2946mm) span. Tread width grew an inch front and rear. Hardtop coupes featured a semi-fastback, flowing roofline with a long hood and short deck, influenced by the all-new Camaro. The fastback appearance was a revival of a streamlining bodystyle on all GM products from 1942 until 1950, as demonstrated on the Chevrolet Fleetline. Top-trim models (including the SS 396 and new luxury Concours) featured GM's new Hide-A-Way wiper system. Lesser Chevelles would get that change later.