Chevrolet · 1963–1977

Chevrolet Chevelle

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.

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Successor: Chevrolet Malibu

All Chevrolet Chevelle data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

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 115-inch (2,900 mm) 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

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. The entry-level Chevelle 300 (131 - 132 VIN prefix) was available as a pillared coupe or station wagon (Nomad) while the 300 Deluxe and Nomad Custom (133 or 134 VIN prefix) had a 2-door hardtop added to the lineup (fourth and fifth VIN characters will be 37; with the previous 300 Deluxe the hardtop was available with the Malibu and SS396 but not the base 300/Deluxe in the USA not counting those produced for the Canadian market). The Super Sport (SS396 sport coupe, convertible, and El Camino pickup) became a series on its own. Chevrolet produced 60,499 SS 396 sport coupes, 2,286 convertibles, and 5,190 El Caminos; 1968 was the only year the El Camino body style would get its own SS396 series designation (13880). Government-mandated side marker lighting was incorporated, with early 1968 SS 396 light bezels with the SS 396 nomenclature - at some point in the later production cycle, the engine callout had a 396 also shared wi

Third generation (1973–1977)

=== Overview === The most extensive redesign in its 10-year history marked the 1973 Chevelle. Due to concern over proposed Federal rollover standards, convertible and 4-door hardtop models were discontinued, while the 2-door hardtop was replaced by a pillared coupe—named "Colonnade Hardtop." This body style featured a semi-fastback roofline, frameless door glass, and fixed, styled "B" pillars, structurally strong enough to contribute to occupant safety of a roll-over type accident. This move was somewhat controversial with the buying public as hardtops had been a staple of American cars for over 20 years. However, the Colonnade models became a sales success. The Monte Carlo coupe was the biggest seller of the Chevrolet A-body line (actually designated A-Special), although the regular coupes, sedans, and station wagons also sold well. Distinctive rear quarter glass on 2-door coupes, and new side windows with styled center pillars were featured on 4-door models. The rear side windows on the coupes were now fixed. 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. Additional new body features were an acoustical double-panel roof, tighter-fitting glass, and flush-style outside door handles. Wheelbase dimensions were retained; a 112 in (2,800 mm) for coupes, and 116 in (2,900 mm) for sedans and station wagons, but bodies were five inches (127 mm) longer and an inch wider with a 1-inch (25 mm) wider wheel track. The station wagon, available in 6- or 9-passenger seating, featured a new counterbalanced liftgate, allowing for easier entry and loading up to 85 cubic feet. Plans to release the updated A-body lineup were scheduled for the 1

NASCAR

The third-generation Chevelle was an extensively used body style in NASCAR competition from 1973 through 1977. The Chevelle Laguna in particular was successful, enabling Cale Yarborough to win 34 races and earn the first two of three consecutive Grand National championships. Considered a limited-edition model by NASCAR, the Laguna S-3 was ineligible for competition following the 1977 season. October 21, 1973: American 500 – Benny Parsons pits for repairs after an early crash. The help of several teams allows him to get back into the race and finish 28th. Parsons and his Chevelle hold on to win the NASCAR Winston Cup Grand National championship. Parsons took the points lead with a third-place finish at Talladega Speedway in early May and never gave up the lead. He held off a late rally by Cale Yarborough to win by only 67.15 points. August 1976: Cale Yarborough drove his #11 Junior Johnson/Holly Farms Chevelle to the 1976 NASCAR Winston Cup Grand National championship. Yarborough won nine races to the first of three consecutive titles. He finished last in the Daytona 500, but assumed command of the points chase in August. Yarborough beat Richard Petty by 195 points. February 20, 1977: Daytona 500 – Cale Yarborough Chevelle pulls away from Benny Parsons Chevelle in the final laps to win in his second Daytona 500. Cale Yarborough was running at the finish in all 30 NASCAR Winston Cup races as he dominated the 1977 season to wrap up his second consecutive title. Yarborough won nine races in 30 starts in his #11 Chevelle and finished 386 points ahead of runner-up Richard Petty.

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