Chevrolet produced the Chevelle for 3 generations from 1964 to 1978. It was one of Chevrolet’s most successful models, continuing to be a popular collector car today. The Chevelle came in several different body styles including a coupe, sedan, convertible, and station wagon. It was first released in 1964 as a response to the newly released Ford Fairlane in 1962. This car was the only all new car in the U.S. auto body’s industry for 1964. It filled the gap for the Chevy II and Chevrolet full-sized models.
Chevelle SS
Many automakers joined in on creating a muscle car to keep up with the competition of the market. Chevrolet was no exception and went on to create the Chevelle SS as their muscle car. For early models in 1964 and 1965 the cars contained the Malibu SS badge on the rear quarter panel. Beginning in mid-1964, the Chevrolet Chevelle could be ordered to have the 327 cu in V8, in either 250 or 300hp. Both were produced in late 1965. In 1966 the Chevelle SS 396 became a series of its own. The style/series numbers being 13817 and 13867. The SS 396 package lasted until 1969 which was when it was then relegated to an option package.
1970 Chevelle SS
In 1970 some revisions were made to the style of the Chevelle. These revisions gave the body style a more squared-up stance along with the “Coke bottle” style. The interiors of this model year were also redesigned. Many sheet metal body parts were shared with the 1970 Buick Skylark for the 1970 Chevelle. Both being GM automobiles with interchangeable sheet metal. The Skylark and the Chevelle are the only two muscle cars to share the same roofline. The 1970 Chevelle came in several different body styles including, Sport Coupe, Sport Sedan, convertible, four-door sedan, wagons, and coupe utility (El Camino). The Malibu sport coupe, Malibu convertible, and El Camino pickup were the only styles with the choice of one of the two SS options: RPO Z25 with the SS 396 engine, and RPO Z15 with the 415 cid engine. In 1970 the 454 cid engine was introduced and was only available with the RPO Z15 SS equipment option. The base for this engine was rated at 360 bhp, also being available with cowl induction. The LS6 was an option version equipped with a single 4-barrel 800 CFM Holley Carburetor that produced 450 bhp at 5600 rpm and 500 lb-ft. 4,475 LS models were produced at this time.
Muscle Car of the Week
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 featured in this Muscle Car of the Week video, was possibly the last one of its kind ever to be built. It’s believed that this is the last one built due to the VIN number showing at the end of the sequence and the date stamp on the car’s trim tag. The LS6 V8 engine was the highest power engine Chevrolet produced for a passenger car, up until recently. This exact car in the video is not only super clean but also all original. Vintage vinyl carpet and rubber is the smell of the interior of the car. You’ll also be greeted by the broken in seats that are comfortable from the decades of usage it’s received. A few aftermarket gauges appear inside the car, but for good reason, to stay up to date with the happenings under the hood. This Chevelle is a beautiful black cherry color with white SS stripes along with the cowl induction hood scoop. This is one classy beast, that’s for sure.
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