Jim Veggian's 1969 Chevelle Malibu. This beauty is a 47,000 mile survivor featuring a Garnet Red/Black Vinyl Roof with its original White Interior.
Jim's Chevelle Malibu has been a labor of love. The car has been repainted and numerous items in the fuel and ignition system have been replaced to get the car road ready again. History of the Chevelle Muscle, power, and rumble — you’re thinking about the Chevelle now, aren’t you? That’s because this classic Chevy embodied American muscle cars like no other. Here's brief history of the life and death of the beastly Chevy Chevelle. Introduced on the 26th of September 1963, the Chevelle had a short run: 1964-1977. This model was available in many different varieties — including everything from 2-door sports coupes to 4-door wagons. The Chevelle would also offer the largest range of trim options from basic to swanky packages from GM. Chevrolet positioned the Chevelle to bridge the gap between the Impala and Chevy II/Nova. Additionally, the Chevelle was also made to compete with the Ford Fairlane. It was built on the A-body platform — same as the Pontiac Tempest, Buick Skylark, and Oldsmobile Cutlass. When it was first released in 1964, it had a wheelbase that measured 115”, the same as the 1955-1957 Chevy. By mid 1964, Chevy already swapped out it’s top engine from a 220 horsepower 283cid to a 327 that made 300 horsepower instead. This move signified GM throwing the Chevelle into the ring as a fierce competitor in the fast-growing performance niche. By the time the 1965 model year rolled around, Chevy pumped up the Chevelle again with a boost to a 350hp L79 engine for the Super Sport (SS) trim model. This was one of the key components that marked the beginning of the muscle car era. To the dismay of many eager enthusiasts, only 201(!) SS Chevelles were made in 1965. In 1966, the Chevelle’s body was totally redesigned and the SS became its own separate model. Power ranged between 325-327hp. The next year, the Chevelle would get a new front and rear fascia — in 1967, buyers could opt for front disc brakes and a dual master cylinder. It also got a handful of safety features that included a collapsible steering column and warning light in the cluster to alert of brake failure. 1968 ushered in a total redesign for the Chevelle and the other GM A-bodies. This cut the wheelbase and brought in a long hood, short deck, and tapered fenders — making it an immensely popular body style. 1969 reduced the SS back to an engine package. The 396 cubic inch, 375hp engine option returned, the vent window was removed, and a chrome bar stretched over the grille. Taillights got bigger and more flush, and GM lent some of the Corvette engines into the Chevelle frame rails. The 1970s brought in new Chevelle styling and better engine packages. Taillights were mounted to the bumper as a result of the federally mandated bumpers. The car also got an available air scoop for cowl induction to boost performance. This would be the first year the Chevelle SS got twin racing stripes. The 1970 Chevelle is often seen in movies from the 70s to modern flicks. Few changes occurred in 1971, including the addition of a low-cost, high powered “Heavy Chevy” trim level. This year was also the start of the government crackdown on gas guzzling cars, so the SS was offered with a small-block 350 engine. Styling was again revised in 1971, and 1972 was basically a carryover year. The Chevelle is just one of those special cars that will never be forgotten. From the years of production, to current days, this iconic car will always be king of the road wherever it goes! This blog prepared by Littleton Cruise's GM Expert columnist. All rights reserved.
0 Comments
Take a look at this absolutely beautiful, all original,1969 Chevy Camero SS Convertible owned our friend, Dave Laurvick.
The Camaro's Birth It’s no surprise that the Camaro was developed to capitalize on the overwhelming public response to the 1964 Ford Mustang. Chevrolet executives realized that the Corvair, the compact sporty car, would not be able to generate the sales volume of the Mustang due in part to its rear-engine design. Chevrolet saw a new, fast growing market where it could dominate sales with a competitive offering. History of the Camaro The Camaro was first shown at a press preview in Detroit, Michigan, on September 12, 1966, and then later that month in Los Angeles, California. The Camaro officially went on sale in dealerships on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year. The Camaro was touted as having the same conventional rear-drive, front-engine configuration as the Mustang. In addition, the Camaro was designed to fit a variety of power plants in the engine bay. The first-generation Camaro was available as a two-door coupé or convertible with 2+2 seating with a choice of six-cylinder and V8 engines. Both the Mustang and Camaro gave birth to a new class of American sporty cars in the mid to late 1960’s. They were coupes with long hoods and short rear decks. Strong consumer demand for the new coupes brought in competitors such as the AMC Javelin, Chrysler's revamped Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger, and Pontiac Firebird. All of a sudden it was a very crowded marketplace. Chevrolet produced 220,906 Camaros in 1967, 25,141 of which were convertibles. Chevrolet became a solid competitor in the new sports coupe segment with production of just short of 700,000 first-generation Camaros (1967-1969). About 9% of the first generation models were convertibles. The racing and enthusiast market went wild over Camaro’s powerful V8 engines. The Z28 was headed for a Trans-Am racing championship, several dozen specially produced ZL-1 aluminum-engine Camaro coupes were providing thunderous thrills at drag strips, and a specially detailed RS/SS 396 Convertible popped up just in time to pace the 1969 Indy 500. No 1969 Camaro would ever become just another used car. For 50 years, American sports car enthusiasts have had a love affair with the Camaro convertible. The sixth-generation model is poised to be one of the greatest convertibles ever, continuing to grow Chevrolet’s sporty car segment market share and sales leadership. This segment written and published by our Littleton Cruise expert GM Columnist Holy Rollers is charity car show benefitting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. August 19th 2017 from 9-2pm at Nativity of our Lord parish in Broomfield. Awards for top 25 cars in show. Classic cars, trucks, motorcycles - all makes and years welcome. Stock, modified, customs, rat rods, modern classics, survivors - bring em all! Family fun, food & drink, music, door prizes and car trivia.
Show Contact: Jeff Graham [email protected] 720.205.8577 Join the Gunnison Car Club, in the beautiful Colorado Rockies for the 30th Annual Cool Cars, Cool Mountains Car Show, August 18th - 20th in Gunnison, CO.
Both days of the Show are jam packed with events for the entire family including a scenic, twisty and exciting 28 mile drive to the historic town of Crested Butte on Sunday. Participants are treated to prime spots on Elk Avenue to exhibit their rides, enjoy a hot breakfast, and visit the Historic Crested Butte Museum which is housed in early 1900’s Conoco gas station, a perfect treat for all car enthusiasts. For official show information and registration details, >>Click Here. |
AuthorLIttleton Cruise Archives
May 2018
Categories
All
|