Starter classic: Chevrolet Chevelle (1964-’68)
Mid-sized American muscle makes monetary sense
THE Chevelle was the mid-sized sedan in the Chevrolet South Africa range during the 1960s and was closely related to the Acadian Beaumont made by General Motors Canada that was sold here through Pontiac dealerships.
PACKAGING
There were some small styling changes in 1965, but it’s the classic straight lines of the mid-sized ’64 Chevelle that most folk prefer. In terms of interior packaging, legroom was not as spacious as you would think, and front- seat adjustment was restricted, but as bench seating and column shifts were the order of the day, you could comfortably fit six people in the cabin.
The Chevelle’s suspension was coil and wishbones in the front, with a solid axle plus coils at the rear, and the boot could swallow a gargantuan 765 litres.
POWERTRAIN
These were days of cubic inches, and the more the merrier. Although this model is called a 300, it has 230 cu in of capacity, or 3,8 litres. This engine is a short-stroke design, which was rather unusual for the time.
Power and torque outputs were 99 kw and 292 N.m, and it came with the famous Powerglide transmission that used only two ratios – high and low – together with a torque converter. This gearbox is known for its durability and was phased out only in the 1970s, when three-speed gearboxes became the norm. In later years, a 250 cu in, or 4,1-litre, engine was introduced and these were part of Chevy’s models into the early 1980s.
Some of you might also remember the Chevelle SS that had a V8 engine with some trim and interior changes. This V8 of 283 cu in (4,6-litre) capacity formed part of the famous small-block Chevy engine family. Of course, it was a small block in America only; everyone else would call it rather large. Looking at our price lists from the ‘60s, we see not a single SS version, but we did find some black and white pictures among our archive boxes, so there could be some around.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Be on the lookout for rust and missing parts, especially trim. The Rochester company of New York (bought by General Motors
in 1929) made the single-barrel carburetion for the Chevelle, and these parts and kits are freely available. A fully rebuilt carburettor costs between R3 000 and R4 000. Keep a check on the cooling system, including the radiator, hoses and water pump, but the engines and gearboxes are very reliable so should not cost much to maintain. Valve actuation is hydraulic.
I know an elderly gent who, until recently, had a Chevrolet Commodore with the same 3,8-litre engine. I used to troubleshoot for him, but it was always minor stuff like a fuel pipe that needed replacement, spark plugs and an oil change. The engine had never been opened and was still running ne when it was time to stop driving and sell it on.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICES
Around 1 000 to 1 700 were sold per year until 1968, when sales started dropping off, so there are a few for sale at any time.
The original price of R2 987 included an auto ‘box, two-tone paintwork and white sidewall tyres, and today they sell for R70 000-plus. The great thing about American cars is that spares are available and remanufactured. Most parts are inexpensive in the USA, with the only problem being the exchange rate and cost of importation.
The engine had never been opened and it was still running fine when it was time for the gent to stop driving and sell it on