Chevrolet Chevelle

The Chevrolet Chevelle (pronounced "shevell") is a mid-sized automobile from Chevrolet debuting in 1964. It was produced from 1964 through 1977 and was one of General Motors' most successful cars. Chevelle models ranged from economical family cars to powerful coupes and convertibles. The Malibu was at first the top trim level of the Chevelle line, and it replaced the Chevelle name entirely after 1977. The Chevelle chassis (based on the reengineered GM A platform) provided the platform for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, a very successful model itself.

The Chevelle was intended to compete with the similarly sized Ford Fairlane, and to return to the Chevrolet lineup a model similar in size and concept to the popular 1955-57 models. Early design photos show what would eventually be the Chevelle wearing Nova nameplates, the name that was used for the top trim level in the smaller Chevy II series. From 1964-69, the Chevelle was the basis for the similar Beaumont, a re-trimmed model sold only in Canada by Pontiac dealers.

Four-door hardtops, dubbed Sport Sedans, were available from 1966 though 1972. A two-door station wagon was available in 1964 and 1965 in the bottom-line Chevelle 300 series. Two-door hardtops and convertibles were produced from 1964 to 1972, while four-door sedans and four-door wagons were offered throughout the entire run. Various models of wagons were sold with exclusive nameplates: Nomad (1968-1972), Nomad Custom (1968), Greenbrier (1969-1972), Concours (1967-1972), and Concours Estate (1968-1972).

A utility pickup, the El Camino, was part of the lineup and, depending on the year, was available in 300/300 Deluxe trim level, Malibu trim level and the one-year only SS396. The El Camino outlived its passenger car counterpart until its demise in 1987.