Chevrolet Chevelle is not so well known and popular as, for example, it is much more direct and star colleagues «the shop» Corvette or Camaro. However, in due time «the masses», and now fans have muscle cars, this model in coupe and especially the SS version, which stands for «super sport» in demand.
However, there is a caveat. Regardless of the ocean or the former «Iron Curtain», and the age of those who wear glasses are called «four-eyes». But in terms of vehicle design, particularly in the case of models of Chevrolet, given the choice of one and the same model, the two most preferred Conversely four headlamps. And if you look at the evolution of the Chevrolet Chevelle, in general, it is understandable that from an aesthetic point of view, the choice usually falls on the «four-eyes».
He not only Malibu
Chevrolet Chevelle was produced relatively long time — from 1963 to 1977, the year — and had only three generations. Moreover, for many it is known as the Malibu. So it called top-end configuration, and it applies to any type of body, but «the people» as soon named sedans and wagons Chevelle.
Among the lovers of power is the most popular version of the coupe, where the most «tasty morsel» is the Chevrolet Chevelle SS to produce up to 1973 years. After that, it was replaced by a version with the poetic name of The Laguna, which had a much more controversial design, and with it, and much less success, whereas today she is not interested collectors …
Initial popularity Chevelle fully justified. Initially this model was conceived precisely as a muscle car, and quite compact, with a total length of only 5 meters. After the mid-50s at the Chevrolet did not have such a machine, then as competitors, particularly those from Ford, we do not sleep.
Interestingly, contrary to the plans with the modern monocoque body, a base for the first Chevelle platform served as a frame of the very ‘50s. In addition to the coupe «hard top», already the first generation offers a wide range of bodies, including the two-door station wagon and a so-called 4-door sedan «hard top» referred to as a «sport sedan». Not the last word played and price — even the most «charged» and «stuffed» version of the coupe Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS in 1965 was worth a little more than 1.5 thousand dollars.
Despite the fact that in 1967, Chevrolet launched the Camaro which later became legendary, the company continued to issue, on its own definition of «more classic sports model», namely Chevelle.
Its second generation continues to offer a complete range of bodies. And it is this generation coupe, which was much more modern «restricted» form with the concept of «long hood — short trunk», produced from 1968 to 1972, the year the most popular among fans of muscle cars. However, even here there are substantial differences, not just related to the design and especially the number of head optics.
Among the lovers of power is the most popular version of the coupe, where the most «tasty morsel» is the Chevrolet Chevelle SS to produce up to 1973 years. After that, it was replaced by a version with the poetic name of The Laguna, which had a much more controversial design, and with it, and much less success, whereas today she is not interested collectors …
Initial popularity Chevelle fully justified. Initially this model was conceived precisely as a muscle car, and quite compact, with a total length of only 5 meters. After the mid-50s at the Chevrolet did not have such a machine, then as competitors, particularly those from Ford, we do not sleep.
Interestingly, contrary to the plans with the modern monocoque body, a base for the first Chevelle platform served as a frame of the very ‘50s. In addition to the coupe «hard top», already the first generation offers a wide range of bodies, including the two-door station wagon and a so-called 4-door sedan «hard top» referred to as a «sport sedan». Not the last word played and price — even the most «charged» and «stuffed» version of the coupe Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS in 1965 was worth a little more than 1.5 thousand dollars.
Despite the fact that in 1967, Chevrolet launched the Camaro which later became legendary, the company continued to issue, on its own definition of «more classic sports model», namely Chevelle.
Its second generation continues to offer a complete range of bodies. And it is this generation coupe, which was much more modern «restricted» form with the concept of «long hood — short trunk», produced from 1968 to 1972, the year the most popular among fans of muscle cars. However, even here there are substantial differences, not just related to the design and especially the number of head optics.
Metamorphosis second
The first version of the front 68’Chevrolet Chevelle with its abundance of chrome and beveled front lines today is frankly a bit of sympathy. However, at the time of release, and it became a hit in one 1968 at a price of around $ 3000, it produced more than 60 thousand coupe, plus a couple of thousand gigs …
Total year later, by 1969 the ninth year design second-generation Chevrolet Chevelle changes, although not significantly, in particular, is becoming a bit more modest, «chrome». The most popular and mass again becomes coupe — 86,000 in just one year.
Despite the growing popularity, after only a year to be a new update. In 1970, there is a completely new design. And this time it was not just a «facelift» and the transformation of the whole body, if not the most radical.
However, in many ways the secret of innovation in the banal wing unification — many sites, including even some of the exterior panels were interchangeable with twin Chevelle for GM «parent» — Buick Skylark GSX. Moreover, these two models have made history as the only oil-cars of different brands, which have a roof …
Gamma Chevelle body was still extensive. The top version of the coupe SS at that time was equipped with an engine LS6, borrowed from Corvette and develops 450 hp Moreover, according to the «legend», the official figures were underestimated and the actual power exceeded landmark milestone of 500 «horses»! Enthusiasts dredge in our time, we conducted an experiment — 70’Chevelle with 100% but the drain option LS6, but with modern tires, steadily approaching to kvotere to 12 seconds, and the rate on the «General Discussion» was more than 180 kilometers per hour.
Total coupe is in SS version was released not so little — almost 5500, and they became the most desired asset for Chevelle fans.
By the way, contrary to misconceptions, the Chevelle never were equipped sport-heck locks on the hood, as well as stripes on the hood and trunk, eventually became almost a hallmark of this model is an option only in one version, equipped with a hood scoop.
Again, after only one year, all in the same second generation Chevelle should be another facelift. But this time it is quite controversial, especially hereafter.
Total year later, by 1969 the ninth year design second-generation Chevrolet Chevelle changes, although not significantly, in particular, is becoming a bit more modest, «chrome». The most popular and mass again becomes coupe — 86,000 in just one year.
Despite the growing popularity, after only a year to be a new update. In 1970, there is a completely new design. And this time it was not just a «facelift» and the transformation of the whole body, if not the most radical.
However, in many ways the secret of innovation in the banal wing unification — many sites, including even some of the exterior panels were interchangeable with twin Chevelle for GM «parent» — Buick Skylark GSX. Moreover, these two models have made history as the only oil-cars of different brands, which have a roof …
Gamma Chevelle body was still extensive. The top version of the coupe SS at that time was equipped with an engine LS6, borrowed from Corvette and develops 450 hp Moreover, according to the «legend», the official figures were underestimated and the actual power exceeded landmark milestone of 500 «horses»! Enthusiasts dredge in our time, we conducted an experiment — 70’Chevelle with 100% but the drain option LS6, but with modern tires, steadily approaching to kvotere to 12 seconds, and the rate on the «General Discussion» was more than 180 kilometers per hour.
Total coupe is in SS version was released not so little — almost 5500, and they became the most desired asset for Chevelle fans.
By the way, contrary to misconceptions, the Chevelle never were equipped sport-heck locks on the hood, as well as stripes on the hood and trunk, eventually became almost a hallmark of this model is an option only in one version, equipped with a hood scoop.
Again, after only one year, all in the same second generation Chevelle should be another facelift. But this time it is quite controversial, especially hereafter.
Two instead of four
The main change Chevrolet Chevelle 1971 range — single lights, as well as original made by the sides of the front fenders, turn signals, angular dimensions. At the same time seriously changed and grille with the bumper.
Sports Coupe was released edition of just 13 thousand, while the most «charged» version of the LS6 engine in 1971 and is not offered.
In 1972 followed by another slight facelift, but then it was the little things that, according to the company’s historical archives helped Chevrolet Chevelle popular at the time of its release, however, not many years later …
This statement also applies to the present, as if to take «two eyes», it is the 72 th are far more popular than the first version with two lamps.
If today any compartment of the second generation is considered a collectible, it is the third and final incarnation of the Chevelle, including two-door, in turn, also has undergone a metamorphosis, a thing of the century, as many «stylistic confusion» inherent in the transitional period.
In this vein, it suffices to recall the second generation of the legendary Mustang, actually in opposition to which the third generation Chevelle was launched, producing in 1973 —1977 m respectively. In version 1974, it has become almost a twin of the famous «pony car» and they likewise were failures, both at that time and subsequently among the classics lovers …
The third generation Chevelle often referred to as The Laguna, although it was only on the top-end configuration, which replaced the SS and is not a sport. Moreover, perhaps the most «shameful» for the Chevelle was the fact that along with the disappearance of its products will appeared separately taken the Malibu model, as this name was eventually more familiar and popular among the masses. But previously it meant nothing more than a luxury packaging for all types of bodies of Chevelle. But back to the heroine of this material.
Not everyone likes the four
As I mentioned in the beginning, so historically, that there is a constant struggle between two and four «eyes» in the history of the brand Chevrolet. For starters, you can recall the early (two lights) and late (four) versions of the very first Corvette C1.
And what about the opposition of the «eye» in the older brother Chevelle — Camaro. Whether it is a more modern fourth generation of the 90’s with his version of the Four-LT1 and LS1 with its slanting monoblocks.
In the case of second-generation Camaro iconostasis early 70’s when «four-eyes» (even if it is only the formal position lamps) version of Rally Sport or standard «two-eyed» will rip the heart of any fan of muscle cars …
The same fate befell the Chevelle fans. Most of them are still selects four lights. Moreover, there are ready-made kits for the «front-swap.» Enthusiast can save by buying a much cheaper «two eyes» model 71-72-year issue, then simply «Prilep» to her four-Farny front for pre-image is much more expensive today the second-generation models Chevelle 70-year issue.
However, not all of this is shown fetish for four eyes. Gary Fish from Kansas City said that there is always more attracted to higher Chevelle with two lights, which was the dream even as a schoolboy. At the same time, Gary admits that his father at the time was another machine, which later became legendary among muscle cars — 71’Cuda. And in this case we are talking about four headlamps.
And it is for such a Fish went to one of the auction a few years ago. However, among the items he noticed 72’Chevelle SS — exactly as he lusted many years ago while sitting at a desk, «Then I could not afford such a beauty. Now I looked at her, but the goal was another car, and I was not going to buy this. However, when it came time trading, its price was quite attractive, and I made a bet. Naturally, the price began to grow immediately, but I was already on fire and did not regret the money spent. „
However, Gary was waiting at home for some disappointment. The good news is that under the hood was a „big-block“ 6.5 liter, matched him TH400 transmission and disc brakes. The bad — all this to work is by no means smooth.
It takes «small» revision
«Even when I drove her home revealed that the clutch is slipping, the motor is not very drawn and to stay had very strong pressure on the pedal … Nothing to do but to put some more money into it, and I almost immediately drove the car in Vintage Fabrication. The body was in excellent condition and does not require much restoration work, but it came to mechanical filling … I had to start from scratch.
I wanted to put under the hood of 454-th „big-block“, but collectively we have decided to „do“ the LS3 from Edelbrock». No sooner said than done.
The owner of Vintage Fabrication Bobby Schumacher recalls the process: «Outside, the car was in perfect condition, and Gary did not want big changes. We are only a little „imbedded“ bumper at his request and drove some gaps, fully preserving the „stock“ line. However, we have removed the body from the frame, which vygotovili carefully, so that for ages. Plus, we made the original front spoiler and some redesigned grille. Hood was the original, but the space underneath it, which is not visible from the outside, we redesigned completely.
There is actually all new, we even redrew wings inside and clean all surfaces to us then it was easier to install the new engine and the radiator.
A special chip was new stylish chrome hood mount by EMS.
Although the dyeing machine was good, we „perezaduli“ its special blend of Axalta. The main changes were the toppings. „And it is as the engine compartment, and on the interior, which was especially proud of „manufacturers“.
Here Fish literally untied their hands, and the guys are happy to „come off“: „In order to discuss the project, Gary not only drove to our“ shopu „at the Bentley, but also wanted to recreate the luxury interior of the British in the American oil-bob! Only in this salon Chevelle took us nearly three months. There is absolutely nothing left stock.
\
I wanted to put under the hood of 454-th „big-block“, but collectively we have decided to „do“ the LS3 from Edelbrock». No sooner said than done.
The owner of Vintage Fabrication Bobby Schumacher recalls the process: «Outside, the car was in perfect condition, and Gary did not want big changes. We are only a little „imbedded“ bumper at his request and drove some gaps, fully preserving the „stock“ line. However, we have removed the body from the frame, which vygotovili carefully, so that for ages. Plus, we made the original front spoiler and some redesigned grille. Hood was the original, but the space underneath it, which is not visible from the outside, we redesigned completely.
There is actually all new, we even redrew wings inside and clean all surfaces to us then it was easier to install the new engine and the radiator.
A special chip was new stylish chrome hood mount by EMS.
Although the dyeing machine was good, we „perezaduli“ its special blend of Axalta. The main changes were the toppings. „And it is as the engine compartment, and on the interior, which was especially proud of „manufacturers“.
Here Fish literally untied their hands, and the guys are happy to „come off“: „In order to discuss the project, Gary not only drove to our“ shopu „at the Bentley, but also wanted to recreate the luxury interior of the British in the American oil-bob! Only in this salon Chevelle took us nearly three months. There is absolutely nothing left stock.
\
Steel «tidy» made us «from scratch», and then trimmed, as well as the original door panels and center console. Above it and its smooth transition to the dashboard, we are particularly popoteli.
I think 90% of time spent in the car, took it on the interior. Even the «Seats» custom here, as well as snow-white leather trim, made our guys. «
Something was taken with „aftermarket“: high-Tekov wheel Billet Specialties, stylish „neon“ devices by Dakota Digital, modern audio-navigation with the „head“ Alpine, naturally with a touchscreen of the 21st century, under which lurks vintage block climate control in the passenger compartment …
Lokar shifter from, and even mats on the floor here is not quite simple, but from the Black Daytona …
No special tricks, but effective
Under the hood the engine was installed «out of the box», that is, over which was not made any improvements. And why, when it comes to LS3 Edelbrock ?! With 7 liters of 426- «dyuymovika» with meager compression of 9.5: 1 with the active assistance of the compressor were removed 720 hp and a gigantic torque of 942 Nm!
Inside this «monster» hiding forged crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons from Manley. Under the aluminum factory «heads» work factory valve tappets and rocker arms, but springs from the brand Edelbrock. All of this is driven by sport camshafts 215/247 of the same manufacturer.
Injection E-force and the Edelbrock supercharger 2,3L from, as well as the entire intake system, while the actual throttle original GM’s, as well as all ignition system.
Exhaust from Detroit Speed Inc with dual 3-inch «Glushakov» Cherry Bomb.
Copes with this power «machine» TCI Automotive 4L80E, equipped with a «converter» to operate at a 2,400 rpm. It transmits torque to the powerful 12-bolt rear axle with GM main gear 3.55: 1 and a limited slip differential LSD.
In order to enjoy the true «newfound» power under the body also it found new things. This custom suspension by Detroit Speed Inc, including a new front levers, rods, turning «kulaks» and stabilizer bar, as well as the actual steering of the same manufacturer. four-link circuit with Panhard rod Rear applied.
In all corners of the set «coilovers» JRi. Under the stylish wheels Billet Specialities Mag G (front 18h8, rear 20x10), shod in tires BF Goodrich g-Force (245-I at the front and 285 th in the back), hides brake Baer system with 14-inch discs and six-piston calipers. Moreover, disc mechanisms are installed on all four wheels.
Injection E-force and the Edelbrock supercharger 2,3L from, as well as the entire intake system, while the actual throttle original GM’s, as well as all ignition system.
Exhaust from Detroit Speed Inc with dual 3-inch «Glushakov» Cherry Bomb.
Copes with this power «machine» TCI Automotive 4L80E, equipped with a «converter» to operate at a 2,400 rpm. It transmits torque to the powerful 12-bolt rear axle with GM main gear 3.55: 1 and a limited slip differential LSD.
In order to enjoy the true «newfound» power under the body also it found new things. This custom suspension by Detroit Speed Inc, including a new front levers, rods, turning «kulaks» and stabilizer bar, as well as the actual steering of the same manufacturer. four-link circuit with Panhard rod Rear applied.
In all corners of the set «coilovers» JRi. Under the stylish wheels Billet Specialities Mag G (front 18h8, rear 20x10), shod in tires BF Goodrich g-Force (245-I at the front and 285 th in the back), hides brake Baer system with 14-inch discs and six-piston calipers. Moreover, disc mechanisms are installed on all four wheels.
That’s actually all «recipe for success», considerably rejuvenated and pumped up the «four-glazik» not for his new owner, who in spite of the vast majority prefer to popular «fetish» for four two lights.
Gary himself concludes: «It is better to spend their money on such a revision, rather than pay the absurd money for the original early ‘four-eyed’ version 70 ‘Chevelle, though in reality they are no different from a technical point of view, from the later modeley’71 —72, apart from cosmetic body changes … „according to Fisch, eventually fixated on four headlamps people, at least when choosing a Chevelle, aware of this fact. And I must say that those are every day becoming more and more …
Photo hotrod.com and open source
