It was 50 years ago that General Motors introduced the Chevelle as a midsize vehicle option similar to the old Chevy tri-fives of the 1950s.
After witnessing Pontiac’s GTO, with its 389-cubic-inch V8 engine, Chevrolet engineers soon toyed with the idea of breaking GM’s 330-cubic-inch ceiling for intermediate-sized cars. Soon, the 327-powered Chevelle was available. Then, the 350-powered option. That led to the rise of the SS396 big block Chevelle and, in 1970, the Chevelle SS454 was introduced.
The Chevrolet Chevelle quickly became one of the baddest muscle cars around. Today, 50 years after its introduction, the Chevrolet Chevelle remains one of the most popular American muscle cars of all time. The SS396 and SS454 versions (particularly the LS6 model) of the Chevelle are among the most sought-after and collectible cars around.
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the best muscle cars ever (you can admit it too, Ford guys) with our gallery of 50 Chevelles for 50 Years!
[All images/Summit Racing]
The 396 was available in the Chevelle in ’66. The 350 debuted in ’67 in the Camaro, designed specifically for it. I don’t think the Chevelle got the 350 option until ’68, IIRC?