The Chevelle was first introduced for model year 1964 as a mid-sized car to compete with the Ford Fairlane, and made its debut with a range of options and body styles. It was an instant success with GM producing 328,400 its first year.
Touting new styling and a range of performance options, the 1966 Chevelle remained the viable choice for many. It still included the previous four models and offered up big new looks with a broad new grille and bumper, a more raked roofline, chrome accents and a curved side window.
tyling changed little for the 1969 Chevelle with the exception of new tail lamps. Most notable, however, was the elimination of the SS 396 as a model itself, but could be added to any two-door model Chevelle as a $347 package.
Since the Chevelle was first released they had been built on a 115-in wheelbase, but the 1968 featured a 116-in wheelbase for all sedans and every other model was built on a 112-in wheelbase.
The 1967 Chevelle changed very little from the previous year, but had a new reworked bumper and a new blackout tail panel. Among other changes, it did come with better drivability because of more aggressive tires, front disc brakes, and 14” wheels.
The biggest news for the 1965 Chevelle was the introduction of the Z-16 package boasting a 396ci V8 and 375 horsepower. This pavement pounder put the power to the rear wheels with the help of stouter suspension, front and rear anti-roll bars, and faster power-assisted steering.
The majority of the styling remained for the 1972 Chevelle, but included a new grille and new parking lights mounted on the leading edges of the fenders.
Lower displayed performance was evident because GM required all performance numbers to be reported as net engine ratings.