Chevrolet Classics & Other Muscle Car Classics
James Sullivan
While budget plays a major part in decision making for those who want to buy classic cars, it’s often the personality of the vehicle and the buyer that need to be looked at for that perfect union to take place. So how does that tie in with Chevrolet classics?
Let’s look back at the mid 1960s. That’s when Chevrolet began production of the Corvette. It was later described as a supercar for the poor man, and far later than that sung about by none other than The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, little red versions at any rate! The Corvette offered raw power at an affordable price. Being in production for such a long time Chevy’s Corvette underwent multiple style adaptations, and even the car’s power was set won to a mere 200 horsepower in deference to the ecological interests. Corvettes manufactured today do boast superb horsepower. Are we seeing tomorrow’s classic emerging before our eyes?
Chevy’s Impalas did for tail fins what Madonna did for Jean Paul Gaultier’s conical bustier. But that image was short lived and by the early sixties the fins were discarded and the styling became more sedate.
Sedate, however, is not a term that would be applied to the Chevrolet Camaro. This was a real muscle car and its manufacture was a direct repost to the Ford Mustang and its phenomenal popularity. With a 425 horsepower V8 engine, this beast really could growl and roar.
Still on the subject of muscle cars, Chevrolet created the Nova in 1962. Sometimes also referred to as the Chevy II, the Nova was a more compact and economically priced brother to the Camaro. Later versions boasted a V8 engine which augmented the car’s performance.
And so a pattern was emerging, and this is illustrated by the introduction of the Chevrolet Chevelle which had a 396 hp engine as standard. But perhaps the biggest triumph was the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. This sleek two-door coupe is recognised as one of General Motor's resounding successes in the eyes of the NASCAR stock car racing fraternity. The Monte Carlo was based on Chevy's A platform. Its unique design was wrought by Elliot Estes and Dave Hollis.
Anyone who wants to buy classic cars would do well to look at what Chevrolet has offered over the years, there is something for all tastes.
Hot Rod Photos http://www.hotrodshowplace.com Chevrolet Classics
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