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Chevrolet Classics & Other Muscle Car Classics

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
Chevrolet Classics

About the Author

James F. Sullivan

If you have any questions please contact us at, jim@hotrodshowplace.com or call (865) 719-1456.

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wheres the best place to find daily driver muscle cars?

Is there a website, auction, or dealer that sells primarily daily driver muscle cars? all the auctions and sites i have looked at have mainly show cars. Also, whats the cheapest place i could find a '70ish charger/challenger?

you need to really start watching eBay and Autotrader's Old Car section for these. Be prepared that none of them will be cheap.

1970 was the first year for the Challenger so those will be the hardest to come by. If you are OK with a 1974 Challenger with the 318 in it, then you can find better buys. But still, any E-Body (Challenger/Cuda) is going to be pricey. Basket cases will start in the 2-3000 range

For Chargers, the body style changed in 1971. the 1968-70 are the ones we think of with the "General Lee" style. those are the most desirable and most expensive. If you want a 1971-74 Charger, they can be had on the cheap. I started with a 1974 Charger, 318 auto. By the time I was done with it, it had a 440 6-pack and ran like a spotted ape. The 1971-74 Chargers will still set you back some, but they can be had for half what you would spend on a 68-70.

The Muscle Cars @ SEMA 2008