What are the body styles of Chevelle?

The Chevrolet Chevelle was offered in a range of body styles: two- and four-door coupes and sedans, convertibles, station wagons, and a pickup variant called the El Camino built on the Chevelle platform.

Core body style categories

The Chevelle family is traditionally categorized by three broad groups: two- and four-door configurations, plus wagons and convertibles. The El Camino shares the same mechanical underpinnings but is marketed as a standalone pickup. The following lists summarize the main body shapes that buyers could choose from over the model's production run.

Two-door configurations

Two-door Chevelles were the sporty subset, including standard two-door coupes and the more formal two-door hardtops (often called "sport coupes" in some years).

• 2-Door Coupe


• 2-Door Hardtop

Two-door models emphasized performance and style, and they were a mainstay of Chevelle's early years and many performance-oriented trims.

Four-door configurations

Four-door Chevelles offered practical family-oriented sedans and, in some years, four-door hardtops with a continuous pillarless look similar to the two-door hardtops.

• 4-Door Sedan


• 4-Door Hardtop

Four-door styles broadened the Chevelle's appeal to buyers seeking more interior space and convenience.

Wagons and convertibles

In addition to the coupe and sedan bodies, the Chevelle lineup included open-air convertibles and family wagons, expanding versatility for leisure, family transport, and cargo needs.

• Convertible (2-Door)


• Station Wagon (3- or 4-door, depending on year and trim)

Wagons were typically offered with longer wheelbases and cargo-carrying capability, while convertibles provided open-air driving for enthusiasts.

El Camino and related variants

While not a traditional passenger body style, the El Camino Coupe Utility was a distinctive offshoot built on the Chevelle platform, combining a half-pabed car profile with a pickup bed.

• El Camino (pickup variant based on Chevelle)

This model name often appears in Chevelle-related discussions because it shared most of the same mechanical architecture and styling cues.

Era-specific notes

Throughout its 1964-1977 run, Chevrolet refined the Chevelle's look and offered these body shapes with various trims (like Malibu, Chevelle SS) but the core body shapes remained consistent across most years, with some exceptions and year-by-year variations in availability by market and trim.

Summary

Chevelle's body style family centers on practical sedans, sporty coupes, open-air convertibles, and versatile wagons, all built on a common mid-size platform. The El Camino adds a unique pickup variant to the family, illustrating how the Chevelle platform served a wide range of buyers from performance enthusiasts to practical families.

How to tell if a 1971 Chevelle is a true SS?

To tell if a 1971 Chevelle is a true SS, check the original build sheet as it's the most definitive proof, since the VIN is no longer a reliable indicator for 1969 and later models. Other key indicators include the cowl tag for factory options like a black-accented grille and special hood, specific SS badges, and upgraded suspension and brake components.
 
Documentation

• Build Sheet: The most certain way to verify an SS is by locating the original build sheet, which was often hidden under the gas tank, rear seat, or sometimes inside front seatbacks. 
• Protect-O-Plate: This metal plate, given at the time of purchase, lists the original configuration, including engine, transmission, and rear axle codes. 

Physical and visual checks

• VIN: For 1969 and later models, the VIN is not a reliable indicator of an SS, as they all start with "136". 
• Cowl Tag: The tag on the firewall can contain codes for the original build, such as the Z20 option for SS models, though this varies by plant. 
• Badging: Look for genuine SS badges on the grille, fenders, and rear of the car. Be cautious, as these are often added to non-SS models. 
• Front Grille: True SS models have a black-accented grille, while standard models have a gray grille. 
• Power-Dome Hood: Look for the distinctive "power dome" hood, which was standard on the SS 396. 
• Suspension and Brakes: SS models had heavy-duty suspension components, such as stiffer springs, shocks, and sway bars. 
• Wheels: Original wheels were typically 14-inch Rally or Magnum 500 wheels with SS emblems on the center caps. 
• Molding and Emblems: Standard Malibu models had moldings that ran along the top of the doors and fenders, which are absent on SS models. Also, check for the correct placement of fender emblems and the black rubber rear bumper pad with an SS insignia. 

Expert inspection

• Consult a specialist: For a definitive answer on a specific car, have it inspected by an expert who specializes in classic Chevelles. 

What is the most sought after year of Chevelle?

The most desirable Chevelle is often considered to be the 1970 SS 454 LS6 due to its powerful performance, iconic status, and rarity. Other highly sought-after models include the 1967 SS 396 L78 for its classic muscle car performance and styling and various models from the 1968-1972 "second generation" range, which are popular among collectors.
 

• 1970 SS 454 LS6: Widely regarded as the pinnacle of Chevelle muscle. 
  • It featured the potent LS6 454 cubic inch V8 engine. 
  • A rare convertible version was even more exclusive, with only 20 produced. 
• 1967 SS 396 L78: Another top contender, praised for its performance and unique design. 
• 1968-1972 "Second Generation" Models: This era is popular for its balance of style and performance. 
  • The 1968 SS 396 is frequently cited as a collector favorite. 
  • The entire second-generation range sold in high numbers, making many of these models popular with collectors and enthusiasts. 

What's the difference between a 66 Chevelle and a 67 Chevelle?

The main differences between a 1966 and a 1967 Chevelle are the exterior styling, particularly the front grille and rear taillights. Key distinctions include the 1966 having a more curved front bumper and horizontal taillights, while the 1967 features a more squared-off front with humped bumper and taller, wrap-around taillights. The 1967 model also introduced some mechanical upgrades, such as the standard dual-chamber master cylinder and optional front disc brakes.
 
This video explains the differences between a 1966 and 1967 Chevelle: 59sMuscle Car AppraisalYouTube · Dec 9, 2022
Exterior and styling

• Front End: The 1966 has a more flowing, rounded front end and bumper, while the 1967 has a more squared-off, aggressive front with humped bumper details and pointed headlight surrounds.
• Hood: The 1966 hood has a chrome lip and a center prow with fake vents, while the 1967 has a shorter front, a different power bulge, and horizontal vents.
• Rear: The most significant difference is the taillights. The 1966 has distinct taillights, but the 1967 taillights wrap around the rear quarter panels. 

Mechanical and performance

• Braking System: 1966 models came standard with drum brakes and a single-chamber master cylinder. 1967 models came standard with a dual-chamber master cylinder and offered optional front disc brakes. 
• Engine Options: Both years offered the powerful 396 big-block V8 engine, though the horsepower ratings and specific options varied slightly between the years. 

Interior

• Dashboard: The interior is largely similar between both model years, with the 1967 offering a more refined dashboard layout and instrumentation.
• Trim and Features: Both models featured bucket seats and a center console as options, but the 1967 model offered improved trim and sporty instrumentation. 

What body styles did the Chevelle come in?

Part of the GM A-body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet's most successful nameplates. Body styles included coupes, sedans, convertibles, and station wagons.