The Best Classics From Chevrolet
Classic cars continue to steal the hearts of auto enthusiasts, and when it comes to vintage vehicles, Chevys are some of the most desired. Here are 10 classic Chevys we wish were in our garage.
1. 1968-1982 C3 Corvette
In 2023, Chevy produced an impressive 53,785 units of the eight generation of Corvette, placing it second in production numbers. However, the top spot goes to the 1979 Corvette, which saw 53,807 units produced during the third generation, spanning from 1968 to 1982.
Everyone Wanted One
Throughout the third generation, Chevrolet manufactured over 542,000 C3 Corvettes, making it the most popular version of this iconic car. It’s also one of the most expensive.
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A Fluctuating Market
Classic.com has recorded over 2,600 C3 sales in the past five years, with an average price of just over $34,000.
The range in prices is vast, from a bargain 1980 model sold for $3,850 to a pristine green 1971 convertible that fetched $965,500 in 2022, only to be resold last year for $785,000.
Dezidor, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
2. 1965 Impala
The 1965 Chevy Impala holds the title for the highest single-year sales in automotive history, with a staggering 1,046,514 units sold.
Initially introduced as a trim level on the Bel Air in 1956, the Impala became its own full-sized model in 1959, undergoing significant changes for the iconic 1965 model year.
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The Engine
Buyers in 1965 had an impressive array of engine options, ranging from a 140-horsepower straight-six to powerful 396 and 409 cubic-inch V-8s, producing up to 425 horsepower.
This broad engine lineup contributed to the 1965 Impala's popularity, appealing to both performance enthusiasts and those seeking fuel efficiency.
The Price Tag
In the used car market, these classic Impalas have seen an average price of just over $39,000 in the last five years. Well-maintained models fetch anywhere from $15,000 to nearly $140,000.
3. 1973-77 Monte Carlo
Over its 32-year production span, 4.4 million Monte Carlos rolled off the assembly line.
The peak years occurred during the second generation, from 1973 to 1977, a challenging era for American carmakers who were navigating new standards and the oil crisis.
dave_7, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
High Praise
Despite industry challenges, the Monte Carlo maintained its popularity, especially during the mid-'70s, thanks to continued acclaim. Motor Trend praised its luxury, performance, and value, declaring it a success against rivals like the Ford Thunderbird and Pontiac Grand Prix in 1969.
With its strong production numbers, the second-generation Monte Carlo remains an attractive option for buyers today, averaging just under $17,000 in resale value over the past five years, according to Classic.com.
4. 1957 Bel Air
1957 was a milestone year for American car enthusiasts, which saw iconic models like the Ford Thunderbird and Cadillac hit the road alongside the beloved 1957 Chevy Bel Air.
This year concluded the second generation of the Bel Air, available in seven distinct styles, from convertibles to station wagons.
The Engine
Under the hood, the 1957 Bel Air boasted a 283 cubic-inch V-8 engine, shared with that year's Corvette. Optional upgrades included Chevy's groundbreaking Ramjet fuel injection system, elevating the engine's power output to 283 horsepower.
Signature Style
Its signature tailfins and enduring presence in pop culture have solidified the 1957 Bel Air's status as a classic. Over 1.5 million units were produced, including about 265,000 four-door sedans and fewer than 6,300 Nomad Wagons.
These variations, coupled with differing conditions, contribute to a wide range of resale values, with an average price just under $74,000 over the past five years.
5. 1967-1969 Camaro
The iconic 1967 Chevy Camaro enjoyed a successful journey until its initial discontinuation in 2002. After a hiatus, Chevrolet reintroduced the Camaro in 2010, but in 2023, they announced the end of the sixth-generation Camaro.
Despite this, Chevy's Global VP Scott Bell hinted at the possibility of future iterations, reassuring fans that the Camaro's story was far from over.
MerlinS.69, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Origin Story
The Camaro's inception was spurred by competition with the Ford Mustang, which debuted in 1965 and quickly gained popularity. Offering a range of engines, from a 140 horsepower straight-six to a powerful 375-horsepower V-8, the 1967 Camaro catered to a range of driver preferences.
Initially, sales were strong, with Chevy consistently selling between roughly 221,000 and 243,000 units annually for the first three years.
The Price Tag
Today, 1967-69 Camaro models are sought after but come with a hefty price tag. According to Classic.com, nearly 2,500 have been sold in the past five years, averaging around $74,000 per sale.
While some models may sell for as low as $13,200, rare variants like the racing-spec 1969 COPO can command prices exceeding $1 million.
6. 1973-1991 Suburban
Since its introduction in 1935, the Chevy Suburban has remained a king in the automotive world, holding the title of the longest-running nameplate in American history.
Though it’s now in its 12th generation, the seventh-generation Suburban stands out as one of the best.
A Game-Changer
Produced from 1973 to 1991, the seventh-generation Suburban caught people’s attention for its extended wheelbase and family-oriented features, including the introduction of fuel injection and a four-speed automatic transmission.
Before the SUV boom, it played a pivotal role in reshaping American car buyers' perceptions of SUVs as practical primary vehicles.
The Price Range
Looking at the market today, the average resale value for a used seventh-generation Suburban hovers around $18,500.
However, some go for less than $5,000 and exceptionally rare models fetching over $100,000, as evidenced by a blinged-out 1979 specimen sold last year, according to Classic.com.
Karolis Kavolelis, Shutterstock
7. The 1955 V8 C1 Corvette
In 1953, Chevrolet introduced the Corvette to much fanfare, marking the debut of America's iconic sports car. However, it wasn't until 1955 that the Corvette truly gained traction with the introduction of a powerful V-8 engine under the hood.
Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Powerful Performance
This upgrade propelled the Corvette into serious performance territory, prompting Chevrolet to swiftly phase out the previous straight-six engine option.
The success of the V8-powered Corvette not only solidified its status as a true sports car but also influenced competitors like the Ford Thunderbird to adopt similar powertrains.
A Timeless Icon
Over the years, sales figures have reflected the Corvette’s status as a top-tier sports car. Today, the allure of the early V-8 models remains strong, with average prices ranging from approximately $110,000 to $120,000.
8. 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1LE
The third-generation Camaro holds a special place in automotive history, revered for its iconic design. Despite some criticisms regarding power and reliability, enthusiasts are drawn to its distinctive boxy and retro aesthetic.
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Innovative
In 1991, the top-of-the-line Camaro model was the Z28 1LE trim, featuring a powerful L98 V-8 engine that cranked out 245 horsepower. While this power output may seem modest by modern standards, it represented a significant achievement for American car engineering in the early 1990s.
Limited Production
Production numbers for the Z28 1LE trim were limited, adding to its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts. Only 478 units of the Z28 1LE were made, and that rarity has made it highly sought after, with a price tag as low as $7,000 or as high as $50,000.
9. 1967 Chevrolet Caprice
The late 1960s marked a golden era for American automobiles, with Chevrolet rolling out iconic models like the El Camino SS 396 and the Chevelle SS 396, famous for their raw power and performance.
But true Chevy enthusiasts would also remember the stunning Caprice.
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Underrated Classic
The 1967 Caprice is a timeless classic. While many collectors admire its graceful design, the true essence of the car lies beneath the surface, with its formidable V-8 engine that cranks out an impressive 385 horsepower.
An Affordable Beauty
Today, a well-maintained Caprice equipped with the potent 427 engine can be acquired for slightly over $17,000, making it an enticing option for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
10. 1958 Chevrolet Delray
When reminiscing about classic Chevys from the 1950s, the Corvette and the Bel Air often steal the spotlight, symbolizing American automotive excellence. However, lesser-known models like the Delray deserve their time to shine.
Brief But Beloved
Originally introduced as a trim level of the Chevrolet 210 series, the Delray eventually made a name for itself in 1958. Despite its brief production run of only a year, the Delray left a lasting impression with enthusiasts.
The Price Tag
While considered a low-end car, the Delray could be equipped with a robust big-block V-8 engine, producing 315 horsepower. Today, collectors value the Delray's unique character and historical significance, and those in good condition are worth about $17,700.
