Compared to cars from other countries, American cars always had the reputation for having excess chrome and being rather flashy. Well, with careful attention, you could spec yourself a good, honest, full-size sedan with very little chrome, to the extent the car almost looks like it’s had an 80s-style monotone paint job. And with a few years’ aging, even the shiny bits aren’t so shiny anymore, leaving you with an understated – okay, maybe there’s just no statement – sedan with space for the family and the power to haul them down the interstate. Check out this 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle for sale for $4000 in Portland, OR.
Odds are good this is a base Chevelle 300, probably originally equipped with a 6 (5/6 of total Chevelle 300 production), but now upgraded to a 350, and with a 2-speed Powerglide. Yes, that’s two speeds. Wait, does reverse count? That wouldn’t sound quite so, um, minimalist. Anyhow, speaking of minimalism, this car’s dog-dish hubcaps and near lack of any chrome trim down the sides and around the windows makes it look like a rental or government service vehicle. Color is said to be royal plum – is that an original color? It’s said to be in good condition, barring a few spots of peeling clearcoat. It’s also said to have a small amount of rust.
1967 Chevelles got wraparound tail lights, a collapsible steering column, and a dual master-cylinder brake system, among other things. This car also shows the tasteful dual tips of its new exhaust system. It’s almost European in its stark design – take a look at a contemporary Opel Diplomat and you’ll see some similarities.
The interior is equally basic – what was the last passenger car sold with rubber/plastic floormats? And not because it was cool (in the style of the Honda Element), but because it was cheap. Nonetheless, the interior does seem original, and the exterior color extends into the door jambs. The seller does concede to one tear at the top of the back seat.
And here’s the replacement 350 V8 with rebuilt Vortec heads, Edelbrock Performer intake, and new 500cfm carburetor. The car is said to be the seller’s daily driver, starting every time and stopping and driving well. Tires are also said to be relatively new. There’s a lot to say for buying a daily (or frequent) driver – if the car’s been well-maintained, you’re likely to have to do less debugging than with a car that sits for weeks at a time in the owner’s garage, even if mileage is lower. Want to re-enact your own cop drama? Pick up this car, a magnetic roof-mounted red light and police siren for another $100, and chase the perp down a back alley.
Rusty But Trusty 
February 20, 2015 at 7:56 am |
I had a 68 Tempest in a similar shade and an OHC 6 with burnt valve back when I was kid, paid $125 for it drove till it died and scrapped it for $120.