Photo: eBay seller 1961mg
In the early 1960s, Chevrolet was enjoying a heyday: the company's entire range was selling like hotcakes and it clearly dominated the market.
Models like the Impala have broken record after record, first becoming the best-selling car in the United States and then surpassing 1 million units sold in a single year.
Chevrolet's total domination of the full-size space was a major victory, but there was no guarantee that General Motors would win the war. Ford expanded rapidly into other categories, and models like the Fairlane and Mustang were huge hits.
The Chevelle was a fantastic response, while the Malibu quickly became a money-making machine.
Chevrolet played its card well, and its first smart move was the debut of a Super Sport option that immediately caught the market's attention. The Super Sport debuted on the Impala in 1961 but gained traction in subsequent years, so when it was extended to the Nova and Chevelle lineups, buyers knew exactly what to expect.
The Chevelle debuted with a 194ci six-cylinder engine borrowed from the Chevy Nova, while most other units in the range were donated from various models in the range.
Chevrolet was constantly looking for ways to improve the Chevelle lineup, and adding larger engines was a priority. The most notable debut on the first Chevelle was the 396 engine, which developed 375 horsepower and joined the lineup in mid-1965.
Photo: eBay seller 1961mg
The Chevelle in these photos is a barn rescue still awaiting a complete overhaul. The car was purchased from eBay seller 1961mg with a complete overhaul in mind about a year ago, but they now claim that back pain has gotten in the way, so restoring the Chevelle is no longer on the cards.
The owner explains on eBay that he got the car from Washington state, and the odometer says 38,000 miles, though it's unclear if that's accurate. The title says the miles are exempt, so you'll have to inspect everything yourself if you think this Chevelle is worth a second chance.
The condition of the car is evident in the photos, but I admit I wish the owner had shared more photos in his listing. For example, he says that most things on this Chevelle still work, including the lights and turn signals. The radio is in good shape, and the only thing that needs attention are the windshield wipers.
Photo: eBay seller 1961mg
The good news is that the Chevelle is in good condition. The car can be driven as is, but those who want it to be in tip-top condition can repaint the body, fix minor issues, and take care of the interior to restore this Chevelle to its former glory.
The engine under the hood is a 307ci unit, but the owner seems unsure of the specs. “It has a 307 engine, I’m told, and it runs well with all the power it needs,” he says. This is good news for someone who wants a working project, but I think it’s crucial to find a good mechanic and inspect everything under the hood before making an offer.
The VIN code provided is strange and doesn't seem correct, but please check it out yourself and let me know in the comments if I'm wrong. 135355Z144940 decodes a Malibu six-cylinder in wagon configuration, so I think it's important to double-check everything about this Chevelle if you're interested in the car.
Photo: eBay seller 1961mg
The Chevelle is worth an in-person inspection, but there are several points that need clarification. I wish the seller had shared more information about the barn find, as a car that has sat for years could eventually present more problems and make the restoration more challenging. It is unclear how long this Chevelle has been sitting,
The good news is that everything about this Chevelle suggests that it won't take much work to get back on the road as a casual driver. The owner says he just drove it 30 miles and everything worked fine, with the car starting, running, and stopping properly. Those who aren't planning a full restoration can enjoy this Chevelle in its current condition and begin the restoration later when they have the money, time, and parts to freshen it up.
Otherwise, the Chevelle has already caught the attention of many people online. The owner says he simply can't continue the overhaul due to his back problems, so he's selling the car as part of an online auction. The highest bid after 14 bids reached $2,225, but the reserve is still in place, which means WWW needs to do better to give this Chevelle a second chance.
The digital battle will conclude in six days, and anyone can see the car in person by going to Columbus, Ohio. If you don't live far away, you could drive it home on its wheels.