The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized car from Chevy, first rolling off the assembly line in 1964. It was manufactured from 1964 through 1977 and was one of General Motors most triumphant cars. Chevelle models ranged from easy on the pocket family cars to convertibles and powerful coupes. The Malibu was at first the top trim level of the Chevelle line, and it replaced the Chevelle name entirely after 1977. The Chevelle chassis, based on the reengineered GM A platform, provided the platform for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, a very successful model itself.

The Chevelle was anticipated to compete with the equally sized Ford Fairlane, and to return to the Chevrolet lineup a model comparable in size and concept to the popular 1955-57 models. Early drawing photos show what would eventually be the Chevelle wearing Nova nameplates, the name that was used for the top trim level in the smaller Chevy II series. From 1964-69, the Chevelle was the groundwork for the similar Beaumont, a re-trimmed model sold only in Canada by Pontiac dealers.

A two-door station wagon was available in 1964 and 1965 in the bottom-line Chevelle 300 series. Four-door hardtops, dubbed Sport Sedans, were available from 1966 through 1972. Two-door hardtops and convertibles were produced from 1964 to 1972, while four-door sedans and four-door wagons were offered throughout the entire run. In line with other Chevrolet series, the two-door hardtops were called Sport Coupes. An assortment of models of wagons was sold with exclusive nameplates: Nomad (1968-1972), Nomad Custom (1968), Greenbrier (1969-1972), Concours (1967-1972), and Concours Estate (1968-1972).

The El Camino, a utility pickup, was part of the Chevy lineup and, depending on the year, was available in the 300/300 Deluxe trim level, Malibu trim level and the one-year only SS396. The El Camino outlived its passenger car counterpart until its end in 1987.

The Chevelle underwent a redesign for the 1973 model year. The so-called "colonnade hardtop" styling featured frameless door glass and fixed "B" pillars. Rear windows on coupes no longer could be opened, no doubt encouragement from GM to purchase the increasingly popular optional air conditioning. The Front suspension was based on the Camaro and Firebird which greatly improved handling. Engine choices ranged from the 250 I6 to the venerable 454 V8. Hardened engine valve seats and hydraulic camshafts made these engines reliable for many miles, and allowed them to accept the increasingly popular unleaded regular gasoline. Cross flow radiators and coolant reservoirs that prevented air from entering the system prevented overheating. Swivel bucket seats and center console for automatic and manual shift cars were offered in every model as was the instrument gauge cluster. Power front disc and rear drum brakes were standard. Power accessories, air conditioning and AM/FM tape stereo were more prevalent these years and provided a pleasing drive. A power moon roof was an option in 1973 and 1975.

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