Old Chevy muscle cars

GM and Chevrolet brand in particular, is one of the famous producer of muscle cars. Its gifted engineers gave to the world a number of outstanding muscle cars, including classic Camaro and Chevelle. In this article we will try to grasp into the muscle car model line of the past and find out which Chevrolet muscle cars should be considered as everlasting classic, and which one is just an old car praised to be demolished.

Chevrolet muscle cars

In the golden age of muscle cars which stood at mid 60s till the beggining of 70s Chevy model range was quite wide. If we tried to arrange it by size of a body it will be the following:

  • Compact-size Chevrolet Nova
  • Pony-car Camaro
  • Mid-size muscle car Chevelle
  • Unique muscle pickup truck El Camino
  • Full-size Biscayne/Caprice/Impala models.


Compact car produced in the United States by a Chevrolet division of GM from 1962 to 1979.
Until 1969, the base model is called the Chevrolet Chevy II, while Nova was just a name for one of the top trims. In Canada, Nova is sold under the Pontiac brand – originally a Pontiac Acadian, in the 70s – Pontiac Ventura II.

1969 Chevy Nova specs

1974 chevrolet nova ss
The model range of Chevrolet, car held the position of entry-level compact models, though some were positioned like “luxury” or muscle cars.

During its production the model has been upgraded several times, several times the body has changed, but still released under this name.


Really iconic status American sports car, main Mustang rival in pony car times, produced since 1966. At least 3 times Camaro completely changes its platform along with overall styling. Production stopped in 2002 and then continued in 2009 on a new technical basis. Camaro name is derived from French word camarade which means fellow, buddy.

1969 chevrolet camaro zl1

1970 Chevy Camaro review


It is a mid-size car, produced in the period from 1964 to 1978. Based on A-body chassis, it was one of the most successful cars of Chevrolet brand. The body range included fastback coupe, 2-door and 4-door sedan, convertible and even station wagon. High-performance Super Sport modification was produced until 1973 model year. Chevelle was the basis of Chevy Monte Carlo – luxurious 2-door coupe, firstly appeared in 1970. It also Malibu modification as an improved version of Chevelle produced until 1972, it was replaced in 1978 as improved and reduced in size.

1970 Chevy Chevelle SS

1970 Chevy Chevelle SS specs

El Camino

So-called Ute pickup truck (derived from coupe utility) firstly based on Impala platform, then based on Chevelle. Produced from 1959 until 1960 and from 1964 to 1987. El Camino came in response to the commercially successful Ford Ranchero having the similar bodytype. In Mexico, a car had Conquistador naming. Twin brother of El Camino under the other brand, GMC Sprint, later renamed the GMC Caballero was a modification of the El Camino.

1970 chevrolet el camino

1970 El Camino


In the Chevy model range Impala took a different position depending on the model year. Until 1965 Impala was a flagship Chevy sedan. Then from 1965 to 1985, Impala was a intermediate modification in the trio of full-size sedans range. It consist of cheap Biscayne, middle Impala and luxurious Caprice.

1965 Chevy Impala SS

1967 Chevy Impala SS engines

In addition, high-performance modifications called Impala SS (Super Sport) has produced. Because of it, Impala SS is dedicated to muscle cars. From 1964 to 1967, it was more likely a stand-alone  model has its own details, but in other years, it was just a trim level of ordinary Impala.

Classic Chevy muscle cars

Almost all Chevrolet muscle vehicles produced until 1974-1976 might be considered as classic. After this date, most of models either lost its identity and power or discontinued completely. Despite having enough power, Impala SS from mid 90s and late 80-90s Camaro models, doesn’t appraised as classic muscle cars.