Chevrolet turned 100 last month, and in observance of the impact the company has had on America we’re taking the opportunity to note some of the best Chevys ever to roll off the assembly line. These vehicles were selected by Super Chevy Magazine as some of the most influential models of the past 100 years, but you’ll have to pick up the magazine to see how they ranked. Super Chevy is the largest title dedicated to the performance car brand, testament to Chevrolet’s long history and loyal following of enthusiasts.
You can view the entire list of 100 greatest Chevys in the Special Collector’s Edition of Super Chevy Platinum Magazine, but for now here are a few examples of why Chevy is still a beloved American icon. See a few of the Top 100 below, then visit the AMSOIL Facebook Events page to leave us your comments on which Chevy would be parked at the top of your list.
1911 Chevrolet
Cost new: $2,150
Photo copyright GM
The first Chevrolet to hit the market touched off what was to be the beginning of an American Revolution. It featured a 299ci “T-Head” six-cylinder engine with dual camshafts and rating of 40 horsepower at a cost of $2,150.
‘56 Chevy
Cost new: $2,500
The ad tagline for the ’56 Chevy told the world ‘The Hot One’s Even Hotter’ just a year after the legendary ’55 Chevy made its impact. Featuring a Super Turbo-Fire, four-barrel 265 engine that produced 205 horsepower, Chevy launched another ad telling the public that ‘Nothing without wings climbs like a 1956 Chevrolet! Aim this new Chevrolet up a steep grade and you will see why it's the Pikes Peak record holder.” Indeed.
’59 Chevy with Fuel Injection
Cost new: $2,500
In the last year Chevy owners could purchase a Rochester fuel-injected small-block in anything except a Corvette, this stylish automobile proved hard to find with factory fuel-injection even then. Buyers had two options, either a 250 horsepower with a hydraulic cam or 290 HP with a solid cam.
’63 Corvette Split Window
Cost new: $4,037
One of the rarest collector cars ever to be seen, the ’63 Corvette became an instant classic after safety concerns caused the rear-window design to be scrapped the following year. With a 327ci/360 hp engine, this sleek roadster is hailed as one of the finest in the history of the Corvette.
’67 Z28
Cost new: $3,500
Built with a 302ci engine/290hp for the SCCA’s Trans-Am series, the Z28 was one of the first ponycars designed to go around corners. Through virtually no advertising and little public awareness, the Z28 muscle car spurred competing models from the big players in the industry. When put to the test, it became known as the epitome of what a race car should be.
First-Gen Monte Carlo SS 454
Cost new: $3,123
Produced only in 1970 and 1971, the First-Gen Monte Carlo was a blend of Chevelle and Cadillac Eldorado that came to be known as the gentleman’s muscle car. The 360-HP big-block engine produced big speed but also provided a comfortable cruise.
’75 Caprice Classic Convertible
Cost new: $5,113
1975 was the last year consumers could purchase a full-size Chevy convertible, and the Caprice was considered a leader in luxury vehicles of the era. A 350ci/145 horsepower engine came standard, but buyers could upgrade up to 454ci/215 hp if they so desired.
C4 ZR-1
Cost new: $58,995
Evidenced by its ability to go from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, the C4 ZR-1 was engineered to run with the best of them. In the early 90’s Lotus joined Chevy in designing the LT5 all-aluminum small-block featuring duel-overhead cams, 32 valves and 16 fuel injectors that turned out a top-speed of 180 mph.
Photos courtesy of Super Chevy Magazine and GM