Chevrolet introduced the Chevette in 1976 as the eventual successor to the subcompact Vega. It turned out to be less controversial without the production ills of the other car. But “exciting” was not a term likely to be used to describe the auto. The seller has a nice-looking first-year Chevette 2-door hatchback, with aftermarket wheels being the only noticeable upgrade. Located in Ventura, California, this mini-Chevy is available here on craigslist for $5,900. A nod goes to Tony Primo for this latest tip.
The Chevette remained in production for 12 years (through 1987), and 2.8 million copies found American buyers. But it was largely a disposable automobile since you seldom see one four decades later. Though it was built on a global T-body GM platform, there wasn’t a lot that was unique about the car. Front-engine with rear-wheel drive and a 4-cylinder motor. But its ease on gasoline made it the best-selling compact for two years running at the end of the 1970s. Because of the global design, everything was set to metric measurements.
During the production years of the Chevette, they were also sold in Canada as the Acadian and by Pontiac in the United States as the T-1000. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this 40-year-old vehicle is that it has had only two owners who’ve put a collective 152,000 miles on the Chevy. You would think that mileage would point to a rebuild of the 4-banger and/or the 4-speed manual transmission, but no such reference is made.
The body and blue paint look fine, as does part of the interior. But aftermarket discount store slip covers suggest the bucket seats could use a refresh. New parts include the fuel system (gas tank, carburetor, and fuel pump?) and new CA smog devices. Also, the brakes and tires have been replaced. Little else is said about the Chevette, so we must assume that the usual inspection will be needed before sealing the deal.
I had a buddy in high school that drove one of these and used to tell the ladies he drove a “vette”. They never seemed to appreciate the humor when they finally saw the car, LOL.
Does it run? If so did they reinstall the carburetor and battery? If it’s a project it’s way overpriced.
Steve R
Okay no, the Chevette wasn’t a replacement for the Vega.
The Chevette slotted in below the Vega, and also below the Vega’s replacement, the Monza.
Doesn’t look like an Izuzu engine to me.
My Dad ordered a brand new Firethorn Red Metallic 1977 Chevette with Gray and red plaid cloth interior, automatic, and A/C for my Mom. It was no speed demon, but dependable. Especially since me and my younger brother became 16 and proceeded to whip on that little car…it never broke in the ten years my folks owned it.
”Firethorn Red Metallic” 1977 Chevette? AHAHAHAHA!
Why is that amusing? That was the name of the color. It was very popular on many Chevrolet models back then. There is a thing called the internet, you may look it up. Or maybe you can’t…
My dad owned one, briefly, in the early 80’s. I remember flooring it to access “passing gear” on the highway and the only thing that changed was the sound of the engine. My ‘81 Riviera diesel felt like a rocket by comparison. Didn’t keep it long, thankfully…
I was a Domino’s Pizza franchise when these were being sold. I owned a couple as delivery cars. They were able to stand up to the abuse my youthful drivers threw at them better than anything else I tried. Beyond that they were pretty uninspiring but they weren’t supposed to be anything beyond basic reliable transport.
Another one of those cars that has unjustified hate thrown its way. It was a great car for what it was… reliable economical transportation. As a teenager, I drove my aunt’s on numerous occasions and found it a spirited little econobox even with an automatic. Hers was from this first generation (in terms of front and rear treatment), and I found it very attractive. Also, living here in Ohio, I don’t think I ever saw a rusted out Chevette (unlike its cousin the Vega). Chevrolet got it right with the Chevette, so I really don’t see why it always draws so much hate.
This particular sample looks like it could use some TLC. Who knows what’s hiding under those ugly seat covers? Where’s the carpeting for the cargo area?? And most importantly, why does the engine look like it’s partly dismantled????? Looks to me like they are asking too much for a car that needs some major work.
Those are some spiffy 4-lug wheels. They look larger than the 13s that would have been stock. It’s always fun to see something like this pop up again.
A niece of mine had one of these new. She had a bumper sticker on the back reading “Thank you for not laughing at this car.”
Back when I was in high school and early college I had an older brother that bought two or three Chevettes over those years. One that he used as his personal commuter was the base “Scooter” package. This was the most stripped and basic car I’d ever been in… before or since. IIRC it didn’t even have a rear seat or carpets… just rubber mats. But it was dirt cheap, got 40+ mpg and was completely trouble free… outside of oil changes and tires I don’t think he ever had to do anything to it. There’d be a market for a car like that today… too bad no one would build it…
I had one of these dogs. First thing that broke was the clutch cable. That’s right, cable. Hydraulic clutch was to expensive I guess. I HATE these cars.