Is there such a thing as seeing too many Chevettes? I think not, although some are more interesting than others, spec-wise. A manual transmission in a small vehicle is nice, not that it isn’t nice in a big vehicle. This 1983 Chevrolet Chevette sedan is posted here on craigslist in Verona, Pennsylvania, and they’re asking $5,000 or offer. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
We know some of you would rather put it in D and get on with your lives, as far as transmissions go. You can’t physically operate a clutch pedal anymore, or you just don’t want to for whatever reason, and that’s ok. As with the color red compared to blue, green, yellow, or four doors compared to two doors, we all like what we like, and nobody’s opinion is more correct than anyone else’s. Well, mine is, but I mean other than… er… cough. Just kidding, obviously. This 1983 Chevette video here on YouTube is the best six minutes you’ll spend today.
There was no second-generation Chevette; Chevy made them for model years 1976 through 1987 in one run. Models varied, from cardboard-door-panel Scooters to fancier models with nicer trim and features, but none had power windows or anything approaching a fancy car. They were meant to be inexpensive vehicles, or maybe a second car. This example has a few dings here and there, but the seller says it’s been a southern car and has been garaged while they’ve owned it. We don’t get to see too much of the interior, and there aren’t any underside photos, but when a craigslist seller includes an engine photo, life is good. There is a little more damage on the right rear corner, but hopefully that can be massaged out.
The seats have been changed, as you can see. I’m sure they’re super comfortable and so much nicer than the original Chevette bucket seats. Still, I’d want to bring this one back to the original spec for weekend car shows, so these seats would have to go. The back seat looks perfect, and that’s what I’d want for the front. We don’t get to see the dash at all other than a photo showing the gauges with an odometer reading of 83,248.7 miles.
The clean engine is, I believe, Chevrolet’s 1.6-liter OHC inline-four with 65 horsepower and 80 lb-ft of torque. It sends “power” through a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission to the rear wheels, and the seller says they have replaced the “brakes, radiator, head gasket, steering components, ball joints. Full stainless exhaust.” I always want a manual transmission in a small car like this Chevette, otherwise I wouldn’t mind owning this one. Any thoughts on this Chevette?
65 horsepower……and an automatic – no speeding tickets
with this one.
Turning on the AC would probably serve as a great emergency brake in the event of hydraulic failure.
Best quote of the day, “It sends “power” through a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission to the rear wheels.” Love that Scotty!!! A stick is definitely a good way to go. Considering this is a Chevette, and the fate of the vast majority of these, this one has held up rather well.
I wouldn’t take one of these evil little tin cans for free. That said, I’m sure there are people out there that get the warm and fuzzys, when they see one of these. Your first car, mom’s grocery getter or your cheapskate uncle’s new family cruiser.
Listing already taken down. Seller couldn’t take the teasing he’s getting.
Not surprised to be honest,…
And what’s with the BMW rims on this example: some kind of sympathetic magic thing going on where the BMW-ness supposed to somehow rub off on the Chevette and increase its value? Optional and aftermarket rims Can be desirable at times but this one just doesn’t work,…
My dad had one, it was one of the first few production years, low option with a 4spd and AM radio. It was the car me and my sister were allowed to borrow in the evenings and weekends. He didn’t have it long, which was unusual for him, he’d typically buy a used economy car that was a few years old, drive it for several years, then replace it with something else. His went through several timing belts, worse yet, it felt cheap when compared to a couple of imports he’d had just prior.
Steve R
I wonder if the air conditioner still works?