A 1979 Chevrolet Chevette probably isn’t the first car that comes to mind when someone mentions a hot rod, and that’s exactly what makes this one interesting. Listed on craigslist in Newberg for $5,500, this little rear-wheel-drive hatchback has traded its usual econobox formula for a modified Buick V6 and a five-speed manual transmission. The seller says it’s fun to drive, and the car has already attracted enough attention to have been featured by Jalopnik. Thanks for the tip, Barney!
The centerpiece of the build is a 231 cubic-inch odd-fire Buick V6 equipped with Kenne-Bell components. According to the seller, the engine also has a camshaft, roller rockers, and cast-aluminum valve covers. The listing doesn’t provide horsepower figures or further details about the engine build, so we’ll leave the performance numbers to the imagination rather than guessing. Behind the Buick engine is a T-5 five-speed manual transmission. The rear axle is described as a 10-bolt diesel differential, giving this Chevette a drivetrain combination that’s certainly far removed from what most people associate with Chevrolet’s small economy car.
Some recent maintenance is mentioned as well. The seller says the Chevette has new front brakes and a new set of 170/75R13 tires. Those 13-inch tires are a fun reminder of just how compact cars like this once were, even if what’s happening under the hood is considerably less ordinary. The seller describes the car itself as a clean and straight 1970s econobox. Craigslist lists its condition as good, and the car is being sold with a clean title. The odometer entry reads 123,456 miles, but the listing specifically notes that the odometer has rolled over, so that figure shouldn’t be interpreted as a verified total mileage.
Then there’s the sleeper aspect. The seller says the car has caught the attention of younger hot-hatch enthusiasts and claims it can surprise unsuspecting GTIs. That’s the seller talking, of course, but it’s easy to understand the appeal of putting an unexpected drivetrain into something as unassuming as a Chevette. This isn’t being presented as a restored original or some carefully preserved museum piece. Based on the description, the attraction is the unusual combination itself: a small 1979 Chevette hatchback, Buick odd-fire V6 power, a T-5 manual, and rear-wheel drive. It’s the kind of build that should at least start a conversation wherever it goes.
The seller also encourages interested buyers to come take it for a spin and says offers won’t be considered without genuine communication. At $5,500, it’s an unusual alternative for someone who wants a vintage hot rod without starting with the predictable platform.
This was listed on Barnfinds in may with a price of $5995. They’ve dropped the price $495.
Nice older Chevette with a v6 and a manual. Should have plenty of power for that car.
Wild Vette.
Paid about the same for a new ‘81 cheese. The stock brakes were too small on these and wore out quickly. Floor pans were prone to rust quickly.
Buick V6 surprise, followed by Chevette brakes surprise.
Yeah I drive a Vette
Had a buddy in high school that told everyone he drove a Vette, a Chevette. Ah good times!
….A red Vette…
Maybe Prince really wanted to sing about a little red Chevette???
Nah, I didn’t think so . . .
Kinda fun to see a econo box from my childhood done with a bigger engine. Anymore not sure what I would do with it best thing is with the V6 and decent exhaust it sounds better than those bumblebee imports
Google describes the lumpy idle of the odd fire V6 as tractor like. Not sure I would feel secure building out something so inherently uneven but it sounds fun. That interior is nice.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AhxSPqkpgU0
Fun car to surprise some people!!
This is going to be a fun ride for someone! As always, my questions regard the suspension, is it still stock? Otherwise, this is a cool ride.
He should’ve put a Supercharger of a mid 90’s Bonneville SSE on it to make it a ton more fun trying to stop it at the next traffic light lol. Maybe the next owner will do that and be able to double his/her money when they’re done having some fun with it. Very cute little car that’ll surprise some people not expecting it to run like it does.
Not the same engine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnX7-fhMSsM&t=84s
Chevrolet toyed with the idea of putting the 60 degree 2.8l v-6 in the Chevette. I remember reading about it in Road and Track (I think). In the article I remember that the Chevette was as quick or quicker than the then current corvette!
Does this bring back memories. I was a boy scout and one of the father’s had pretty much this same build and took it on camping trips. It was a Chevette with a Buick V6, just like this. He painted it with black house paint and had huge dual-twin pipes sicking out the rear. The thing was bonkers.
We live in CT, and he liked to cruise up and down the Merritt Parkway, which is a state limited access highway in the county bordering New York–about a half hour from NYC. These are well-off NYC commuter towns. He would wait for someone in some kind of fast exotic like a Ferrari, and then proceed to blow the doors off him. Like any hotrod, though, it was a victim of its own strength. To manage the weight, he had to play with the suspension. To manage the speed and weight, he had to play with the brakes. It worked, but not really safely. But it was awesome.
He eventually put some letter-decals in bright red on the back that said, “You’d Lose”. It became something of a cartoonish local highway celebrity where even the cops knew of him. That’s when he realized it was time to sell it.