As a youngster, one of the slowest automobiles I can remember driving was a seventies Chevrolet Chevette, owned by my aunt who lived across town. She was recovering from surgery, and family members were taking turns going over and helping her out. One day, she asked me to go to the store and pick up some food, offering me the keys to her ’76 white Chevette. I accepted, but immediately realized the get-up-and-go was dismal, plus the automatic transmission wasn’t responsive either, no matter how hard you hit the gas pedal. These issues have been solved on this 1978 model sedan here on Craigslist in Hamden, Connecticut, as the dreary factory engine has been swapped out for a V8. This one seems like a lot of fun for $5,500, and we’d like to thank Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for bringing it to our attention!
By 1978, the Chevette’s earlier 1.4-liter standard engine had been dropped, and the 1.6L inline four was now the base powerplant, also offered in a “high-output” variant, though even the beefier version churned out only 68 horsepower. Somebody decided the idea of a four-cylinder under the hood here was nonsense, and now the compartment houses a 305 V8, which sounds like a drastic improvement. It’s got some additional goodies as well, including a Holley 650 carburetor sitting on top of an Edelbrock manifold, plus a 200-4R four-speed automatic sourced from a 1985 Buick Grand National. The transmission has been rebuilt and a shift kit added in the process, so this little Chevy should be plenty rewarding to get behind the wheel of.
There’s not much specific mention of the body, but the seller is transparent about the paint not being perfect. However, the sheet metal appears solid and relatively straight, though the rear bumper seems to be sagging a bit on the right side. In my opinion, up front is where this one looks best, with the hood featuring a scoop and pins, plus those fender flares and big-n-little polished wheels let spectators know that this is no ordinary grocery getter. This one’s got a good stance as well, and the suspension features height-adjustable coilovers from QA1.
Most of the interior is black and gray, with the dash appearing to be the sole red item. I’m really liking how the instruments in front of the driver were crafted and installed, and there are additional gauges above the transmission tunnel, which was modified along with the firewall to ensure all the mechanical components fit properly. The seller reports that this car runs and drives perfectly, so unless the next owner wants to spruce up the aesthetics, this 1978 Chevette seems ready to enjoy. Any thoughts to share about this unusual Chevy?
I remember driving my brother’s 1976 Chevette once and having a chance to out run a VW Rabbit from the red light. The Rabbit embarrassed the Chevette.
Hoo Boy.
If you think the gas-powered Chevette was slow you should try the diesel! I met a guy ages ago who didn’t care about anything but the lowest possible cost per mile, so he bought a diesel Chevette. (At the time not only was mileage better but diesel was cheaper than gasoline.) What a miserable thing that poor car was.
Now this is cool!!
Mike, I have to disagree on the slowest car. I respectfully submit the Renault Encore’ I had the pleasure? of working on one years ago and it was, how do I put it, a turd; It ran fine but had zero power. I was test driving it and tried to pass a car turning on the a/c while doing so. The car lost what little power it had and I had to pull back in behind the slower car with what turned out to be a slower car. I wouldnt buy a euro car if you gave me the money to do so.
Once I locked the keys in my car at work. A coworker lent me their Chevette, to go home on my lunch break to get my spare set of keys. It was an automatic and was much quicker than a manual Beetle.
I don’t think i have ever seen a ad for a vehicle that tells you what thermostat it has in it.