Archive for December, 2009

1970 Corvette Stingray

Chevrolet seemed to get everything together for the 1970 model year.  Because of a UAW strike, the 1969 model run was extended two months longer than usual, which may have been the time Chevy needed to make the 70′ a better car.  The strike was no doubt a factor in the 69′ production record, but it also delayed the 70’s from reaching dealer show rooms until February, and that sent Corvette production plummeting to just 17,316 – its lowest point since 1962.  

Corvette cosmetics were again altered only in detail for 1970.  The extreme body-side tuck-under on the 1968-69 models was found to be susceptible to stone damage, so Chevy flared the aft portions of each wheel opening, which helped somewhat. The grille – actually false since the radiator air intake was on the car’s underside was changed from horizontal bars to an egg-crate pattern, and the parking lamps changed from small, round units to clear-lens, amber-bulb, rectangular fixtures.  The grille pattern was repeated on the front fender vents, replacing the four “gills” used previously.  The dual exhaust outlets also shifted from the round to the rectangular.  

Inside, the seats were shaped to provide better lateral support, more headroom, and easier access to the still-lidless cargo bay.  The shoulder belts, separate from the lap belts, got inertial storage reels, thus ending some cockpit clutter.  Carried over from the 1969 was a three-pocket map pouch on the passenger side of the dash, which provided more convenient small-item stowage than the hard-to-reach twin lidded bins behind the seats.  A deluxe interior group was added to the operations list, consisting of full cut-pile carpeting and ersatz wood trim on the console and doors.  

Road and Track tried a 1970′ Corvette with the stock 454 and automatic.  It recorded 7.0 seconds in the 0-60 mph run, a 15.0 second quarter mile at 93 mph, and top speed of 144 mph.  Editors described it as “one of the better Corvettes they had driven lately.” Read the rest of this entry »

1967 Chevelle / Malibu SS

The Chevrolet Chevelle earned its reputation as a high value, fun and reliable car with models such as this week’s ride, a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Convertible owned by Jack Grabowski of Berwick.

The Chevelle was produced by Chevy from 1964-1977 and was one of General Motors’ most successful cars of all time. During the Chevelle’s run, the model’s top level was the Malibu, which became so well known that the Chevelle was renamed that. Grabowski’s 1966 Malibu is the two-door convertible that features a 283 cubic inch V8 engine and a Powerglide automatic transmission.

“The 283 inch engine and the four barrel carburetor give this car a lot of power,” Grabowski said. “I also added an aluminum intake and an aftermarket air cleaner to get the air in there a little better.”

The 1966 Chevelle Malibu was the first year for the “Coke bottle” body shape, which became a fad for American cars in the mid to late 1960s. The 8-cylinder Chevelle was the only one to earn the “SS” (Super Sport) designation in 1966.

The car was originally light blue, so Grabowski had it repainted maroon metallic and replaced the convertible top so that it would be bright white.

“The car really pops when you see the bright white top against the darker body color,” he said.

The car also features a white interior with a column shift, original factory AM radio, an in-dash electric clock, and enough seating for six.

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