Introduced as the successor to the problematic Chevy Vega, the Chevy Chevette was a widely popular entry-level vehicle throughout its 12-year run, with as many as 2.7 million units produced overall. Likely to little surprise, many Chevette examples were driven until their wheels fell off due to their entry-level status, but now, a like-new 1985 model is currently up for grabs online.
Listed for auction by Hagerty, this 1985 Chevy Chevette features less than 2,900 miles on the odometer, which averages out to approximately 74 miles per year for the last 39 years. In addition, the three-door hatchback boasts a clean Carfax report and only two previous owners.
Of course, the Chevette is a no-frills experience that focuses on function over form. To this end, the Medium Brown Metallic exterior is extremely mild—especially by modern standards—and features minimal styling elements. That being said, this particular example was optioned as the “sporty” CS model and does include a black-finished grille and trim moldings, body-colored end caps, and a front air dam, as well as all the corresponding badging.
As for rollers, this example rides on 13-inch steelies with hubcaps, which are also wrapped in Hankook whitewall tires. Stopping power is provided by front disc and rear drum brakes.
Moving to the interior, a tan cloth colorway adorns the cabin, while features are few and far between. Creature comforts include a Delco AM radio, door map pockets, a center dome light, a three-speed heating and ventilation system, dual-speed electric wipers, and a fully carpeted interior. Conveniently, there is also 27.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
Additional goodies include a front stabilizer bar, rack and pinion steering, and a 12.2-gallon fuel tank.
Under the hood lies an OHV naturally aspirated 1.6L I4 gasoline engine, which chokes out a measly 60 horsepower. Output is driven to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission.
So, what’re you thinking, dear reader? Despite its entry-level status, can you see this 1985 Chevy Chevette trading hands for a significant sum of money? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
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Breaking out the spec sheets for a comparison.
View Comments
It will sell for $2575.
That high?
Current bid is already $4,500!!
One of GM 's best models.
Some random guy, checking out a new Chevette on their dealer's lot in 1985:
"Someday, this will be a classic!"
Who remembers the diesel variant !
I worked on diesel version when I was apprenticing.
I bought a1979 Chevette brand new for the $4,500 sticker price. I had to wait 2 months to get the car, and the reason why I did was that a one year old Chevette with 20,000 miles was $500 more! This was when gas was expensive and hard to get. I looked at the diesel Chevette two years later, but the sticker price was over $7,000 by then. Keeping the ‘79 was a no brainer! The Chevette was a great little car. We outgrew it and replaced it with a Ford Grenada, which also turned out to be a great car. One of the few times I didn’t buy GM.
Giggle.
I would like to bid on this car but can’t be present. Bid by email? Or cell?
You bid online at hagerty.com/marketplace
Rented a Chevette in San Francisco in the late 1970's and was impressed with the way it handled the hills. Fast forward several years I purchased a brand new one at a dealer in my hometown of Boston due to my satisfactory experience years earlier. For some reason it didn't have anywhere the motive power of the rental but the actual reason that I traded it was that the built in chin spoiler/ front bumper acted as a snow plow when there was more than a few inches of snow on the ground. This design flaw coupled with the anemic RWD set-up meant that it was useless in the winter months.
Where do I go to buy this sweetheart?
My first car was the intro 76. Loved it. Well over 100k with it
I learned how to drive stick shift in one of them. 😂😂😆😆
My kids used to watch Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. In one episode her boyfriend mentions something about having work done on the'Vette. She asks, suprised, if he has a Corvette. He responds, "A Chevette." Quite amusing, at least to me.
These were actually pretty decent cars, although my 1983 Honda Nighthawk motorcycle had more horsepower. Ah, the cars of the 1980s!
These were a nice no frills vehicle with great fuel economy and rear wheel drive ! I would suggest a manual transmission car tho ! The automatics were dogs !