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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Moving opposite to market trends.
With four model years recommended for purchase.
This example is a former NCRS award winner.
Many automakers oppose right-to-repair laws citing cybersecurity concerns.
Breaking out the spec sheets for a comparison.
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I ordered a brand new 1977 2-door with the1.6 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. I wanted it strictly as a commuter car to drive mainly to and from work. I paid $3450 out the door. I drove it daily for over four years and never had a problem with it. In the winter I would put oversized snow tires on it and it went through the snow like a Jeep. It was a very economical, solid and dependable little car. By 1981 I had about 58,000 miles on it when I sold it to a friend for $2,800. That little car owed me nothing.
My first car was an '82. I called it the "shovette". Gas mileage was, better than some of the newer vehicles today. Then got a job at the airport. Aviation gas gave it the pep it needed. Chirped the tires in all four gears! But not good for the motor. Young and stupid.
If they get ONE RED CENT for that cinderblock, they should consider themselves lucky!!!!!
For some strange reason, I've always liked the Chevette's. I'd love to buy this one, but my garage is already full. Can anyone elaborate on the dash in this one? The top half is lighter than the rest of the dash and interior. I've never seen that on a Chevette. Was this standard or could the dash top have been replaced at only 2,900 miles?
America needs one of these today. Small, cheap, basic, offered in manual or 6 speed auto. Great on fuel. You know, so they can be driven to/from work instead of everyone driving these huge SUV's and truck for that.
too bad its not a 5 speed like the one i had. if it wasn't for the crap metal used. these cars would last a lot longer. same for the vega
Learned to drive in one of these, it was a manual though. Too bad this is an automatic. Sounds horrid.
Had a 1980 chevette four speed with a hole in the driverside floor ! Bought it for a hundred dollars in'88 drove thru the winter only put a quart of oil in all winter ! Great car best winter car ALWAYS started easy to drive and easy to control in snow!!! Best car for winter and sold for 450$ four months later!!
3200 about it I drive too work..
Purchased a 83 four door new from dealer with a discount because it was "factory executive car", explained to us recently married expecting parents as a car the factory execs drive for a couple thousand miles so they can personally drive each model. We figured it was the last choice of the executives but a great car, had three kids by the time it hit 100k, sold to friend that drove the wheels off at around 300k. One of the best vehicles I ever owned for being reliable and somewhat comfortable.
Actually for the times - it was a great little car. Interestingly, as a college student in the mid-80's, I couldn't afford a new Chevette, but was able to get a Mazda GLC in 1982 (for less) which coincidentally at the time stood for Great Little Car!
A little off topic, but when I graduated from college I really wanted a Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2-door. Again couldn't afford the Chevrolet, but was able to get a VW GTI for $1k less. Nowadays, I mostly only consider VW or GM (own a 2023 Terrain Denali AWD).