This Unassuming 1978 Chevette Hides A 427 V8: Video

We here at GM Authority love a good sleeper, and this 1978 Chevy Chevette appears to tick all right the boxes. From the outside, it looks like a standard two-door hatchback with a modest, unassuming design. However, under the hood lies a surprise, namely a rumbling Chevy 427 V8 engine that transforms this little hatchback into a tire-shredding monster.

A recent video captured this stealthy ’78 Chevette at a car meet, where it got some extra attention after revealing its performance secret.

When it rolled off the assembly line in the late 1970s, the Chevy Chevette was designed as an affordable, fuel-efficient subcompact car. It came equipped with a small, economical 1.6L four-cylinder engine, modest power output, and a lightweight frame, making it an ideal everyday commuter car for the era.

This particular Chevette, however, is something else entirely. Despite its transformation, the exterior remains understated, featuring a clean black paint job with polished accents, including the bumper, wheel well trim, and glass surrounds. The grille retains a simple crossbar design, maintaining the sleeper aesthetic.

Inside, the cabin stays true to its vintage roots with a red vinyl dash, red plaid seats, and a retro two-spoke steering wheel.

The whole build is impeccably clean, offering no visual clues to the car’s wild transformation. Even the stock 13-inch wheels provide no hint of the monster lurking beneath the hood.

Of course, that all changes when you hear the exhaust note. The heart of this Chevette is a Chevy 427 V8 engine, which is paired with a Turbo 400 automatic transmission and a 12-bolt rear end. With this setup, the Chevette is no longer a humble runabout – it’s a tire-melting machine capable of surprising even modern sports cars, provided the driver can keep it planted on the pavement. Indeed, we suspect traction could be something of an issue once the throttle hits the carpet.

Check it out for yourself right here: