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Someone Spent A Lot Of Money On This Like-New 1987 Chevy Chevette

If we have $33,000 to spend on a practical and economical Chevy, we could buy a loaded Trailblazer, a modest Equinox, or… a pristine 1987 Chevy Chevette CS hatchback. That’s how much the new owner of this example paid at the Mecum Kissimmee auction over the weekend.

1987 Chevy Chevette rear three quarter angle.

First, a quick recap on the Chevy Chevette. It was introduced for the 1976 model year, replacing the Vega and riding on the T platform co-developed with Opel and Isuzu. Offered as a three-door or five-door hatchback, it was one of GM’s last attempts at a rear-wheel-drive subcompact economy car. The Chevette doesn’t have a great reputation today, but it was America’s best-selling small car for the 1979 and 1980 model years. It was discontinued in 1987 and replaced by the Chevy Sprint, which became the Geo Metro.

1987 Chevy Chevette seats.

This Chevette that crossed the Mecum auction block is special because of its inexplicably low odometer reading: only 47 miles. We wish we could say it was special for some other reason, like a famous owner or weird modification, but it’s just a Chevette. It does come from the final model year of 1987, has a manual transmission, and is in the CS trim, but the valuation of over $30k is still a head-scratcher.

1987 Chevy Chevette dash.

The original window sticker is shown in the cargo area in the photo gallery, but the final sticker price is illegible. Promotional paperwork shows a starting price of $4,995 and boasts some of the Chevette’s virtues, like reclining front bucket seats, folding rear seats, a glove box (with door!), and a push-button AM radio.

1987 Chevy Chevette engine bay.

The collector’s market for the Chevy Chevette is difficult to track. Only a few have been auctioned on Bring a Trailer, with sale prices ranging from $5,800 to $21,000. None have been auctioned on Cars and Bids. At $33,000, this humble hatchback that just sold at Mecum Kissimmee 2025 may have broken the record for the most valuable Chevette ever sold. We can’t help but wonder if the new owner will drive it or keep it as an investment.

George is an automotive journalist with soft spots for classic GM muscle cars, Corvettes, and Geo.

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Comments

  1. I would absolutely drive it over a new $30k Chevy.

    These were not bad cars, simple mechanics and durable construction. Far less trouble prone than a Vega or Citation or early J car. For what it was, it wasn’t bad.

    Reply
  2. parents had one. My buddy in the mid-1980s put a V-6 in his. Its true.

    Reply
  3. I suspect there is something hidden, and this is a mule vehicle or being used for money laundering purposes for that price.

    Reply
  4. i recall the shock towers rusting out and then into the hood…

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  5. The “most valuable” Chevette ever sold. ??
    Think you mean the “highest price ever paid” for a Chevette.”

    Reply
  6. Like the old saying goes…”a fool and his money are soon parted”!

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  7. I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale.

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  8. These days it seems like too many people have too much money to spend stupidly. Folks, it’s just an old car and just being old doesn’t mean it’s investible or collectible. Wake up!

    Reply
    1. David: Although I agree with you on this, what we can’t put a price on is nostalgia. The person who purchased this car may have had their first sexual experience in a similar Chevette. Or maybe there’s a connection here with a deceased parent. Maybe it’s the same exact car they had as their first car. Who knows.

      I just hope they truly enjoy it. What I can’t see is them buying it at that price and trying to turn it for a profit.

      Reply
      1. Must of been midgets to do it in a chevette.
        I would not even thought of it and banged her on the hood

        Reply
        1. budlar: Not sure why you got all the thumbs down. I found it kind of funny. Maybe some think what you said is too vulgar?

          Anyhow, show me one person who hasn’t had sex in a car and I will show you a liar. haha.

          Reply
  9. I had an ’87 and loved it. Put about 60k miles on it with no issues at all.
    Got married and needed a bigger car….

    Reply
  10. Or, we could say,
    “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.”
    “Live and let live.”
    “To each his own.”

    Reply
  11. Nothing wrong with it. Properly maintained they were very reliable. Makes for a perfect work or grocery getter. Fuel mileage wasn’t to bed either.

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    1. bad

      Reply
  12. Not any stranger than british spending money on Fiestas lol

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  13. Just because it is old and in great shape doesn’t make it a classic.

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  14. I bought a 1977 Chevette 3 door 4-speed manual brand new. I paid $3,200 for it to use as a second/work car. I turned out to be on of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. I drove it for 5 problem-free years and sold it to a co-worker for $2,800.

    Reply
  15. I’m different where strange older cars are what I like the most. To help understand, I personally own and love a 1988 Cadillac Cimarron. But…………..would I pay anything close to the 33 grand for any Chevette? No. And I like (or would like to have) the Chevette. But I truly hope it makes the new owner happy.

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  16. Just a piece of iron…….JMO…!!!!!!!!!!!

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  17. This was an auction so there were actually at least 2 idiots in attendance with nothing better to do with 33 large.

    Reply
  18. I’ll buy it.. and put a 2.7t in it 😈

    Reply
  19. I met my wife thirty eight years ago and she had a Chevy Chevette with a three cylinder DIESEL engine in it from the factory!! I couldn’t frigging believe it at first. I could blow a fart and run faster than that thing could. It was a gutless work of art…… Crap brown in color and it ran like crap. What a p.o.s.!

    Reply

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