Faults:

Lower rad hose split

Poor compression - valve adjustment

Frame rotted.

General Comments:

This was my first car and my first love. I have to admit, for a car that was 20 years old, this car did me very well. The gutless 250 never left me stranded and that solid two speed tranny was never an issue. I replaced the head gasket once because of some compression problems, only to find that it only needed a valve adjustment. Regular maintenance wasn't much other than plug/oil changes and attention to the points in the ingnition. I drove over 30k a year with this car through Canadian winters and it never left me stranded. The only problem I had was I now have a stronger right leg, because the four wheel drum manual brakes kept it in good muscle shape. It's too bad our salty Canadian roads ate the frame out of it because I'd kill to have this car back and drop a big block in it. Dreaming...

Faults:

Voltage regulator went bad at around 140,000 miles, but it was the original 1972 unit so it did it's time.

General Comments:

The Chevelle's are an awesome car to own and a real pleasure to drive. With the 396/402 or 454 engine, they easily hold their own on the street. With the big block engines, you don't see great gas mileage, but that's not why you buy a car like this anyway. Around town I see about 9-10 mpg, and 12 on the highway, if you go easy on the throttle, which is a chore in itself. The car handles very well for being a heavy muscle car, not quite up to par with a Corvette, but sure beats a lot of others. Weighing in at about 3900 pounds, and having coil springs on all 4 corners means this car rides smooth. I've ridden in "luxury" cars that don't hold a candle to this smooth of a ride. And lastly, you can't beat the Chevelle SS when it comes to looks. The aggressive stance, domed hood, SS emblems just scream for attention, and its well deserved as this car can show and go.