Chevelles, Novas moving up on classic car collectors’ shopping lists

These now-vintage Chevy muscle machines drawing interest from those searching ClassicCars.com's marketplace

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1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
Cars such as this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle are drawing strong interest from people searching the ClassicCars.com marketplace website

With no significant changes at the top of the most-searched-for vehicles on the ClassicCars.com Marketplace in May, we thought it might be interesting to not only take a deeper dive into the “second 10,” but also beyond to see if there are vehicles showing recent interest among prospective buyers.

Each month we report on the most-searched-for vehicles by year, make and model and by a generic all-years search. As usual, the 1969 and 1967 Ford Mustang, the 1969 Dodge Charger and the 1964 and 1967 Chevrolet Impala top the year/make/model list while the all-years category again is led by Chevrolet, Mustang, Ford and Chevy C10, with DeLorean edging ahead of Dodge in their ongoing duel for fifth place.

While there is virtually no change at the top of the lists, some vehicles are emerging lower on the lists worth noting. For example, the 1967, 1968 and 1970 Chevrolet Camaro, the 1968 Dodge Challenger, the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle and the 1970 Chevrolet Corvette have climbed into the “second 10” in recent weeks. 

If you’re wondering about the 1969 Camaro, it’s been a solid top-10 search for several months, which may explain why people now are searching for nearby model-year examples.

Chevelles from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s also seem to be attracting increased attention from those searching the marketplace.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle

“The Chevy Chevelle has been a favorite of GM Muscle car fans since these cars were new and that has never dissipated,” notes Journal East Coast editor and marketplace analyst Andy Reid. “All you need to do to understand the continued enthusiasm for the Chevelle as a collector car is to drive a 396 Ram Air Chevelle at the limit and you are bound to be a convert.”

Meanwhile, among those searching simply by make or model regardless of year or production, Chevelle has climbed into top-10 contention while another vintage Chevy, the Nova, has been drawing attention of late, solidly into the “second 10” in both April and May.

1972 Chevrolet Nova
1972 Chevrolet Nova

“The Nova has been for years the best buy choice in GM Muscle cars,” Reid suggests. “They have been affordable for quite a while, especially when compared to the Chevelle and Camaro. 

“These cars are gaining more interest and popularity due to the affordability factor,” he adds. “The Nova is a fun and easy to maintain car with lots of ways to modify it if you want more speed. 

“Novas are a perfect classic car for the true hot rodder due to their lower cost and aftermarket support. Prices are tracking well against the Chevelle and on the move as well.”

1974 Chevrolet Nova
1974 Chevrolet Nova

Top-10 most-searched lists for May 2021

By year, make and model

  1. 1969 Ford Mustang
  2. 1967 Ford Mustang
  3. 1969 Dodge Charger
  4. 1964 Chevrolet Impala
  5. 1967 Chevrolet Impala
  6. 1965 Ford Mustang
  7. 1968 Ford Mustang
  8. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
  9. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
  10. 1970 Dodge Charger

By all years 

  1. Chevrolet
  2. Mustang
  3. Ford
  4. C10
  5. DeLorean
  6. Dodge
  7. Corvette
  8. Cadillac
  9. Mercedes-Benz
  10. Camaro

17 COMMENTS

  1. I am in possession of a 1964 Chevelle Malibu SS convertible that I bought new in 1964. It has gone thru a gradual restoration and has been shown in many local car shows in the Phoenix area. I have had all sorts of “Guestamations” on the value of this car how can I obtain a fairly accurate estimated market value. I am not interested in selling at this time but for asset value and Insurance I would like to have an “in the ballpark” guestimate.

  2. The list of popular searches clearly remains Chevrolet, Ford, and Mopar cars. As an enthusiast, I’m beginning to wonder if muscle cars will follow the path of the dinosaurs with the rapid rise I e-cars both new and conversions.
    What will become of all those muscle cars when gasoline becomes as rare as they are?

  3. Awesome cars, gotta love em. I wonder how people are doing with $4.25 gallon gas. Well I suppose if you only drive them on weekends, you’re OK. $80+ fill ups can be awfully hard to justify for regular driving. Here in CA the cost to fill one of these babies is closer to $100 dollars. No wonder there’s a huge rush to buy ELECTRIC cars and trucks. I think I’ll save my money towards a new or slightly used electric pickup to pull my lightweight fifth wheel. These Classic muscle cars are totally cool, but I think they are becoming MUSEUM pieces now. TOO much money, TOO much garage time and TOO little driving enjoyment. SEE YOU AT THE MUSEUM.

    • Thats due to California infringement on the pursuit of happiness. I don’t make much, but its my happiness that I daily drive my 64 chevy. So what. These cars were ment to be driven. To give people a series of positive emotions. It’s a labor of love and hate relationships, but driving on the interstate or around town in unparalleled style, sticking out from a crowd of boring tesla and Toyota cars…its just a wonderful positive emotion like no other. And if it needs to be said, I really hate this state and it’s politics. So if iam biased on my opinion, so be it. There’s nothing that’s gonna change my mind about it. The ONLY thing California ever got right was the black and gold, gold and black license plates.

      • Then leave CA if you hate it so much. It’s overcrowded with people who live here but hate it. Go to TX, NV etc. Peace out.

  4. I have a 1973 Nova that I am working on . Has a big block 454. Turbo 400 Trans still requires work to it but looks good enough to drive turns lots of heads and get tons of thumbs up. Can’t wait to finish and enter into some shows. Thanks for invite

  5. Good to see the Nova getting some attention. It literally shares the exact subframe with the Camaro. Any upgrade that is available for the Camaro can be used on the Nova. I have a ’69 Nova that is going through a restoration now. Looking forward to having it on the road.

  6. This article put tears in my eyes, I has a 1969 Nova matched numbers 396, turbo 400 red with a black vinyl top, bought in nov.1974 $ all the time1,400.00. Finally had B.F Goodrich radial -TA’s 14 in. Front, 15’s rear, dealer prep CPO miss it all the time
    It was stolen oct. 16th. 1989, by a vindictive ex. Thanks for the article.

  7. I have been driving my 1970 Chevelle SS for
    41 years now, slightly modified 402 BB, Muncie
    4sd, it keeps me young, gotta love it!!

  8. I hv a few, like my 66 charger 67 Ford f100 pu,( 64 1/2)mustang,all original ( so far as I know of).. it’s at my good friends shop in belton texas..getn the brakes n headliner fixed.but;;;;;also hv 73 caprice 2 dr.,61 impala 4 Dr no post..pretty much original..what do u all say..can someone help me

  9. Isn’t the point of owning a muscle car is to waste gas and look good doing it..I drive a 69 Z/28. & I have zero problems with watching my gas gage drop ..it’s all part of owning a muscle car..if you’re worried about gas mileage get a prius 😆

  10. I purchased 68’ Chevelle Malibu Convertible 4yrs ago..it had to be resurrected w/ac aftermarket, paint job, manifold for 4bl carb, coil overs, fuel tank, etc. etc. I know it only has a 307ci but it loves its golden years down @the border in AZ. It’s a peppy cruiser with alot of style! Isn’t it nice when your auto fines a home

  11. A long time ago my husband drag raced my sister in laws boyfriend who had a blue 1972 chevelle.from the moment I laid eyes on that car I was in love .I’ve loved Chevelles ever since. Btw when my husband and his sisters boyfriend raced I believe my husband won and he was in a truck .but secretly I was hoping the other guy would win . I love any posts with Chevelles and follow as many as possible.unusal for a woman to be in love with a car but I am . Chevelle lover forever

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