Chevelle Z16

1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16

Offered by Mecum | Dallas, Texas | September 7, 2013

1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16

The Chevrolet Chevelle was introduced in 1964 to go head-to-head with Ford’s Fairlane. But the muscle car era inadvertently got in the way and the Chevelle became on of the most sought-after muscle cars of the era and the Fairlane disappeared into history.

While Pontiac and Oldsmobile had muscle car offerings in 1964, Chevrolet was sort of left behind. But they changed that in 1965 when they took the Chevelle and added $1,501 worth of goodies to it and called it the “Z16” (it was an optional performance package). What did that package include? How about the Corvette’s 396/425 V-8 (that’s 6.5 liters for those of you playing at home). But because the Corvette was the revered “top dog” – they had to under rate the Chevelle’s horsepower to 375.

They also gave it bigger brakes, an upgraded suspension, and better steering. It was basically an SS 396 on steroids. Chevy only built 201 of them and this is one of three factory black/black cars. The value of these cars has definitely been on the rise – you’re looking at about $150,000 for this car. Check out more info here and more from Mecum here.

Update: Sold $200,000.

’62 Big Brake Fuelie Tanker Vette

1962 Chevrolet Corvette Big Brake Fuelie Tanker

Offered by Mecum Auctions | Kissimmee, Florida | January 25, 2013

1962 Chevrolet Corvette Big Brake Fuelie Tanker

1962 was the final year for the C1 Corvette, even though it really doesn’t resemble the 1953 launch model. The design had changed, but the underlying bits were all the same (solid axle and 102″ wheelbase). For 1962 there were four all-new engine combinations. This one has the top-of-the-line fuel-injected 5.4-liter V8 (327) making 360 horsepower. It was the only “Fuelie” Corvette engine available in 1962.

But that’s just where this special car starts – as you could probably tell from all of the superlatives attached to the name above. This car also received special order large wheels and heavy duty brakes and suspension. Furthermore, it has the very rare 24-gallon fuel tank. Only 65 cars were ordered with the fuel tank option in total, much less everything else it has on it. Tuxedo black with a red interior, this car might not be one-of-a-kind, but its darned close.

It’s a multiple award winner. Only 1,918 of 14,531 1962 Corvettes had fuel-injection. Only 561 had the 15×5.5-inch wheels. Just 246 are big brake cars. It’s a rare car and an excellent example at that. It isn’t going to be cheap. Check out more about it here and more from Mecum in Florida here.

Update: Sold $242,000.

’68 Z28

1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Offered by Mecum | Kansas City, Missouri | December 3, 2012

This matching numbers Z28 is one of 7,199 sold in 1968, the second year for Camaro production. This car sports a fresh restoration and the 4.9 liter V8 down rated to 290 horsepower (it was actually more like 350).

This is a one-owner car in attractive Grotto Blue. F-Body Camaros are the best-looking and most desirable and this Z28 has its original interior, original body panels and other original parts under the hood. Other than a respray, I’m wondering what is meant by “Ground-Up Restoration” when everything else is listed as original. In any case, it’s a great looking car.

No pre-sale estimate was given, but based on Z28 results from the past few years (not taking into consideration condition, originality, etc.), I’d estimate this somewhere between $55,000-$70,000.

You can find out more about this car here and more about Mecum’s Kansas City auction here.

Update: Not sold, high bid of $65,000.