The Chevelle received some minor appearance changes in 1965 including a new grill and new taillights. Chevrolet also made a couple of changes to the 1965 Chevelle model lineup. First, they split the “300” into a base version and a Deluxe model. The Deluxe was just an upgrade package. Second, and most importantly, they introduced the Z16 option and for the first time had a real competitor for the GTO, 4-4-2 and the Gran Sport.
The “300” was still the base model and continued to be popular but not as popular as the Malibu package. As with the 1964 Chevelle, the Malibu was the luxury model and the sporty model was the Malibu Super Sport. Interestingly, the Super Sport could be ordered with an inline six cylinder and in 1965, about 8,600 were ordered with the economical engine. This compared to zero six cylinder models in 1964. Both the “300” and the Malibu SS were fine cars and many, many collectors truly enjoy these classic Chevelles. However, the real news for 1965 was the Z16 option or Chevelle SS 396 as it was commonly known.
The Z16 was Chevrolet’s answer to the GTO and it was a powerful response. The 1965 Chevelle SS 396 was a limited run vehicle with a production run of just 201 automobiles. It was built on the stiffer convertible frame with special braces. The package also included dual exhausts with special manifolds, chrome engine components, a four speed transmission, upgraded shock absorbers, reinforced suspension components, larger 11” drum brakes and a 160 mph speedometer. This was the real deal and a true muscle car. Unfortunately, all these performance upgrades came at a stiff price. The Chevelle SS 327 cost about $2,800 while the big block model cost nearly $4,100. As a result, only 201 examples were produced for the public. Just as in 1965, today these first Chevelle muscle cars are rare and very expensive.
