1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Z16 396 TurboJet M20 4 Speed Iconic Rare Big Block

The Chevelle Z16 is often credited as the genesis of the big block era of muscle cars. But this wasn't simply an exercise in squeezing a large engine into a small car. Chevrolet engineered fully boxed frame rails and borrowed the suspension and brakes from its full sized models to handle the big block power, while it spec'd the vaunted Muncie M20 four speed to deliver it.

Produced only in the Kansas City plant, the Z16 production run was short lived, with only 201 being produced. Buyers had three color choices and few options to choose from. Paint colors were Yellow, Black or Red, with black, white or red interior and a black vinyl top option. This Z16, one of only 74 known to exist, was originally delivered in red with red interior, with its color changed to black during restoration, while the red interior was retained. Specific options include a tachometer mounted for easy visibility on the padded dash top, center console, special wheel covers and subtle badging. Underneath the sheet metal, it was all business and this car includes its numbers matching engine and transmission, and has received a recent full restoration to factory specifications, driven only 28 miles since completion.