Chevrolet

The automobile marketplace was changing significantly during the early 1960s and featured increased competition in the smaller-sized car segments. The Big Three automakers (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler) were responding to the success of American Motors' compact Rambler American and Classic models that made AMC the leading maker of small cars for several years. The innovative Chevrolet Corvair and the Chevy II, which was designed to compete with Ford's Falcon, were losing ground. Ford released the mid-sized Fairlane in 1962, to which Chevrolet responded with the 1964 Chevelle. It was introduced in August 1963 and was positioned to fill the gap between the small Chevy II and the full-sized Chevrolet models.

The 1973 Chevelle marked the most extensive redesign in its 10-year history. Due to concerns over proposed Federal rollover standards, convertible and four-door hardtop models were discontinued, while the two-door hardtop was replaced by a pillared coupe named Colonnade Hardtop. This body style featured a semi-fastback roofline, frameless door glass and fixed, styled "B" pillars, structurally strong enough to contribute to occupant safety of a roll-over type accident. The 1977 models were the last to bear the Chevelle name; with the all-new 1978 models, Malibu became the basic name for Chevrolet's midsize cars.