El Camino
If you really want a '64-72 Chevelle and need a 33-percent discount in order to afford one, consider an El Camino. Essentially the same from the B-pillar forward, Elcos usually sell for two-thirds the price of a Chevelle in similar condition. Straight, running, and driving samples can be had for $3,000, and partially restored cars sell for $5,000-$6,000. If you're willing to spend $8,000-$10,000, you can step up to a mint driver that needs nothing more than a fresh coat of wax. Be sure to check out ElCaminoCentral.com for all things Elco related.
B-Body
While Camaros, Chevelles, and Novas are the most popular cars among the Bow Tie faithful, the B-body line (Impala, Biscayne, and Bel Air) was Chevy's bestselling vehicle line throughout the muscle-car era and up until the late '70s. That means there's a lot of inventory and deals to be had. Like any subcategory of old-school iron, there are plenty of overpriced apples, but $5,000 is plenty to land a straight, rust-free driver. We've even seen quality hardtops in running and driving condition sell for as little as $1,500.
Due to parts availability and overall styling, '65-72 models are the most desirable. For their day, the Impala was produced in the greatest numbers and is therefore are the easiest to find on today's market. Bel Airs and Biscaynes were positioned lower on Chevy's luxury totem pole and were produced in smaller volumes.
For those who dig big tanks but can't necessarily afford a Chevelle, the B-body is an appealing alternative. Like the A-body, it's suspended by coil springs at each corner, can seat an entire baseball team, and begs for big-block power. They're no lightweights at 3,800 pounds but aren't much heavier than a Chevelle and are rather trim in comparison to cars like the 4,200-pound late-model Dodge Challenger. Stop by ImpalaForums.com for more B-body info.
Vega
Very much a precursor to the import tuning craze, the Chevy '71-77 Vega is the car that practically invented sport compact hot rodding. Designed to take on the Japanese fuel-sippers of the time, the Vega weighed in at about 2,200 pounds. With its rear-drive layout it can accommodate both small-blocks and big-blocks, and tweaking them for speed is a no-brainer. They were offered with SOHC or DOHC four-cylinder turds from the factory, but that's irrelevant to anyone looking to a project car.
Relatively low production numbers and high popularity with drag racers yield some ghastly asking prices on occasion, but plenty of straight and rust-free Vegas are out there for less than $3,000. The Vega's Chevy H-body platform mate, the '75-80 Monza, was similar to its brother and was even offered with V-8s from the factory. Monzas are heavier and typically sell for a couple thousand dollars more. Intrigued? Then log onto H-Body Organization (h-body.org).