After years of research, some light is finally being shed on
the mysteries of Chevrolet A-body production totals. Daniel Carr has designed a
new print showing detailed production tables for all Chevelle models including
2-door sedans, 2-door coupes, 2-door convertibles, 4-door sedans, station
wagons, and sedan pickups. Included are detailed production totals for the
Chevelle’s cousin - the Monte Carlo, as well as the El Camino’s cousin - the
GMC Sprint. Data on US-built and Canadian-built cars is also presented.
The print also shows images of 25 selected vehicles in vivid
color. Anyone who appreciates these cars will find it to be a very impressive
"work of art" for display in any office, den, or garage. It is
printed on heavy 80# paper stock, and has the look and feel of fine art prints.
At 42 by 32 inches, it is very large. The large size was necessary for
displaying all the relevant information. A person could literally spend hours
pouring over all the details presented.
Every piece of available information was utilized to compile
the data, including model totals, option totals, and engine totals. Production
totals are given for every model and engine combination. And on big blocks, the
production totals are even broken down by manual and automatic transmissions
for every model. Where there is missing data, the holes have been filled in
using statistical techniques (interpolation) to generate unbiased estimates.
The data charts are color coded, so it is obvious which totals are estimates,
and which totals are derived directly from Chevrolet reports.
The often-asked questions, such as "how many 1969
Chevelle SS-396 4-speed convertibles did they build", have finally been
answered with some degree of confidence. It is interesting to see that many
well-known models may not be quite as rare as previously thought, while many
lesser-known varieties are indeed very unusual.
The 25 vehicles pictured on the print cover a wide variety
of models, including many of the rarest and most desirable versions.
1968 Chevelle SS-396 2-door convertible, 396, Matador Red /
white top
1968 Malibu 2-door coupe, 327, Ivory Gold
1968 El Camino SS-396 2-door sedan pickup, 396, Tuxedo Black
/ red stripes
1968 Chevelle SS-396 2-door coupe, L89 396, aluminum heads,
Matador Red / white stripes
1968 Concours 4-door station wagon, L79 327, Grecian Green /
woodgrain
1969 El Camino Custom 2-door sedan pickup, 350, Fathom Green
1969 Chevelle SS-396 2-door post sedan, L89 396, aluminum
heads, Lemans Blue / white stripes
1969 Malibu SS-396 2-door convertible, 396, Monaco Orange /
white top
1969 Malibu Concours 4-door sport sedan, 350, Concours trim,
Lemans Blue / white top
1969 Yenko Malibu 2-door coupe, COPO L72 427, Dover White /
black stripes
1970 Monte Carlo 2-door coupe, LF6 400, Cortez Silver / black
top
1970 Malibu SS-454 2-door convertible, LS6 454, Cowl
Induction, Tuxedo Black / white stripes / black top
1970 Malibu SS-396 2-door coupe, L78 396, Green Mist
1970 El Camino SS-454 2-door sedan pickup, LS5 454, Cowl
Induction, Tuxedo Black / black top
1970 Malibu SS-454 2-door coupe, LS5 454, Cowl Induction,
Classic White / black stripes & top
1971 GMC Sprint SP-454 2-door sedan pickup, LS5 454, Cowl
Induction, Nevada Silver / black stripes
1971 Monte Carlo 2-door coupe, LS3 400, M20 4-speed, Burnt
Orange / white top
1971 Malibu SS-454 2-door coupe, LS5 454, Classic Copper /
black stripes
1971 Concours 4-door station wagon, 350, Placer Gold
1971 Monte Carlo SS-454 2-door coupe, LS5 454, Cranberry red
/ black top
1972 Chevelle Heavy Chevy 2-door coupe, LS3 402, Heavy
Chevy, Orange Flame / black stripes
1972 Malibu 2-door convertible, 350, Mulsanne Blue / black
top
1972 Monte Carlo 2-door coupe, L48 350, fender skirts, Cream
yellow / white top
1972 El Camino SS-454 2-door sedan pickup, LS5 454, Cowl
Induction, Mulsanne Blue / white stripes & top
1972 Malibu SS-454 2-door convertible, LS5 454, Cowl
Induction, Sequoia Green / white stripes & top
1968-1972
Chevrolet A-Body Production Totals - Author’s Notes
A few years after becoming the owner of a pair of SS El
Caminos and a GMC Sprint, I became interested in the production totals for
these cars. I soon discovered that Chevrolet did not compile complete
production records. There was some data available, but it was limited to three basic types:
1. Model totals. This showed the production totals for each
of the different models;
2. RPO totals. At the end of each model year, Chevrolet
would compile reports that showed how many of each Regular Production Option
(RPO) were installed on the mid-size A-body assembly lines;
3. Tonawanda totals. The Tonawanda engine plant is where all
the big-block motors were manufactured. These records show how many such motors
were built for each model year. The number of motors built was usually more
than the number of cars built (by about 2% to 20%) because some extra engines
were normally built for service replacements. These totals were broken down by
transmission type (automatic or manual), so they can be used to generate
accurate estimates of the number of big-block cars with automatics and manuals.
Separate totals were also recorded for the 2-speed automatic cars in 1968, as
well as the heavy duty 3-speed manual cars in 1971-72.
This may sound fairly complete, but it does not answer the type
of question that is frequently asked, such as: "How many 1970 SS-396
Chevelle coupes were built ?". The answer to this and other similar
questions will probably never be known for certain. The reason is that in any
given year (after 1968) there is no way to know how many of the SS options were
applied to coupes, how many were applied to convertibles, and how many were
applied to El Caminos. All that is known is the total number of SS options (on
all models) for the year. This same situation exists when trying to determine
how many of a certain model were built with the various engine/transmission
types.
I have seen some rather low production totals being touted
for certain cars. The 1970 LS6 convertible and LS6 El Camino come to mind.
Suspiciously, the quoted numbers also seem to be getting smaller and smaller
over time. I have seen claims of 20 LS6 convertibles and 25 LS6 El Caminos. I
found this low total for the LS6 El Camino especially hard to believe since
there were no less than three genuine examples running around my small home
town in the 1980s. I began some extensive research to see if there was any
basis in fact for the quoted numbers. I found none. What is known is that there
were 4,475 US-built 1970 LS6 vehicles (this does not include an unknown
quantity of Canadian-built LS6 coupes that were imported into the US).
There is no way to know how many of the 4,475 LS6 vehicles
were coupes, how many were convertibles, and how many were El Caminos. If there
really were only 20 LS6 convertibles and 25 LS6 El Caminos, then there would
have to be 4,430 LS6 coupes. If those numbers are to be believed, it would mean
that only about one half of one percent of all LS6 vehicles were convertibles
and El Caminos. And yet, if one looks at the total number of US-built cars for
the 1970 model year that could have been ordered with an LS6, the percentages
are vastly different than that. There were 289,622 1970 V8 Malibu coupes, 7,141
1970 V8 Malibu convertibles, and 40,728 1970 V8 Custom El Caminos, yielding a grand
total of 337,491 US-built vehicles that could have been ordered with an LS6.
This grand total breaks down as 85.8% coupes, 2.1% convertibles, and 12.1% El
Caminos. To come up with a statistically-based estimate of the LS6 convertible
and El Camino totals, these model percentages can be applied to the 4,475 LS6
total. This yields estimated US totals of 3,840 LS6 coupes, 95 LS6
convertibles, and 540 LS6 El Caminos. (Note that the LS6 coupe total shown on
the print includes an estimated number of Canadian-built LS6 coupes imported
into the US. No 1970 convertibles or El Caminos were built in Canada).
This estimation technique can be visualized in the following
manner. Take 289,622 red marbles (coupes), 7,141 green marbles (convertibles),
and 40,728 blue marbles (El Caminos) and throw them all in a bin. Stir them up
randomly. Now blindly pull out 4,475 (LS6) marbles. Statistically, you would
expect 3,840 of those to be red (coupes), 95 to be green (convertibles), and
540 to be blue (El Caminos). Of course, this technique is not infallible, but
it is unbiased. Unless Chevrolet discovers and releases some new data (which
becomes less and less likely with each passing day), these estimates are the
best that can be obtained. A quantity of 540 may sound like a lot of LS6 El
Caminos, but that is still a low production total for any type of car. When you
consider the high attrition rate for these vehicles, it is easy to understand
why very few are seen today.
Could Chevrolet have sold 540 LS6 El Caminos ? Would anyone
want a high-performance car/truck hybrid ? The data from 1968 can be used to
help answer this question. In 1968, the SS-396 coupe, SS-396 convertible, and
SS-396 El Camino were separate models, unlike later years where the SS was
simply an option package. This means that the exact production totals for the
different 1968 SS-396 models are known. Records show the 1968 SS-396 totals
were comprised of 55,309 coupes, 2,286 convertibles, and 5,190 El Caminos. This
equates to 88.1% coupes, 3.6% convertibles, and 8.3% El Caminos. This shows
that the SS El Camino was probably a significant component of the SS total for
any given year.
This type of statistical interpolation technique is the
basis for the totals on this print. When available, data that can be taken or
derived directly from Chevrolet reports is used (and shown in shades of green
or blue). Where necessary, the statistical interpolation method is used to fill
in the missing data (which is shown in shades of yellow or red).
I decided to include the Monte Carlos in this project since
they have a lot in common with the Chevelle, and because Chevrolet included the
Monte Carlo RPO totals with the Chevelle. When it came to GMC Sprint totals, it
seemed that practically no data at all was available. But after studying the
1971 and 1972 Chevrolet RPO reports, it became clear that these totals also
included options installed on GMC Sprints. They were probably included because
the GMC Sprint was built on the same assembly lines that built El Caminos,
Chevelles, and Monte Carlos. An example of the type of research that went into
this print can be seen in the GMC Sprint SP totals. The GMC Sprint SP was
similar to the El Camino SS, and any production totals on them would be of
great interest. The available RPO reports did not list the GMC Sprint
"SP" option (YE7). However, it was still possible to derive exactly
how many 1971 and 1972 GMC Sprint SPs were built. The 1971 report, for example,
shows that there were 19,542 vehicles built with RPO PM7 (white letter tires).
From researching build sheets, it was apparent that PM7 came on every 1971
Chevelle SS, El Camino SS, and GMC Sprint SP (but not on any Monte Carlos or on
any other cars). The 1971 report also shows that there were 19,293 Chevelles
and El Caminos built with the RPO Z15 SS package (the Monte Carlo had a
different RPO Z20 SS package). Since the only way to get PM7 on a car was to
order it with Z15 or YE7, the YE7 total must be the difference between 19,542
and 19,293. This yields a total of exactly 249 1971 GMC Sprint SPs. The same
procedure was repeated to derive a total of 749 1972 GMC Sprint SPs.
The yearly tables show all the totals broken down by model
and major appearance package (such as SS, Concours, and Heavy Chevy) and by
certain performance options (Cowl Induction). Each row of each table is for a
different model or major appearance package/option. The columns show the totals
broken down by each available engine (and transmission type). The production
totals are shown in a spread-sheet fashion. I thought about breaking them down
by additional options, but decided not to for two reasons. First, it becomes
more and more inaccurate and meaningless to make further breakdowns. No matter
how common a car is, you could make it sound rare by applying too many
percentages. Second, the tables were already fairly complex and adding more
would make them harder to read. I would have liked to show how many cars came
in each color, but since the paint color was not technically an extra-cost RPO,
but rather a free choice, the RPO reports do not show totals for the various
paint colors. Chevrolet has never released any data on paint color totals for
these cars.
Another great challenge in producing this print was to
determine what was, and what was not, actually built. Various Chevrolet
documents often contained conflicting information. For example, the 1972
Chevelle sales brochure implies that the 1972 SS package could be ordered with
any V8, including a 307. However, the mid-year 1972 options price list
indicates that only a 350 or larger V8 engine was available with the SS
package. Needless to say, for the estimating technique to be effective, it is
important to know exactly what was built. In cases where there is conflicting
information, sales brochures carry the least weight since they were usually
produced early, before production of the cars actually began.
In most years, the RPO reports show the totals for all cars
that were built and/or sold in the US. So, just like the RPO reports, the
yearly tables on the print show totals for all cars built and/or sold in the
US. There was a problem with the 1970 data, however. It appears that for 1970
only, the RPO totals report did not include Canadian-built cars imported into
the US. An extrapolation technique was used to estimate the relatively small
1970 Canadian import totals, and those additional totals are included in the
1970 table. The print shows what is known about Canadian Chevelle production.
The total number of each model built in Canada and imported into the US is
known. Beyond that, however, it is not possible to get a complete picture of
what exactly was produced in Canada and where that production was distributed.
After researching all the data at length, I determined that
it was time to compile everything in tables and put it on paper. For commercial
distribution, an art print showing pictures of a variety of different models
along with the tables seemed like a attractive way to accomplish that goal.
This document is the result of that effort.
The photographs provided yet another challenge. I wanted the
images to have a photographic, but illustration-like look to them. The images
have all been retouched using digital image processing software. Typical
retouching involved removing stray reflections, removing distracting objects in
the foreground and background, repairing film flaws, and color enhancement.
My ultimate goal was to shed some light on the mysteries of
Chevelle production. It is intriguing to see that some cars normally thought of
as rare are actually more common than thought, while many other lesser-known
varieties are indeed quite unusual.
- Daniel Carr
1968-1972
Chevrolet A-Body Production Totals - ERRATA
1970:
The Muncie M20 4-speed and L78 396 combination has been
verified.
The Muncie M21 4-speed was available with the LS5 454 (El
Camino and probably Chevelle).
The VIN prefix listed for the 1970 SS-454 Convertible (with
Cowl Induction) should be "13667", not "13637".
Recent data from GM of Canada indicate that, most likely, no
1970 LS6 coupes were built there. The poster suggests that as many as 288 LS6
coupes were imported from Canada. The poster totals for all 1970 LS6 coupes
should be decreased by 7%, and the totals for all other (non-LS6) 1970 V8
coupes should be increased by 0.1% (negligible).
1972:
Some or all of the M20 4-speeds used with the L48 4-bbl 350
may have been the iron-case Saginaw, not the aluminum case Muncie.
RPO F41:
Records show that there were 24,946 1972 RPO Z15
"SS" options and 19,595 1972 RPO F41 "heavy duty
suspension" options. All indications are that F41 was a standard part of
the SS package on Chevelle (from 1970-1972), but it was not available on any El
Camino or Monte Carlo. The F41 option was apparently available (from 1970-1972)
on any 2-door or 4-door V8 Chevelle coupe, convertible, or sedan (very few
non-SS Chevelles came with F41, and if any were built they may have been for
police/taxi applications).
If true, then there must have been at least 5,351 1972 SS El
Caminos (24,946 - 19,595 = 5,351).
The print shows 4,780. So the 1972 SS El Camino totals
should be increased by about 571 units, or 12.0% across the board. This will
affect some of the other estimates. The non-SS Custom El Camino totals should
be reduced by approximately 571 units, or about 1.3%. The SS coupe totals
should be reduced by approximately 571 units, or about 3.0%. The non-SS Malibu
coupe totals should be increased by approximately 571 units, or about 0.3%.
Drawing the same conclusions for 1970 and 1971 shows that
there were at least 6,321 1970 SS El Caminos and at least 2,862 1971 SS El
Caminos. The totals shown on the print for 1970 and 1971 are appropriate, based
upon this information. The 1971 F41 production total was 16,431 units and
for 1970 the F41 production total was 56,051 units.
For the 1969 model year, the F41 suspension was not a
standard part of the SS package, even on Chevelles. Records show that for 1969,
F41 was available on ANY vehicle in the Chevelle line, including wagons and El
Caminos. So, the 1969 F41 total can not be used as a guide in determining how
many 1969 SS El Caminos were built. The 1969 F41 total was only 722 units, only
a small fraction of the total number of 1969 SS coupes built. F41 was not
available prior to the 1969 model year.
Typographical
Errors
1968:
The total shown for the L79 327 Malibu Sport 2-door coupe
(without RPO ZK7) is "2213". It should be "2,213".
Additional
Data
Venezuela Production:
This table shows the number of Chevelles built each calendar
year at the GM Caracas, Venezuela plant. The exact body styles and model year
production totals are not known. No Monte Carlos were built there during
1968-1972.
Calendar year:
|
1968
|
1969
|
1970
|
1971
|
1972
|
Chevelle grand totals:
|
1,656
|
2,291
|
3,527
|
3,393
|
2,746
|
South Africa Production:
This table shows the number of Chevelles & Beaumonts
built at the GM Port Elizabeth, South Africa plant. The exact body styles are
not known. All were built during January to March, 1968. According to available
records, no Chevrolet A-bodies were built there after March, 1968. It is not
known how many (or if any) of these were Chevelles and how many (or if any)
were Beaumonts.
Calendar year:
|
1968
|
1969
|
1970
|
1971
|
1972
|
Chevelle grand totals:
|
363
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1968-1972
Chevrolet A-Body Production Totals - What the "Critics" Are Saying
•Chuck Hanson – past President, American Chevelle
Enthusiast’s Society (ACES):
"Man! What a beautiful job! Thanks so much for donating
them as door prizes at this year's Chevell-abration. Any Chevelle lover worth
his Bowtie emblems will surely love to have your poster adorning their den,
study, or shop (or maybe even all three!)"
•Al McKenzie - Creator/Administrator, Team Chevelle web
site:
"I just got my print today and have to tell you that
this is absolutely stunning FIRST CLASS work! I just can't say enough. When you
actually see one you will know what I mean. At 42" wide that's an
impressive layout of Chevelle information and pictures."
•Mark Meekins - President, National Chevelle Owner’s
Association (NCOA):
"Visually spectacular and very informative."
•Kevin Wiles - President, First Generation Monte Carlo Club
(FGMCC):
"I hang it on my wall with pride. Very attractive and
very useful !"
•Alan Colvin - Author, "Chevrolet by the Numbers":
"It is obvious that it took a lot of time and effort to
do this. You should be proud of the way it turned out. You have shown great
skill in deriving production totals."
•Monty Montgomery - Automotive Author (various
books/articles):
"Looks great and has a lot of useful information."
•Von Cassidy:
"Just received mine yesterday and it's beautiful.
Excellent job! Promptly shipped and well protected too."
•Jim Endrud:
"Very very nice work!"
•Nick Lewis:
"It is even better than I expected. You have done a
great job. ... You are to be commended."
•Wes Colby:
"GOOD WORK DAN!! WOW! That poster is just
fantastic...had mine delivered an hour ago and have to say that EVERY member of
Team Chevelle deserves to have this hanging in their office or garage - IT IS
THAT NICE!"
•Dean Ciampi:
"Received mine today and it is FANTASTIC!!!"
•Charles Biele:
"Great job Dan!!"
•Dean Call:
"Excellent job Dan !"
•Tony Gray:
"Got the print in the mail yesterday. Fine job. Damn
fine job. Pat yourself on the back fella. Superb photography. I see that you
really cleaned them up with your program. They look better than GM
brochures!"
•Chuck Nixon:
"Just got my Dan Carr 68-72 production totals poster
today an it is terrific. Thanks a bushel Dan!"
•Andy Paproski:
"Awesome Job. It really has to be seen to appreciate
[fully]".