It was late 2001 when we first came up with the idea of producing a series of 1965 Chevelles. Many factors came together to help us follow through with this decision including the numerous requests from fellow collectors, the fact that no other manufacturer had produced this model in 1/18th scale yet, and, equally important, our licensor actually making the suggestion that we build the car. We chose the Z16, specifically, because it was the first ever SS396. In reality, if we follow the early "muscle car" dictates of big block engine transplanted in an intermediate body shell, the Z16 was Chevrolet's first true entry in this genre. Another factor that weighed heavily in our decision was the ease with which other versions could be produced, including Malibus and El Caminos. Once the basic castings were completed, these other versions would be quite feasible. From concept stage, we progressed to the preliminary planning stage, preparing a master list that contained all of the parts and options that would be needed to accurately replicate the full scale 1965 SS Chevelle Z16.
A near perfect Z16 was used to gather a majority of the engineering information needed to begin this project. A crew consisting of a product designer, engineer/technician, and master pattern maker assembled to gather photos as well as dimensional, and historical data. Before the work was complete, approximately five hundred 35mm photos and seven hundred and fifty digital photos, along with approximately 5 hours of video footage were compiled. In addition, several thousand measurements were recorded. Special assistant to this project, Mr. Rich Cummings, gathered any missing data that could not be recorded from the Z16, but that would be unique to other eventual versions in the series.
The 1965 Chevelle was the second year of production and followed up an outstanding introductory year. When compared with its contemporaries, however, the 1965 Chevelle lacked something. That something was big block power. The aging but impressive W-engine (348/409) was being phased out, and was never really considered for Chevelle installations in the first place. That left the Chevelle to wait patiently, longer than expected in fact, for the new Mark IV big block to arrive. As in-house GM rivals Pontiac, Olds and Buick got off to an early lead in late 1964 and early 1965, Chevelle was left behind in the important performance and image realms, at least until the 396 found a hew home beneath its hood.
Many of the 1965 Chevelle SS Z16's got the handsome vinyl top treatment that was new to the line that year, but otherwise, exterior choices were limited to three colors: black, yellow and red. The rare nature of the cars even among Chevrolet dealerships meant that many of the cars were used as promotional vehicles with some even being given outright to race winners and TV stars to promote the image of the cars. The cars were meant to perform first and foremost, and perform they did.
