Published on September 18th, 2013 | by BajaBusta
11981 Chevrolet Chevette Manufacturer Promo
Then there was the Chevette. Chevrolet’s small rear-drive Chevette greeted 1981 and Ford’s new Escort with new electronic carburetor control and power steering as a first time option (with air conditioning and automatic). The four door hatch sedan started at $5395. This highly successful econo car would remain on the horizon for another half decade, so the people who make marketing plans decided to equip it with an optional diesel powerplant. This engine was built by Isuzu and displaced 1.8 liters. For the initial production run, the diesel would be available only with a 3-speed automatic transmission. Even so, early test drives indicated that the little clatter maker was particularly suited for the Chevette. This option was not available until shortly after the beginning of 1981
I remember when I first saw a Chevy Chevette. I was about eight yrs old at the time. I found the car hideous to look at. At the time, I couldn’t for the life of me understand why anyone would want to buy a Chevette. 35 yrs on, I still don’t find it very attractive, but it’s not hideous like what’s being sold today to people.