Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
How many 1970 Fathom Blue Chevelle convertibles were built with
white interiors, a 396 and 4-speed?
Answer:
All of Chevrolet's historical records were destroyed in the late
1980's. While there are known numbers of individual models in a
given year, a known number of interior colors/type for most years,
and a known number of individual options, there are no known records
of any combinations of them. One can calculate a statistical
distribution of any single item but, at best, it's still just a
statistical distribution.
For example, in 1970 there were 53,599 SS 396 Equipment (L34 and L78
engines) options sold under RPO Z25 while only three (3) series/body
styles could order the option; the 13637 Malibu sport coupe, 13667
Malibu convertible, and 13680 (Malibu) Custom El Camino. The total
production for those three series/body styles was
337,491 units
broken down as such:
V8 Sport Coupe - 289,622 units
V8 El Camino - 40,728 units
V8 Convertible - 7,141 units
Next, one can easily calculate the percentage of each series/body
style against the total (rounded off):
V8 Sport Coupe - 85.82%
V8 El Camino - 12.07%
V8 Convertible - 2.12%
Finally take the percentage of the series/body style times the total
Z15 options:
V8 Sport Coupe - 85.82% x 53,599 = 45,997
V8 El Camino - 12.07% x 53,599 = 6,468
V8 Convertible - 2.12% x 53,599 = 1,134
Now, if one wanted to take it a step further and separate the L34 from the L78, simply subtract the number of L78 engine options (2,144) from the total Z25 options (53,599) and you get 51,145 L34 engines. The L78 accounts for about 4% while the L34 accounts for about 96% of the Z25 engines. Then take the appropriate percentage of the engine times the number of series/body style units.
Taking the L78's 4% of, say, V8 convertibles statistically calculated to be optioned with Z25 (1,134) and you get 45/46 units. But, considering the L78 was only available for less than 3 months (about 1/3rd of the production year), you would then have to divide that 45/46 by 3. When you starting tossing in transmission type (M20/M21/M40) and/or ZL2 cowl induction systems available you can see how the numbers can get skewed very quickly. Then add a particular exterior color and interior color/seat type...well, you get the picture.
So the next time someone claims to have 1 of (some number), pass on the conversation.
Chevelle Facts Guide 1964-1972
