A guy in this area has been talking about trading his car to me. He says it's a '65 Chevelle 396 ci 375 hp 4 speed. He claims this is an original car. If it is an original car, that would make it a z15, would it not? Could someone give me codes, numbers or some other ways to authenticate this car? I'd hate to take a couterfeit with the idea that it was a z15. Thanks.

The 396 cars were Z-16 models. I'm far from an authority on them, but... look for the 3 basic colors, Red, Yellow, or Black, and several came with black vinyl tops, although not mandatory. It HAD to have 160 mph. speedo, 6500 rpm tach and gauges, front AND rear sway bars, power brakes, AM/FM radio with Multiplexor unit. One sign for sure is the taillights. The trim on them, doesn't wrap completely up and around the housing like on other '65 models . About 1/2 way up, it takes a 90 degree turn, and runs right into the side of the taillamp. They are different than any ones you have ever seen. The brakes are different also, the rear has bigger brakes along with the fronts. They used Impala ones, and were 11" diameter, compared to 9.5" for a stock Chevelles. That isn't even considering the codes aspect of it. Look for these things, and take down the engine #'s, the block casting #'s, the intake, and carb #'s. If he is serious about trading, he shouldn't mind you authenticating it a little. If he does, then you know something is a little fishy. With only 201 of them ever made, they are very rare, so it may be an attempt at a fake.

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1972 Malibu (1 st. car) Project waiting to happen
Team Chevelle # 427
A.C.E.S. # 1282

[This message has been edited by Doug Garland (edited 08-16-2000).]

Go here - http://hem.passagen.se/carlzon/chevelle/codepage/index.htm

You really ought to have a Chevelle guru with you when you look at it. Only problem is then the owner will know its worth something. Or the guru will bid against you.

I'm sure that there are Z16 owners that don't know what they have. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif Just like all the Yenko owners that don't know what they have. LOL Oh, probably a bunch of Berger & Baldwin owners also that are mystified. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/rolleyes.gif
Rick
'66 Yenko
'68 SS 427

Lets say, by some far off stroke of luck that this car is real. And most likely its probably not original, being that Z16s are some of the most collectable musclecars on the plannet. But if it is real than your car better be a Ferrari or LS6 convert or even a Mopar Hemi convert or something otherwise hes loosing out big time. His loss is your gain.

Chris R.

Z16s had convertible frames too, that should be a dead giveaway.

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Dave (NY)
70 chevelle ss396 conv
66 chevelle ss396 hdp/conv
55 chevy prostreet
69/71 camaros
TC member #493

Butch, There is a guy in Red Lion, Pa by the name of Doug Yoder who could help authenticate it for you. I don't know where you are in relation to him and I don't have his phone #, but I'm sure someone here can give it to you. Hope this helps.

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Leo Paugh
Maryland Chevelle Club #017
The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of the low price is forgotten.

MarylandChevelleClub (http://www.clark.net/pub/chevelle/mcc.htm)

Tell me what the radio looks like, and I'll tell you if it's a Z-16 http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

What cam is in it? The Z16 was the only 396/375 built with a hyd. cam. There is a good article on the Z16 in the Year One Chevelle parts catolog.