Note the broadside crash & the attributes of the 5 mph bumper. Its roof was improved for greater body rigidity and rollover protection (in anticipation of a new federal standard that never became law), and it had the industry’s first 5 m.p.h.
The 1973 Chevelle was among the safest cars built to that time. Even its top-line 454 produced a rather anemic (by today’s standards) 245 horsepower.Ĩ. The 1973 Chevelle did not, however, make impressive amounts of power.
#MOTHER GOOSE CLUB DRIVING IN MY CAR DRIVER#
A Car and Driver magazine review at the time said the Chevelle handled so well, it went down the road “as if guided by an unseen hand.”ħ. DeLorean had insisted upon significant upgrades before he departed. Even without the SS handling improvements, the ’73 Chevelle was one of the best-handling Chevrolet cars of its age. DeLorean had direct involvement in developing. The 1973 Chevelle was the last car John Z.
#MOTHER GOOSE CLUB DRIVING IN MY CAR MOVIE#
If the movie Chevelle had the SS package, it would have meant a reinforced chassis, beefier springs and shock absorbers, better brakes and special wheels and tires.ĥ. The Super Sport, or SS, package first offered in 1961 was last offered in 1973. The Chevelle nameplate would be phased out in 1977 – and replaced by the new Malibu model designation, which continues to this day.Ĥ. The 1973 model was the first year of the much-improved third (and last) generation Chevelle. If it came with options such as a 454-cubic-inch V8, a 4-speed transmission and a Super Sport package, it had an MSRP of a $3,202.ģ. The Laguna Colonnade Coupe was a new trim pack for 1973 – and it was top of the line. Besides, the movie car looks (to me) more like the similar Chevelle Laguna Colonnade Hardtop Coupe.Ģ. Malibu was a Chevelle trim line that year, not a model. The movie car is often identified as a “Malibu”. Gosling’s “Driver” wheeled around the mean streets of L.A.:ġ. Here are some things worth knowing about the ’73 Chevelle in general, and the one Mr. Looking at what was to come in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, it might have been Chevrolet’s Last Best Car. General Motors generally considered its cars from 1973-1977 to be an “all right” car that arrived at the wrong time. It wasn’t particularly powerful, but neither was it fuel-efficient. It missed the Muscle Car era, and arrived just in time for a fuel crisis, 55 m.p.h. What makes a 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle special, in the automotive world? It’s not one of Chevrolet’s landmark models. But, looking at it from the perspective of today, it was probably consistent with a hard economic choice that a car-savvy protagonist with a mysterious and troubled past might have to make.
It’s hard to pin down anybody connected with the movie “ Drive” exactly why a 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle was chosen for Ryan Gosling’s ride.
Doesn't this look like the hero's ride in the movie Drive? Actually it's a 1973 Chevrolet press photo, touting the new Chevelle Laguna Colonnade Hardtop Coupe.