True Connections

Last month we focused on the performance side of the 1965 Chevelle Z-16. Besides being a great performer the Z-16s were also known to be a luxury touring machine. The leaders of the Z-16 project wanted as many options as possible so that the new 396 big block would obtain as much press as possible. The Z-16 interiors were basically the same as the other 1965 SS Chevelles except that there were options everywhere you looked. The steering column was a tilt and had a simulated walnut wood steering wheel. The radio was an AM/FM with multi-plex which controlled volume, balance, fade, and tone. The multi-plex controlled a set of four speakers, a pair in the kick panels and a pair up on the rear deck. The instrument cluster of course had gauges, but also a high redline tachometer, a speedometer that registered up to 160mph, and a dash top clock so you can time your quarter mile runs or make sure your on-time for that black-tie ball. Besides the run of the mill options like bucket seats, console, and padded dash, Z-16s also usually had deluxe seatbelts front and rear, a swing out tissue dispenser mounted under the glove box, 4-way emergency flasher, parking brake indicator light, and power windows. Back in the day, these items created a good mix of luxury and performance. But the project leaders wanted the Z-16 to have a distinctive look, so they played with the exterior styling too. The biggest difference on the outside is the rear trim. Z-16s were assembled with the 300 model taillight lenses, which didn’t include the stainless trim on the lens. The Rear ‘C’ moldings were also from the 300s which were body color diecast, instead of polished aluminum moldings like the other model Chevelles. On the trunk lid, Z-16s have a single large die-cast molding with two smaller pieces continuing on under the taillights, which are chromed and detailed semi-flat black. There is also a special emblem on the right side of the trunk lid, proclaiming “Malibu SS 396”. On the side emblems, the Z-16s use the 396 crossflags on the front fenders just like 1966-1967 SS Chevelles. Instead of the “Malibu SS” on the quarters like other 1965 SS Chevelles, Z-16s have the same emblem on the fender between the front tire and the door. Since Z-16s were usually well optioned some of the other items on the outside could include door edge guards, front and rear bumper guards, and a remote mirror on the driver’s side. As for color choices, Z-16s were limited to Tuxedo Black exterior with white or black interior, Crocus Yellow exterior with black interior, or Regal Red with black or red interior. There was also the option of a vinyl top but it was only available in black. In 1965, the regular sticker price for a Super Sport Chevelle was approximately $2600 to $2700 dollars, but with all the Z-16 options it added another $1501.05 to the tag. Adjusted for inflation this would cost you $25579.73 today but the current going market for a pristine Z-16 is around $200,000 so most of use can only dream and drool. Next month we’re going to go over the latest craze in dash clusters, the LED style Dakota Digital gauges.