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Chevrolet Constantia

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Chevrolet Constantia AQ Series

The Chevrolet Constantia is an automobile which was marketed by Chevrolet in South Africa from 1969 to 1978.

First series

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The first series Chevrolet Constantia was based on the Australian Holden Brougham (pictured)

The first series Chevrolet Constantia went on sale in May 1969, along with the lower priced Kommando.[1] It was based on the Australian Holden Brougham four-door sedan, but featured a unique frontal treatment. The styling changes were undertaken in General Motors' Port Elizabeth studios in South Africa [2] and the model was locally produced.[3] The Constantia was offered with a 4.1 litre six and a 5.0 litre V8.[4] 843 were sold in 1969 followed by 750 in 1970 and 800 in 1971.[5]

AQ series

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Chevrolet Constantia AQ Series rear view

The AQ series Constantia was introduced in 1972 and was based on another Australian design, the Statesman HQ.[6] Again, frontal styling was different from the Australian model, this time featuring a unique grille based on the 1970 Chevrolet Malibu.[2] The restyling work was a joint effort undertaken in Australia.[2] The AQ Series Constantia was offered with a 4.1-litre six and a 5.0-litre V8.[4] Wheel covers came from the 1971-72 North American Chevelle Malibu.

AJ series

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The revised AJ series Constantia was marketed in South Africa from 1975 to 1978.[6] It was offered as a four-door sedan, based on the Statesman HJ[6] and as a five-door wagon, [6] based on the Holden HJ wagon. The AJ Series was offered with a 4.1-litre six and a 5.0-litre V8.[4] A more luxurious version was sold as the Chevrolet Caprice Classic.

Sales

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These are the South African official sales numbers.[6]

Year 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978
1st series 843 750 800 ?
AQ ? 1919 1167 ?
AJ ? 1149 690 173
Caprice Classic 135 306 197 222

References

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  1. ^ Emslie, Robin, ed. (September 1969). "Trends". Motoring Mirror. Vol. 7, no. 5. Cape Town, South Africa: Motorpress. p. 17.
  2. ^ a b c Out of Africa, Australian Muscle Car, Issue 33, pages 82-87
  3. ^ Chevrolet Constantia, The Observers Book of Automobiles, Sixteen Edition, 1970, page 40
  4. ^ a b c "General Motors - Chevrolet in South Africa 1962 - 1979 Timeline". Moby's Site. Archived from the original on 2010-12-30.
  5. ^ Hamilton, Douglas (January–February 2006). "1970 Holden HT Brougham". Restored Cars (174). Newstead, Victoria, Australia: 26–28.
  6. ^ a b c d e "When is a Holden not a Holden?". Restored Cars (191). Newstead, Victoria, Australia: 32–35. November–December 2008.
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