Chevrolet Cavalier

The sporty Z24 model remained the top-selling Chevrolet Cavalier for 1986.

The 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier featured two sportier series to complement the V-6 engine introduced in 1985. The pair was topped by the Z24, offered in two-door coupe or three-door hatchback body styles.

For those on a tighter budget, the RS series replaced the previous year's Type 10 and was available in all body styles -- coupe, hatchback, sedan, convertible, and even the wagon.

RS models added black and red exterior trim, wider 13-inch tires, sport suspension, power steering, and a cockpit-styled instrument panel. Standard engine remained the 85-horsepower 2.0-liter four, mated to either a four- or five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.

The performance-oriented Z24 brought blackout exterior treatment, F-41 sport suspension, 14-inch tires on aluminum wheels, and, most importantly, the 120-horsepower 2.8-liter V-6 -- which was optional on lesser Cavaliers. The V-6 could only be mated to the four-speed manual or three-speed automatic.

Z24's were priced more than $2,000 above the base coupe, with a starting price of $8,878. Yet they accounted for more than 46,000 orders in 1986, better than 10 percent of total Cavalier sales that reached 432,000 -- enough for another first-place showing.

1986 Chevrolet Cavalier Facts

Model	Weight range (lbs.)	Price range (new)	Number built
Cavalier	2,325-2,999	$6,706-$13,140	432,091

Sales of the 1986 Chevy Cavalier RS wagon were soft at around 6,200 units.

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