The first generation of Chevelle styling began in 1964 and continued through 1967, using a perimeter frame with a 115-inch wheelbase, a width of 74.6-inches, and an overall length of 197-inches. The Chevelle holds the distinction of being the only all-new car for the 1964 United States model year, and its size and price-point positioned it above the Chevy II and below the full-sized Chevrolet models. Initially, the Chevelle was conceived as a more upscale version of the Chevy II with a unibody platform. Instead, it became part of the General Motors (GM) A-body 'senior compact' platform with body-on-frame construction with a suspension setup similar to its full-sized siblings. The rear used a four-link setup with the differential using four control arms attached to the frame with rear coil springs positioned between the spring pocket and the differential. Power steering, power brakes, a heavy-duty clutch, and a Powerglide transmission were optional. By the time the '1st Gen' Chevelle production ended in 1967, seven transmission options were available, including two manual three-speeds, two manual four-speeds, two automatics, and an overdrive three-speed. The Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission had a manual-shift feature.