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.

Chevelle production was handled by plants in Kansas City, Baltimore, and a new facility in Fremont, California.

The Chevelle wore styling similar to its Chevy II sibling, with squared body lines, but with curved side window glass and larger overall dimensions. (The Chevy II had a 110-inch wheelbase, a width of 69.9 inches, and a length of 182.9-inches). For 1964, the Chevelle trim levels included the Series 300 offered as a two- and four-door sedan, and two- and four-door station wagon with prices that ranged from $2,230 to $2,530 with six-cylinder power. The base eight-cylinder engine increased the price by approximately $90. The Chevelle Malibu Series, priced from $2,350 to $2,745, was offered as a sport coupe, convertible, sedan, and the two- and four-door station wagon. The standard six-cylinder engine had overhead valves, a cast-iron block, a 194.4 cubic-inch displacement, seven main bearings, a Rochester one-barrel carburetor, hydraulic valve lifters, and developed 120 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. The base eight-cylinder option had a 283 cubic-inch displacement, four main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a one-barrel Rochester carburetor, and offered 195 horsepower at 4,800 RPM. A 230 CID six and several V8 engines were optional.