1990 Chevrolet Beretta

The production of the Chevrolet Beretta lasted from 1987 to 1996. It was a front-wheel-drive two-door coupe with trim levels that included the base, CL, GT, GTU, Indy, GTZ, and Z26 models. In 1990, a convertible was used to pace the Indianapolis 500, and GM initially announced a production convertible replica, but only a coupe version was ever offered. This was the same year a convertible was not offered on the Cavalier, so many enthusiasts hoped one would become available on the Beretta. It was, albeit late in the season, and when it arrived it was not a fully open-air model but instead a ragtop with a structural roof bar. It was not intended to serve as a roll bar, but instead, added integrity to the body and minimized wind drats to passengers.

For 1990, Chevrolet produced nearly 100,000 examples of the Beretta. The GTZ Coupe replaced the former GTU and was fitted with GM's high-output Quad Four dual-overhead-cam engine rated at 180 horsepower. They had a unique grille, rode on 16-inch alloy wheels, and had extended rocker panels. Pricing for the GTZ Coupe Beretta was $13,750. The base coupe sold for $10,320 and came equipped with a 2.2-liter (which had grown from 2.0-liter) four-cylinder engine, while the optional V-6 grew from 2.8 to 3.1 liters. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard along with an optional three-speed automatic (except on the GTZ).

The Beretta GT Coupe rode on 15-inch aluminum wheels, had a sport suspension, and powered by the V6 engine.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2014