Frame Off Restored Award Winning Chevelle 502/502 HP V8 M21 4 Speed 12 Bolt

In a world full of awesome numbers matching Chevelles and very well done SS tributes, it's always nice to see something different. And it takes some serious skill to pull off a car that is TRULY different without being either too extreme to honor its original attributes or a blatant pro-tourer. After a $75K restoration, this 1968 Chevelle 300 received 147 out of 150 points at the 22nd Annual Mid-Atlantic Chevelle Show/ACES Northeast Regional and took home the 2010 Director's Choice Award. But here's the best part, it isn't just another 'me too' show car which is full of obsolete technology and garage queen gimmicks. It's a GM Performance Parts powered big block sleeper that's been equipped with an outstanding body, an NOS interior, and just recently received additional show detailing to rack up those final three points.

Built at GM's Fremont, California manufacturing facility in February of 1968, this unassuming Chevelle 300 wears all original California sheetmetal under a cool coat of Island Teal and correct Gloss Black paint. During an extensive 2010 nut and bolt restoration the car was completely disassembled, placed on a rotisserie and expertly detailed to provide a show winning appearance that displays better-than-factory alignment. Once that body was fully prepped, layers of Island Teal and Gloss Black paint were sealed under a thick clearcoat shell and striking black side stripes. And presently, this Chevelle is much, much nicer than any mass produced original, carrying a super clean finish on a high quality restoration that simply stuns.

At the front of this Chevy, clear T3 headlights flank an anodized, body-width grille that centers a prominent red and blue Chevrolet crest between bars that look as straight as the day they left the showroom. At the bottom of that grille, a new chrome bumper is equipped with clear parking lights, and at the top of that grille, a showroom fresh “Chevelle” script occupies the driver's side of the car's header panel. Behind that header panel, fresh stainless trim traces both a gloss black top and original date-correct windows while new stainless wipers and Island Teal drip rails mix form with function. Below that glass, new “Chevelle” scripts and “427” branded marker lights complement new chrome handles and a familiar bowtie mirror. And at the back of the car, clean, Chevelle 300-exclusive tail lights frame a second red and blue Chevrolet crest above a new Chevelle 300-exclusive bumper.

Glance under this Chevelle's mirror-slick hood and you'll find what appears to be an accurately restored and highly detailed L72 427 V8. Linger a little longer, and niceties like GM Performance Parts aluminum heads, a modern HEI distributor and red GM Performance Parts plug wires begin to unravel the car's biggest secret: you're actually looking at a 502 cubic inch GM Performance Parts crate motor which creates 9.6 to 1 compression, makes 502 horsepower and churns out 567 lb./ft. of torque! At the top of the motor, a chrome air filter, which is topped by a pristine "427 Turbo-Jet" decal, funnels air into an 850 cfm Holley that's hooked to a high performance electronic fuel pump. That air/fuel mixture travels into a CNC port-matched dual-plane intake which rides between GMPP aluminum heads that are stacked with 110cc combustion chambers, stainless steel valves and stamped steel rocker arms. Once inside the block, the mixture is compressed by forged aluminum pistons that are connected to shot-peened rods and a forged steel crank. The resulting gases are sent through fully restored exhaust manifolds with the help of a hydraulic roller cam and GMPP dyno-tuned induction and ignition. At the front of the engine, a fresh V-belt spins a correct fan and modern alternator between a correct radiator and aluminum, short-style water pump. Reproduction GM hoses combine with correct tower clamps to provide a completely authentic look. The big GMPP block is covered in a traditional coat of Chevy Orange paint which contrasts well to the car's flat black engine bay. And everything under the hood has been completely show detailed from correct overspray, correct chalk marks and correct decals to correct gray hood hardware and a set of trick Yenko valve covers.

What good would a killer big block be without a great chassis and suspension to back it up? Behind the thundering 502, a tough M21 Muncie 4-speed transmission sends power to a tried and true GM 12 bolt posi-traction rear end with stout 3.55 gears. That strip-ready drivetrain is held in by a correctly rebuilt suspension which features correct spiral shocks, correct power brakes and correct manual steering for that raw, vintage street racer feel. In the middle of the car, a mandrel bent, reproduction exhaust system runs from the gray GM manifolds to factory replacement mufflers which are equipped with turn downs, and fresh fuel lines run between the big Holley carburetor and a new stainless fuel tank. The bottom of this Chevelle has been over-restored to the same high standards as its exterior panels and engine compartment. Accordingly, the frame was sanded and completely repainted, the floors were layered in the same glossy Island Teal as the exterior, and a slew of correct chalk marks and correct stickers adorn the components from front to back. To complete the look, date-code correct, 14-inch steel wheels were fully detailed in Island Teal basecoat and wear a pristine set of dog dish hubcaps inside authentic looking G-70 Firestone redlines.

During restoration, this Chevelle 300 was equipped with a great looking NOS black interior that, despite being sparse by even 60s standards, is comfortable and well designed. The vinyl bench seats are in excellent shape and show little to no signs of wear, and the upper dash exhibits no fading or warping of any kind. In the middle of that dash, you'll find an NOS Delco radio. Below that radio, modern Autogage accessory gauges keep an eye on the 502's vitals. And below those gauges, a durable rubber mat frames a black and chrome Muncie shifter. The striped Chevelle 300 door panels are free of nicks and feature bright chrome handles for both their latches and windows. At the top of the car, a tight, fade-free headliner frames a functioning dome light. In front of the driver, a retro-fitted GM rally wheel spins a bright wood rim and spotless satin spokes around a big Auto Meter Street Tach. And the car's fully restored trunk seals a fifth Island Teal wheel and Firestone redline tire between a correct mat and correct decklid decals.

This Chevelle's sale includes substantial documentation that consists of a binder of restoration photos, paperwork for its GM Performance Parts 502, a stack of era-correct books and manuals, a showboard, a copy of the Chevelle World magazine in which it was featured, and judging sheets from the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Chevelle Show where it won Director's Choice.

Featuring a stunning motor, an incredible paint job and a pristine interior, this sedan was assembled by an experienced car builder who stuck to his vision and took detailing to a whole new level. The result is a no excuses show piece that looks and performs better than when it left the factory. If you're in the market for a unique muscle car with an unbeatable combination of style and performance, this '68 300 is your ticket!