Frame Up Restored Camaro RS/SS 454 V8 LS 3 TH400

A vast majority of the metal that comes through our RK Motors Charlotte showroom is either flawless, concours-level show fare or incredibly original, low-mileage garage fodder. But, as awesome as those rare and exclusive classics are, the foundation of this hobby has always been old school stalwarts that we can drive, build on and show off. Think about it, when you were a kid, did you dream of towing a pristine factory-original car to a field where it would sit and look pretty? No way! You wanted a classy head turner that was striking, cool and expressed your individual tastes. Professionally restored and powered by a potent 454, this impressive Camaro is the kind of fully sorted cruiser that can be enjoyed on a daily basis.

The beneficiary of a detailed, frame-off restoration, this bold panther displays great bodywork that lays the foundation for a simple and solid profile. A lot of effort was put in to making sure the car's body is straight, which resulted in Kansas-flat sheetmetal that's essentially wave-free. That time was well spent, as good panel gaps effectively center hinged pieces which move freely and close with solidity. And those pieces are bathed in a Tuxedo Black single-stage that's fit for all-weather drivability.

General Motors envisioned the F2 Camaro as a working man's Ferrari and, thanks to a better timeframe and bigger budget, effectively addressed many of the complaints enthusiasts had about the F1. Longer, wider, lower to the ground and more aggressive, the second generation was certainly more of a driver's car, and is widely regarded as some of the best looking and best performing Detroit steel ever produced. At the front of this coupe, a striking Rally Sport valence centers a correct, 4-piece grille between ornate parking lamps, clear headlights and mirror-like bumperettes. Behind that grille, a smooth, stainless-trimmed hood anchors like-new, stainless-trimmed glass between body-matched sport mirrors and hidden, Rally Sport-exclusive windshield wipers. At the sides of that hood, a clean fuselage keeps extraneous trim to a minimum with only flip-up door handles, dent-free rocker moldings and familiar “SS” fender emblems breaking the cadence of the smooth, Tuxedo Black paint. And at the back of that fuselage, a low-profile ducktail rides above chrome-trimmed tail lights, a straight chrome bumper and mirrored stainless exhaust tips.

Check this F2's Satin Black engine bay and you'll find 454 cubic inches of naturally aspirated muscle! Unlike hallowed, numbers-matching builds, which seem to be the only classics that get any respect, this bright orange big block is a pump gas torque monster that's not afraid to line up, stage and run till its wheels fall off. At the top of the sinister mill, a proven Quadrajet carburetor mixes wind from a chrome, Chevrolet-branded air cleaner with fuel that's pumped through stainless fluid lines. That perfect air/fuel mixture flows into an original LS-3 intake, which is centered between attractive chrome valve covers. At the back of that intake, a familiar points distributor sequences spark through fresh Packard TV R Suppression cables. Below those cables, Hooker long-tube headers funnel spent gases into a large-diameter, true-dual exhaust system. In front of those headers, a beefy radiator flows water through GM-branded hoses and correct tower clamps. And, thanks to reproduction decals and paint marks, this fully sorted Chevy looks the part, feels the part and could easily be mistaken for a Norwood-installed 396.

As expected, the bottom of this Camaro has been completely restored, with straight and solid floorpans bolted to a fully detailed, F41 suspension. In the middle of those floors, a tough Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed twists a sturdy GM 10-bolt that's fitted with 3.42 gears and a posi-traction differential. Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes combine with quick-ratio power steering to tighten turns and improve stops. A sonorous, true-dual exhaust system funnels spent gases through aluminized pipes, dual-chamber Flowmasters and fitted stainless tips. Power hits the pavement via beefy, 5-spoke Rally wheels, which spin 245/60R15 Goodyear Eagle STs around pristine trim rings and deep blue center caps. And everything under this Chevy, from its primered and undercoated floors to its fresh stainless fuel tank, looks solid and ready to pound the pavement.

Open the car's long doors and you'll find a Standard Black interior that's stylish and very livable. There's a quartet of well-maintained bucket seats, which mix firm padding with fresh covers and straight frames. In front of those seats, a padded dash hangs a 150MPH speedometer and 7,000RPM tachometer behind a chrome-trimmed instrument panel and Delco pushbutton radio. At the bottom of that dash, a correct console centers a Hurst Dual Gate shifter between a black cue ball, fade-free carpet and “Camaro SS” branded floor mats. At the sides of that console, Standard door panels hang minimalist hardware over straight, stainless sill plates. Above those panels, a pliable headliner stretches from a factory rearview mirror to a weather-free package tray. The driver stays connected to the road through an “SS” branded steering wheel. And the passenger's haul cargo in a fully restored and correctly equipped trunk.

If you're in the market for a tough resto-mod that virtually defines the elegance and simplicity of yesteryear, this Camaro is the classic for you. It's a wonderful car to drive, enjoy and even haul two or three of your coolest friends in. Well, what are you waiting for? Call the folks at RK Motors Charlotte to enjoy years of care-free cruising in your new Chevy!