Rotisserie Restored Chevelle SS Convertible Restomod ZZ502 V8 5 spd Art Morrison

Chevrolet's first generation Chevelle is a timeless design that, no matter how it's built, always remains fresh and alluring. Stock, modified, race, pro-touring, whatever: the clean lines and balanced stance on these tough muscle machines mix classic swagger with a modernist look that serves as the perfect platform for a variety of modifications. And best of all, the Chevelle line's universal appeal and high production numbers mean it has one of the largest aftermarket support networks in the entire collector car hobby. Born from that awesome combination of appeal and support, this killer pro-touring convertible is so far over the top it's actually down the other side, and on fire from a high rate of speed! A true SS396 body that's been converted into one of the sickest rides around via a completely custom chassis and a GM Performance Parts Ram Jet 502, this red-hot Chevrolet drop-top is a killer magazine centerfold that's just waiting to be discovered. If you're shopping for a fully-sorted cruiser that puts a 21st century spin on an old school favorite, you're looking at your next car!

RED HOT

During a professional nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration, this solid Chevelle Super Sport was entirely disassembled and completely striped of its dull original paint. After a bit of hard work, the car's clean body presented itself as an excellent foundation for a slick coat of modern urethane. And finally, starting with a freshly restored convertible, the crew at Virginia's Paradise Road Speed and Custom was contracted to turn an already desirable classic into a ground pounding showstopper! The problem was, after a fine tooth inspection, Paradise decided the car's rebuild wasn't up to snuff for a vision as grand as theirs. So, they decided to soda-blast its body, throw away its dated frame, and nix its antiquated drivetrain in what amounted to a build that started from scratch. When the dust finally settled, more than $120K was spent on turning a well-restored bowtie into a first-rate bad boy. And the end result is a fantastic looking hot rod that oozes cool even when it's sitting still!

Unlike most pro-touring builds this Chevelle wasn't entirely stripped of stainless, ornamentation and trim. But the baubles and bolt-ons were definitely kept to a minimum in order to showcase the body's awesome 'coke bottle' profile and intimidating street presence. Up front, a stainless, body-width grille centers a bright “SS 502” emblem between four clear headlights and a show-worthy bumper that's complete with small parking lamps. At the top of the car, a custom, steel hood props traditional chrome louvers in front of clean windshield that's cleared by bright wipers, framed by bright trim and capped by a bright white top. At the sides of the car, correct Super Sport rocker guards parallel traditional door handles, a chrome bowtie mirror, traditional “Super Sport” quarter scripts and 502-branded cross-flags. And out back, a familiar black valence centers a bright “SS” emblem between stylish taillights and a second show-worthy bumper that's been modified to accommodate large, rolled exhaust tips.

RAM JET

It might not be immediately apparent why this Chevelle wears a custom hood until you check its body-matched engine bay. Pop the latch and fling some steel and you'll find 502 cubic inches of GM Performance Parts Ram Jet V8 that produces a massive 502 horsepower and an explosive 565 lb./ft. of torque. What's better: more than 500 lb./ft. of that torque is available as low as 2,500 RPM! Can you say stump puller? Amazing throttle response mixes with modern drivability thanks to a computer-controlled ram jet intake that's eats through a reusable air filter, drinks through an Aeromotive pressure regulator, and communicates through an Auto Gage pressure gauge. Beneath that intake, a cross-drilled and externally balanced steel nitride crank combines with forged pistons and forged, shot-peened and magnafluxed connecting rods to create stout 9.6 to 1 compression. And between those forged internals, a Bob Cook billet cam works great with GM's computer controlled speed density system. The engine's aluminum, oval-port heads hang argent Chevrolet valve covers over coated Hooker Competition headers. At the back of those tubes, an aftermarket points distributor sends spark through proven MSD Super Conductor plug wires. In front of those wires, attractive March pulleys spin a chrome Engine Works alternator above a polished Edelbrock water pump and a polished Saginaw steering pump. And a heavy duty aluminum radiator, fitted with a polished overflow tank and two SPAL pusher fans, barely breaks a sweat to keep things cool.

NOT STOCK

While you might think that monstrous engine is this Chevy's biggest selling point, the best stuff can be found underneath its slick red body! For starters, there's a high dollar Keisler Engineering Tremec TKO500 5-speed. That transmission leads a rugged TA Performance 12-bolt that's been powder-coated for both appearance and durability. That rear end transfers power to a triangulated 4-link suspension that's complete with adjustable Strange coil-overs. That clip pushes a double A-arm front-half that makes great use of tubular control arms, Morrison spindles, Heim joint end links and two more adjustable Strange coil-overs. Those components support a powder-coated Art Morrison chassis, which is guided by Flaming River power rack-and-pinion steering. Power-assisted stops are provided by Wilwood 4-piston calipers. Spent gases are ushered away by great sounding Flowmaster dual chamber mufflers, which are woven into a network of ceramic-coated pipes. All that top notch hardware rolls on billet Wheel Vintiques Rallies, which spin 245/45/18 Ventus Sport radials in front of 275/40/20 Hankook Ventus ST radials. And every time you look for this Chevelle's final finishing touch, you run into more and more details like urethane mounts, urethane bushings, braided fluid lines, Earl's fittings, Lokar parking brake hardware and a cool Heidts power steering adjuster!

NOT SUBTLE

Like its exterior, this Super Sport's interior is a masterful blend of old and new that features the comfort and convenience of modern technology wrapped in classic Chevrolet design. White vinyl seats and white vinyl side panels appear to be factory Chevelle attire. An old school Chevelle console props a correct clock in front of a familiar Hurst shifter. Fade-free carpet, is protected by “Chevelle” branded mats. A custom red and silver dash looks perfectly natural propping a full array of AutoMeter Pro-Comp Ultra-Lite telemetry next to a modern Panasonic CD player. And in front of the driver, a small-diameter Grant steering wheel laps a tilting Flaming River column.

Sometimes the best cars are the ones that speak softly. No blower sticking through the hood, no gaudy rims on a slammed chassis and no wild graphics; just a clean, classy and well-constructed muscle car that was purpose-built to look great and have the performance to back it up. With its classic style, modern performance and outstanding build quality, this topless Chevelle pro-tourer is an absolute blast to drive and is instantly admired wherever it goes. Don't miss this chance to own a powerful, well-sorted performance machine that's as timeless today as it was 53 years ago!

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HIGHLIGHTS

* Six-figure Chevelle pro-tourer that's the product of a ground-up, professional build.
* Authentic Chevelle Super Sport
* 502 cubic inch GM Performance Parts Ram Jet V8 / 502 horsepower
* Keisler Tremec TKO500 5-speed manual transmission / Hydraulic clutch
* TA Performance 12-bolt rear axle
* Flaming River power rack-and-pinion steering / Heidts adjuster
* Wilwood 4-wheel power disc brakes
* Full Art Morrison chassis
* Upgraded independent front suspension / Triangulated 4-link rear suspension
* Customized interior / Modern audio
* 18 and 20-inch Wheel Vintiques Rally Wheels
* Build receipts
* All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
* We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world