Roadster Shop Built Pro-Touring Chevelle 725hp 572ci V8 EFI 6-speed RS Chassis

This 1966 Chevelle Malibu, appropriately nicknamed "WIKD 66", is an extraordinary piece of automotive engineering that blends legendary muscle car swagger with modern performance and engineering. Fully built by the experts at the industry renowned Roadster Shop in 2012, known for their cutting edge chassis design and superior builds, this Chevelle features a host of high-end modifications that make this a no-expense-spared ground-up build. And with being a "long hauler" in the Hot Rod Power Tour, it's proven to be a capable and reliable machine.

Starting with a solid, unmolested Malibu hardtop, the pros at Roadster Shop stripped it down to bare metal, allowing them to have clean surfaces to prep and make sure gaps are consistent. Besides shaving the radio antenna and the addition of a cowl hood, the sheetmetal remained unmodified. That body was then sprayed in its original coat of Madeira Maroon Metallic, and clean factory mirrors, handles, and trim were fitted back to the body. Giving this car a relatively stock appearance, not showing any signs of what's laying under the skin. During the build, the owner asked the Roadster Shop why so many man hours were needed to complete his car. The answer he received summed it up perfectly: "Unlike other 'Casio-level' builds you have seen, you are getting a Rolex!"

Under the hood is a monstrous 572 cubic inch Chevrolet Big Block Gen VI engine, equipped with ported and polished AFR aluminum heads, and a Comp Cams custom hydraulic roller cam. With a chassis dyno measurement of 626 rear-wheel horsepower and 646 ft-lbs of torque, this Chevelle delivers heart stopping acceleration and seemingly never ending power. The engine is fed by a Holley HP EFI multi-port fuel injection system, allowing consistent performance under all conditions, while a 2000 CFM Dominator-style throttle body feeds the beast. Exhaust gasses are sent through a custom 3.5” stainless steel system with 40 Series Flowmaster mufflers, offering a deep and throaty exhaust note. And cooling is handled by a high-performance Auto Rad triple-core aluminum radiator paired with twin electric fans, making sure that the rowdy engine stays cool under pressure.

Mated to the engine is a Rockland Standard Tranzilla T-56 Tremec 6-speed close-ratio transmission, offering reliable performance for that powerful engine. The custom McLeod hydraulic twin-disc clutch provides smooth engagement, and a 3.5” seamless DOM driveshaft transmits power to the rear end. A narrowed Ford 9” rear axle has been fitted with 31 spline axles and a 3.89 Truetrac limited-slip differential, ensuring traction and durability for hard launches and high-speed driving.

This Chevelle's performance is bolstered by the custom Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, featuring fully boxed 10-gauge frame rails, custom crossmembers, and a lowered ride height for enhanced handling. The front suspension utilizes C6 Corvette spindles and Z06 hubs, combined with AFCO double-adjustable coilovers for a responsive and controlled ride. The rear suspension is equally impressive, featuring a large-diameter 4-way link system with dual-adjustable AFCO coilovers for smooth and stable handling, whether on the street or the track.

Stopping power is provided by Wilwood brakes, with 13” front cross-drilled rotors and 6-piston black calipers, and 11” rear cross-drilled rotors with 4-piston calipers. These brakes are more than capable of handling the horsepower under the hood. The stance of the car is completed by Forgeline S03P polished wheels, 18x9” up front and 20x12” in the rear, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (255/35/18 front, 335/30/20 rear) for maximum grip and stability. The car's rear wheel wells have been mini-tubbed to accommodate the massive 335mm rear tires.

The fully restored interior maintains a stock appearance, preserving the classic Chevelle look while integrating modern touches for comfort and style. The cabin features a Grant mahogany-rimmed steering wheel and Ididit tilting column, while the Woodward rack and pinion steering provides precise control. The car also boasts a remote-operated Bluetooth-capable Sony head unit(mounted in the trunk) with Boston Acoustics amps, speakers, and two 10” subwoofers, delivering premium sound. The trunk is custom-finished to match the interior, a testament to the car builder's attention to detail.

Whether cruising on the open road or taking on tight corners, this '66 Chevelle offers a driving experience unlike any other. With its stunning Madeira Maroon paint, aggressive stance, and serious performance capabilities, it's a car built to be admired and driven. The “WIKD 66” is a fitting tribute to the golden era of American muscle cars, preserving timeless design while being fully capable of handling today's high performance demands. Owning a car like this is truly an opportunity that doesn't present itself often.

Key Highlights

* Professionally built Pro-Touring Chevelle
* Ground-up build by Roadster Shop
* 725hp 572ci crate engine (tested at 626 rwhp, 646 lb/ft wtq)
* Holley electronic fuel injection
* Tremec 'Tranzilla' 6-speed manual transmission
* Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis
* 3" mini tub
* Strange Engineering 9", 3.89, TrueTrac limited slip rear axle
* Wilwood four wheel disc brakes, 6 piston/4 piston
* Power rack and pinion steering
* AFCO adjustable coil over shocks
* Stainless Steel Flowmaster 3.5" dual exhaust
* Forgeline 18" & 20" S03P wheels
* Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
* Sony trunk-mounted head unit
* Alpine amp and premium speakers