486hp 1967 Chevelle Convertible Restomod 496ci V8 EFI Automatic A/C

Big-block power has always suited the Chevelle, and this 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible takes that formula considerably further with a 496ci stroker V8 delivering nearly 500 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque. The combination gives this open-top A-body serious performance while preserving the unmistakable character that has made the Chevelle one of Chevrolet's most enduring muscle cars. Restored circa 2017, with paint and bodywork performed by Wooding's Auto Body Works of Roanoke, Virginia, the car maintains a largely traditional appearance despite the substantial performance and drivability upgrades beneath the surface. Restoration records, receipts and BluePrint Engines dyno documentation accompany the car.

The body is finished in Miami Blue, accented by twin silver stripes that extend across the Super Sport-style hood and rear deck. A gray cloth convertible top complements the silver accents while retaining the traditional profile of the Chevelle Convertible. Chrome front and rear bumpers, bright window surrounds, wheel-opening moldings, rocker trim and factory-style exterior badging preserve much of the original design, while the twin-scoop SS-style hood gives the front end a muscular appearance. The car sits with a lowered stance over staggered American Racing Torq Thrust wheels measuring 18" up front and 20" at the rear, their gray centers and polished rims complementing the exterior color scheme.

Power comes from a BluePrint Engines 496ci stroker big-block V8 equipped with Holley Sniper 2 electronic fuel injection, an aluminum intake manifold and aluminum cylinder heads. The dressed engine bay features polished valve covers, an open-element air cleaner and a billet serpentine accessory drive, while an aluminum radiator with electric cooling fans handles cooling duties. BluePrint dyno testing recorded 486 horsepower and 567 lb/ft of torque. A TH400 3-speed automatic transmission sends power to a 10-bolt rear axle with 3.08 gearing and Positraction. Up front, tubular control arms work with struts, coil springs and an anti-sway bar, while the rear uses a trailing-arm suspension with coil springs and anti-sway bar. Power steering and four-wheel disc brakes with cross-drilled rotors further update the chassis.

Inside, the Chevelle retains the basic design language of its original cabin while incorporating custom materials and modern conveniences. Light gray upholstery with blue piping covers the front and rear bench seats, with horizontal pleating maintaining a period-inspired appearance. Matching door and rear quarter panels are joined by gray carpeting, while a traditional 3-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a tilt steering column with a column-mounted automatic shifter. Dakota Digital instrumentation occupies the original-style gauge area, and the factory AM/FM radio remains in the dash. A Kenwood touchscreen mounted beneath the dash adds Bluetooth connectivity and smart-device mirroring, while the Holley Sniper handheld controller is installed within the ashtray. Modern air conditioning uses the factory-style dash vent locations, adding another measure of everyday usability without substantially changing the cabin's traditional appearance.

There is an inherent appeal to a big-block Chevelle Convertible, and this example captures it without losing sight of what made these cars so desirable in the first place. The Miami Blue finish, silver stripes and gray top give it a striking presence, while the substantial torque of the stroker big-block provides the kind of tire-scorching performance its muscular appearance promises. Traditional where it matters and modernized where it counts, this is a Chevelle built to drop the top and cruise, but with a big-block temperament that can turn the experience considerably more serious on demand.

Key Highlights

* Ground up built 1967 Chevelle Convertible Restomod
* Miami Blue exterior paint
* Premium paint and bodywork by Wooding's Auto Body Works
* 496ci stroker big-block V8 (486hp / 567 lb/ft tq)
* Holley Sniper 2 electronic fuel injection
* BluePrint Engines crate engine
* TH400 3-speed automatic transmission
* 10-bolt rear axle with 3.08 gearing
* Positraction differential
* Billet serpentine accessory drive
* Aluminum radiator with electric cooling fans
* Tubular front control arms
* Front and rear anti-sway bars
* Power steering
* Four-wheel disc brakes
* Modern air conditioning
* Gray cloth convertible top
* Super Sport-style hood
* 18" front and 20" rear American Racing Torq Thrust wheels
* Custom light gray bench-seat interior with blue piping
* Tilt steering column
* Dakota Digital instrumentation
* Kenwood touchscreen head unit with Bluetooth connectivity
* Restoration records and receipts
* BluePrint Engines dyno documentation