Frame Off Built Chevelle SS Convertible ZZ502 5 Speed

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 1967 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 Part 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!

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 Paradise Road Speed and Custom was contracted to turn an already desirable car 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 hangs a bright “SS 502” emblem and four clear headlights above a show-worthy chrome bumper that's complete with small amber parking lamps. At the top of the car, a custom-fabricated steel hood props traditional chrome louvers in front of a new windshield that's cleared by bright stainless wipers, framed by like-new trim and capped by a bright white top. At the sides of the car ribbed rocker guards, dent-free wheel well openings and traditional chrome door handles combine with a chrome bowtie mirror, traditional “Super Sport” quarter emblems and 502-branded cross-flags to add a little flash to a sea of red basecoat. And out back, a familiar black valence centers a bright “SS” emblem between perfectly clear tail lights, small reverse lamps and a second chrome bumper that's been modified to accommodate large, rolled exhaust tips.

It's not immediately apparent why this Chevelle's custom hood carries such a dome until you see what's underneath it. Pop the latch, fling up the 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? At the top of the big mill, amazing throttle response and modern drivability are provided by a ram jet intake that's wired with full computer control, fitted with a reusable air filter and monitored by an Aeromotive pressure regulator and an Auto Meter 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, the stock GMPP cam was pulled in favor of a Bob Cook billet stick (218/228@.050, 578/578) which trades a little duration for a bit of lift to work great with GM's computer controlled speed density system. The engine's large oval port aluminum heads hang dark “CHEVROLET” branded valve covers over attractive Hooker long tube headers. At the back of those headers, an aftermarket points distributor sends spark through fresh MSD Super Conductor plug wires. In front of those wires, a full set of March pulleys and billet brackets spin a chrome Engine Works alternator above a high performance Weiand water pump and a polished Saginaw power steering pump. And in front of those pumps a heavy duty aluminum radiator, which is equipped with a chrome overflow tank and two SPAL electric pusher fans, barely breaks a sweat to keep things cool. Aesthetically, this bright red engine bay is holding up well. And small items like billet breathers, braided hoses, chrome dress up pieces and a fluid reservoir for the car's hydraulic clutch add a heavy dose of both form and function.

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! To start with, there's a high dollar Keisler Engineering Tremec TKO500 5-speed which keeps the power up at the stoplight and the revs down on the highway. That transmission leads a rugged TA Performance 12 bolt rear end which has been powder coated for both appearance and durability. That rear end transfers power to a triangulated four link rear suspension which is complete with Strange adjustable coil over shocks. That triangulated four link pushes a double A-arm front suspension which makes good use of tubular control arms, Flaming River power rack and pinion steering, sway bar end links with Heim joints, and two more Strange adjustable coil over shocks. Those suspensions hold up a modern Art Morrison chassis that's been powder coated and bolted to clean floorpans which are expertly finished in satin black Line-X. That chassis' stops are provided by a Wilwood four wheel disc brake system which employs Morrison spindles, 4-piston calipers and high quality braided hoses. The car's spent gases are ushered away by great sounding Flowmaster dual chamber mufflers that are woven into a network of ceramic coated exhaust pipes. And all this top notch hardware rides on a slick set of Wheel Vintiques billet Rally wheels which spin 245/45/18 Ventus Sport radials in front of 275/40/20 Hankook Ventus ST radials. Urethane suspension bushings combine with urethane body, motor and transmission mounts to keep unwanted motion in check without rattling out your fillings. All fuel lines are braided pieces with Earl's fittings and Aeromotive components supplying the get up and go for the big engine's get up and go juice. And every time you look for this Chevelle's final finishing touch, you run into more and more details like a high quality Lokar parking brake cable and a cool Heidts power steering adjuster!

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. The familiar driver and front passenger's bucket seats, and rear passengers' bench seat, all appear to be correct Chevelle attire; and, along with the traditional '67 Chevelle door panels, literally glow under our showroom lighting. Between those seats, an old school Chevelle console wears its original black factory hue and props a correct clock in front of a familiar Hurst shifter. Below that console, new black carpet is protected by black carpeted floor mats that feature bright red “Chevelle” scripts. At the front of that carpet, a custom red and silver dash looks perfectly natural holding a full array of Auto Meter Pro Comp Ultra Lite gauges above a modern Panasonic CD player. In front of the driver, a small diameter Grant steering wheel spins around a polished Flaming River tilt steering column that's complete with a full set of billet stalks. And behind the passengers, a factory convertible cowl snaps tight over a clean, cavernous and fully carpeted trunk.

The sale of this cool Chevy custom includes a stack of build receipts and a small display board.

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 45 years ago!