Frame Off Built Chevelle SS Convertible ZZ3 700R4

We all know that guys who build custom cars are a meticulous bunch. They'll sand body panels until they're as smooth as glass, they'll route wires so they can't be seen, and they meticulously map out every stage of a build before they even turn a wrench. The guys who built this amazing 1965 Chevelle SS convertible, took detailing to a whole new level. Look at the photos of this car and you will see that very few parts were left in factory-shipped condition, and even things like the exhaust pipes and clamps received a color treatment unlike anything you've ever seen before. It's rare to see a car built as carefully and uniformly as this one. And yes, it's a real code 138 Chevelle SS, not a clone.

The body is a super-straight OEM shell that has been stripped bare and rebuilt from the steel up. As a frame-off rebuild, there were no places for rust or damage to hide, and every imperfection was removed, repaired, or replaced. After months of work, it was finally read for that stunning Oriental Blue Kandy paint from House of Kolor, which seems to radiate light from within. Applying a finish like this is best left to professionals, so the guys at VCM in Carson City, Nevada were trusted to spray the paint and the results are eye-popping. The paint (never mind the rest of the car) has won numerous awards, and is surely the reason why this car has been chosen for calendars, T-shirts, and even for use in a TV commercial. Although the work was completed several years ago, it remains in stunning condition today, with almost no signs of wear or road use, which suggests that the owner is every bit as meticulous about maintenance as he was about the build.

The original trim was retained throughout the car, with no deletions or painting of anything that was originally chromed or polished. The bumpers are gorgeous and laser straight, the stainless rocker moldings have been polished so they reflect the pavement without distortion, and all the correct SS badges have been reinstalled. Up front, there's an excellent SS grille with cool blue-dot headlights for an up-to-date look and brilliant lighting at night. All the correct trim has been retained on the trunk lid as well, and the tail light lenses are excellent. You'll even notice a power antenna on the rear deck, which is fully functional.

Powering this blue cruiser is a GM ZZ3 crate motor, which cranks out 345 horsepower and an impressive 387 pounds of torque thanks to a 4-bolt block, forged steel crank, steel connecting rods and a set of aluminum heads up top. A full roller cam improves efficiency, while a reliable HEI distributor lights the fires. Up top, a Z/28 intake and 650 CFM Holley 4-barrel live under a beautifully polished billet air cleaner. Like the rest of the car, the engine bay has been spectacularly detailed; if it wasn't polished stainless or aluminum, it has been painted Oriental Blue to match the body. This includes the block, the fan, the power steering pump, the water pump, and all the bracketry. You'll also note that the firewall has been smoothed, and upgrades like the dual master cylinder for safety and a heavy duty polished aluminum PowerMaster alternator. Even the heater hoses are blue silicone, which is not only durable but matches the theme of the car. There's no doubt you'll be eager to open the hood on this one as soon as you get to the show field.

Underneath, it's every bit as spectacular, perhaps even more so. The frame and most of the supporting components have been powdercoated blue to match the body as well. There's a built 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission with a 2800 RPM stall torque converter, and it has been painted to match the engine. It twists a matching blue driveshaft and a 3.73-geared 12-bolt Posi rear end, painted blue, of course. The detailing continues to the suspension, where the A-arms, shocks and springs all received a coat of Oriental Blue, and somehow, even the exhaust pipes have been treated, although the Flowmaster mufflers remain natural for a nice bit of contrast. The floors are satin black, which provides a nice background for the blue. There are 1970 power disc brakes up front, and it rolls on a set of polished 17-inch Centerline Meteor wheels wearing 245/45/17 Falken performance radials.

The dazzling blue and white interior keeps this car from being too much blue. When it was restored, the original bucket seats received fresh foam under the bright white vinyl covers, as well as new blue carpets. The dash is full of original options, including a tachometer and clock, and even the steering wheel is the original piece. A custom center console was created to house the shifter for the 4-speed automatic, and it looks right at home in this resto-mod Chevelle's passenger compartment. An original style AM/FM/cassette radio lives in the original location, but a Sony 6-disc changer with equalizer has been installed in the glove box. For safety, a set of blue seatbelts has been installed, along with a fresh set of Chevelle monogrammed floor mats. Overhead, the convertible top frame was completely disassembled, sandblasted and powdercoated black before that bright white convertible top was installed and includes a matching blue vinyl boot. The trunk was upholstered in matching blue carpet, including a spare tire cover.

This car is no stranger to winning trophies, either. The list is long, but includes seven Best of Show awards, one People's Choice, one Men's Choice, one Mayor's Choice, 39 Best In Class awards, one Best Engine, two Best Paint, two Best Interior, and two Goodguys Awards of Excellence. And, as I mentioned, it has appeared in several calendars, on a variety of T-shirts, and in a TV commercial. There's no question this car has a ton of eyeball appeal, and everyone who sees it seems to agree.

We also have a ton of build documents, including receipts for many of the components that went into the construction. There are spec sheets on the crate motor, a chassis dyno printout, and a copy of the aforementioned calendar.

With exceptional detailing and workmanship, this Chevelle SS convertible is like a one car parade. It's impossible to overlook the vibrant Oriental Blue paint, and when you get close, the details will just blow you away. The amount of time and effort required to build a car at this level is astronomical, and it's exactly the kind of car you can look at for hours and keep discovering something new to appreciate. And then there's the fact that it's one of Chevy's most handsome and fun to drive mid-60s machines with a folding top, making it the ideal summertime cruiser. Fully sorted, it runs and drives as it should, with a ton of performance and easy highway manners. If you're tired of all the red and white Chevelles out there, this Oriental Blue ragtop should be at the top of your list. Call now!