Award Winning Chevelle SS 396/425 HP

Yes, this 1967 Chevelle is much, much more than a pretty face. Forget about trailer queens, decoded cowl tags, and factory equipment, this one is all about pounding the pavement. You can tell from the stance that this SS means business, and with 425 horsepower's worth of 396 under the hood, it can back up the look with performance to match. Sophisticated looks are matched by brute strength, creating what might be the coolest Chevelle we've seen in weeks. And experience shows here at RK Motors Charlotte that these cars don't last long on the showroom floor the last resto-mod Chevelle we featured sold in 72 hours and had 20 guys calling after it was gone. Don't miss your second chance.

First off, the black paint on this car is every bit as nice as it looks in photos, maybe even nicer. Someone spent an ungodly amount of time getting this sinister hardtop laser straight, and its well beyond anything the factory ever produced. This is one of those cars where the builder was following a dream, not a budget, and as a result the car has thousands of hours lovingly poured into it. Gaps are excellent, the panels don't show a single wave or ripple, and that black paint is as deep and rich as a black hole. A proper wet sanding and professional buff eliminated the orange peel that's a natural by-product of DuPont's best two-stage urethane, and the reflections in the surface are as crystal clear as the ones in the mirror you use to comb your hair each morning. Am I gushing? Maybe, but this car is seriously nice in ways that are usually reserved for vehicles with at least one more digit in their price tag.

The fellow who built this car wisely chose to leave the factory trim alone no shaved emblems, no missing door handles, and even those cool hood inserts remain. Of course, that doesn't mean it wasn't all restored to match the body, with brilliant chrome on the bumpers and highly polished stainless everywhere else. New emblems were used where appropriate, from the ‘Super Sport’ badges on the rear quarters to the ‘396 Turbo-Jet’ crossed flag emblems on the front fenders. There's a correct SS grille up front and a blacked-out SS tail panel, because there's just no point in trying to sneak around with this machine.

A big part of that is the killer big block under the hood. Cranking out 425 horsepower, the beautifully detailed 396 is a brute that runs like a watch. Dressed with chrome and polished billet aluminum, the engines appearance is a statement in itself if it looks this good, imagine how well it runs. Matching billet aluminum valve covers and air cleaner show the crossed flags emblem that's a Chevy trademark, while chrome covers things like the alternator and fan shroud. There's a huge aluminum radiator up front that has no problems keeping the hot big block ice cold, and a newer HEI ignition system reliably lights the fires. Power steering and power brakes make this Chevelle as easy to drive as your commuter car, and it's just as reliable. The bottom line? This engine bay looks like a million bucks without using the kind of overkill that you find on so many lesser rides.

A TH400 3-speed automatic is just about the only transmission that'll survive behind a big block like this, and it drives a 12-bolt rear full of 3.55 gears on a Posi. The entire frame and all the suspension components have been powder coated black for lasting durability, and the floors are completely rust-free. That raked stance is compliments of a set of lowering springs, and new shocks have been used throughout. And you just can't help but notice that massive 3-inch exhaust system, which uses an X-pipe and Flowmasters to create a unique sound that's just this side of a full-race piece. The stock brakes have been augmented with slotted and cross-drilled rotors up front that make a noticeable difference in braking performance. Custom 18-inch wheels with charcoal centers absolutely stuff the wheel wells and look entirely appropriate on the vintage Chevelle, and they wear modern 225/45/18 Nitto rubber.

The black bucket seat interior is largely stock, and that's a good thing when it comes to early Chevelles. New materials were used throughout, including seat covers, door panels, and a new headliner. Fresh carpets on the floor are protected by custom Chevrolet logo floor mats. Upgrades include a late-model steering wheel, a trio of auxiliary gauges under the dash, and a performance shifter for the automatic mounted between the seats. A powerful aftermarket AM/FM/CD stereo system has been installed, but after you hear the big block run, you'll probably never use it. The super-clean trunk has been refinished with correct spatter-finish paint and an original-style mat, as well as a full-sized spare tire.

Every time we feature a killer resto-mod like this Chevelle, the phone rings off the hook and it never takes long for someone to step up to the plate and take it home. This one is exceptionally clean and well-executed, with smart modifications that will make it a pleasure to drive, yet not so radical that it's a pain to service and maintain. The look is timeless, and black never goes out of fashion, especially when it is as gorgeous as this car is. As I said before, the phone will be ringing long after this one is gone, so if you're reading about it now and are thinking about taking it home, don't wait, call now!