1968 Chevrolet Chevelle

Description

If there's one thing that can be done to improve this already desirable 1968 Chevelle ragtop, that's add more power. As if the Hugger Orange paint wasn't enough, it now carries a thundering 502 cubic inch big block that flat-out stomps just about anything else you're likely to run into on the street.

Even not knowing what lives under the hood, this is a formidable-looking ragtop. Custom Hugger Orange paint was whipped up to give it an aggressive, hi-po look that's totally Chevy in the 1960s. The shiny paint looks right on the A-body, and is complemented by a black sport stripe that sweeps across the nose and down along the quarters, paralleling the stainless trim. The work was done a few years ago, so it's no longer a trailer queen, but that's a good thing because you're definitely going to want to drive this one. It's kind of nice to see it without a bunch of fake SS badges, although the 427 emblems on the front fenders is a bit of an understatement, albeit the kind that strikes fear into anyone else with a hot street car. The chrome is nicely finished, and with a black grille up front, it has a very distinctive look. And if you look closely, there is a 502 badge on the tail, but by the time you see it on the street, it's much, much too late.

The bench seats are original-spec, reupholstered using quality reproduction covers that look right and fit quite well. A few well-chosen upgrades found their way inside, too, including a column-mounted tach, Auto Meter gauges in a custom gauge panel in the center of the dash, and a B&M Star shifter on the transmission tunnel. A small-diameter leather-wrapped steering wheel looks suitably 1960s, and it's one of the few concessions to style over performance. Otherwise, this one is built for combat, as you'll note there's no radio, no heater, and no extra weight. The battery has been relocated to the trunk, which is covered by a correct original-style mat. Up top, a black convertible top with a flexible rear window fits neatly and stows under a matching black boot.

But you read this far to find out what's going on under the hood, didn't you? Well, it's a 502 cubic inch GM crate motor, which slots between the fender wells without any effort and delivers enough torque to affect the earth's rotation. Sure, maybe it could pass for a 427 at a glance, what with the chrome big block valve covers and open-element air cleaner, but this one really has nothing to hide. Other shiny details include the inner fenders themselves, the radiator shroud, and the alternator and bracket. Up top, there's an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake and Holley 4-barrel carb which are a traditional and reliable power combination. The big block's power is channeled through a TH350 3-speed automatic to a 12-bolt rear that hangs on a set of ladder bars that are mandatory when you have this much power on tap. Handsome American Racing aluminum wheels carry spinners and staggered 215/70/15 front and 295/50/15 rear Dunlop radials.

Fast, fun, and ferocious, this Chevelle makes no excuses about its mission. If you're looking for insanely fast open-air fun, you'll scarcely find better than this. Call today!