1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

Description

At first glance, you may simply think this is a nice driver-grade Chevelle. And yes, you'd be right except for the weapons-grade firepower hiding under its bright blue hide. A beefy big block, quick-shifting automatic, and a 9-inch rear suggest that this 1972 Chevelle was built for more than just looking good.

This is one vivid car, and it does tend to stand out in a crowd of Cranberry Red Chevelles. I like the ultra-clean look that they used, skipping the usual fake SS badges and stripes and instead focusing on getting the basics right. That means straight sheetmetal, good gaps, and doors that open and close like they should. The paint was done a few years ago, yet still shines up nicely and actually highlights the many interesting shapes on the Chevelle, from the steel cowl-induction hood to the bulging fenders that often go overlooked with other colors. A correct grille is simple and elegant, and bright chrome bumpers look great against the blue paint. It's been mostly de-badged, although the original Chevelle script emblem remains on the decklid.

The black bench seat interior is what you'd expect from a battle-hardened veteran with power like this. It's unassuming and comfortable, and doesn't seem to be trying too hard to be cool. With heavy-duty hardware underneath, the dash was reworked to better keep an eye on it, including a column-mounted tach and a pair of mechanical temperature and oil pressure gauges mounted in the original cluster. And a column shifter is just plain mean; you don't keep that unless you can run seriously fast. An AM/FM/cassette stereo was stuffed into the dash for entertainment, but otherwise it's quite stock and in very good condition. The seat covers show almost no wear, the carpets are nicely kept, and it's possible that those are the original door panels. Glance in the trunk and there's no ballast, but yes, you're right, that IS a big bottle of nitrous in the corner? Wonder what that's about...

With just 1000 miles on the build, the 396 under the hood is only just broken in and ready to rock. Based on a 4-bolt main block, it was clearly built to take no prisoners. Although fully plumbed & configured to run nitrous, the bottle is yet to be opened. The builder decided to leave the best part to you. The shiny bits are a nice bit of cover, but there's a massive cam inside that gives it that idle everyone will respect. A big Holley double-pumper on top of an aluminum Weiand intake manages the air and fuel, while a Mallory ignition system lights it up. Race-grade components include the braided stainless fuel and nitrous lines running alongside the carb, and the gorgeous long-tube headers dumping into a full exhaust system with crossover, so it sounds appropriate. You'll note there are no power-robbing accessories like power steering or brakes, but the TH350 features a 3500 RPM stall converter to get the big coupe off the line fast, and out back there's a Mosier-built 9-inch Ford rear with 3.73 gears on a limited slip. Flashy Cragar Pro-Stars give it a drag-race look, complete with 225/75/15 radials up front and 28x11.5-15 Mickeys out back.

Not exactly a sleeper, but this Chevelle packs more heat than you'd expect from its unassuming looks. An impressive machine that gets even better from behind the wheel. Call today!