Restored Big Block Chevelle SS 402ci V8 4 spd 12 Bolt Power Steering and Brakes

In the classic car hobby, the words “muscle car” get thrown around so much that it's sometimes hard to remember what the term really means. And, unfortunately, a lot of times it's used as a catch-all phrase for builds that have so many modifications they're essentially custom. Thankfully, we have cars like this killer Chevy Chevelle that provide a literal definition: take a pedigreed factory cruiser and turn up the performance! The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration, this authentic Super Sport coupe wraps slick Tuxedo Black aesthetics around four forward gears and 402 cubic inches legendary Chevy big block. If you like your muscle cars tastefully modified but pure in spirit, step right up and take a long look at your next classic!

NOTHING BEATS A BLACK SUIT

The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration, this Chevelle wears a sweet coat of correct Tuxedo Black 2-stage that manages to be both abiding and menacing. Under that finish, solid body panels align well, forming an impressive profile that's sure to inspire stares for years to come. At the front of that profile, a familiar Super Sport grille hangs a bold “SS 396” emblem between a broad bumper and bright halogen headlights. Behind that grille, a “Chevelle” branded header flows to a louvered Super Sport hood, which fronts fresh, stainless-trimmed glass. At the sides of that glass, traditional door handles and factory mirrors float between bright wheel frames and “396” branded marker lamps. And, opposite those lamps, a second broad bumper frames clean taillights and a familiar Super Sport valance that's centered on another bold “SS 396” emblem.

FOUR-OH-TWO

Looks aren't the only thing that inspire great memories. Lift this Chevy's hood and you'll find a clean, 402 cubic inch big block that was rebuilt, thoroughly polished and substantially tweaked during the car's extensive restoration. A rich mixture of air and fuel comes courtesy of a coated Holley 4-barrel, which floats a polished and decaled air cleaner under a trick wingnut. That carb rides a lightweight Edelbrock Torker 2-0 intake, which is threaded between a small pressure gauge, polished fuel lines and iron Chevy heads. Those heads prop a polished cap, polished breathers and finned Mickey Thompson valve covers above throaty long-tube headers. At the back of those tubes, a hot HEI distributor fires spark through loomed Accel Hi-Temp Super Stock plug wires. In front of those cables, traditional V-belts spin a painted water pump between a modern alternator and modern power steering. And that pump feeds a shrouded aluminum radiator that's strung between a polished cap and an aftermarket expansion tank.

FACTORY STRONG

When the engine roars to life, it spins torque to a reliable Muncie 4-speed, which twists power to a requisite 12-bolt axle that's finished with 2.73 gears. That stainless-trimmed pumpkin pushes a beefy F41 Sport Suspension that's been fully rebuilt and fully refinished. Turns come courtesy of factory-style power steering. Stops are brief thanks to a modern Wilwood master cylinder, which boosts factory drums behind modern Wilwood calipers. There's a 2.5-inch exhaust system that growls through welded, dual-chamber mufflers. And all that hardware rolls on old school Cragars, which turn 215/70R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As in front of 255/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As.

BLACK-ON-BLACK

Between the doors you'll find a fresh Black interior that's puts the 'tradition' in traditional. Front and center, vinyl-wrapped buckets perfectly complement a vinyl-wrapped bench. A factory dash hangs restored telemetry above a trio of accessory gauges. Beneath that dash, Chevelle-themed floor mats border a factory console, which frames a traditional Hurst shifter. And the driver guides a wood-trimmed Chevrolet Rally Wheel around an old school MQQN tachometer.

A lot of builders set out with the intention of making their vintage project best newer cars in as many ways as possible. That sometimes causes their muse to feel a bit boring or watered down. Thankfully, this Chevelle was kept true to form, with its buff big block, row-it-yourself gearbox and classically timeless aesthetics. Fully sorted and ready to roll, this Chevy is an impressive build that's sure to please any hardcore muscle car fan who enjoys grabbing gears and sliding sideways. If that sounds like your idea of fun, call your like-minded friends at RK Motors Charlotte!

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HIGHLIGHTS

* Authentic Chevelle Super Sport
* The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
* 402 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
* Muncie 4-speed manual transmission
* 12-bolt rear axle / 2.73 gears
* Power steering
* Power front disc and rear drum brakes
* 15-inch Cragar S/S wheels
* Correct Tuxedo Black paint
* Correct Black vinyl interior
* Correct F41 Sport Suspension