Spectacular restoration with big block power. Period 454 with big horsepower. Highly detailed throughout, including undercarriage. Factory A/C. Runs and drives superbly. A fantastic big block Chevelle that surely cost a fortune to build!
Well get the obvious stuff out of the way first: we dont know and cant prove whether this is a real SS. Theres some documentation in the folder from a previous owner saying its a real SS, it carries round SS gauges that appear to be original, and by 1972, the SS package was just stripes and badges anyway. The tags say it was originally equipped with a 350 2-barrel engine. But instead of focusing on what it was, lets look more closely at what it is today: a spectacular big block Chevelle that talks the talk and walks the walk. The quality of the work on this car is off-the-charts nice and undoubtedly cost far more than the asking price. The bodywork is laser-straight, panel gaps are even, and the whole car rings of quality that you rarely see in GMs A-bodies. The brilliant Cranberry Red paint looks so deep and vivid that it almost feels like you could dip your finger in it. Black SS stripes are, of course, part of the package, along with the requisite SS emblems in the correct places. Theres also a functional cowl-induction hood with hood pins, a blacked-out SS grille, and a whole lot of expensive re-plated chrome that just sparkles against the equally shiny paint. And you can count us among those who prefer the single headlight treatment of the later Chevelles, giving it a cleaner, leaner look. If quality matters to you, this Chevelle demands a closer look.
The black bucket seat interior was likewise restored to stock specs. Theres new upholstery on the seats that replicates the factory patterns, fresh carpets on the floor, and nicely detailed door panels that look correct. The 4-spoke SS steering wheel frames what appear to be the original gauges, and they are correct for an SS, making them our biggest clue that this is a real SS. Auxiliary dials under the dash monitor the engines vitals and the "horseshoe" shifter for the TH400 3-speed automatic is still one of the coolest ever invented. Of note, the car has factory A/C which has all-new components and uses R134a refrigerant for easy maintenance, and the original AM radio remains in the dash for an authentic look (you wont bother with it anyway once you hear how this sucker runs). Embroidered SS floor mats protect those new carpets and theres a fresh headliner overhead. And as long as youre looking around, check out the super clean door jambs, new sill plates, and lots of new weather seals. Nobody was skimping on this build. The trunk is correctly outfitted with a reproduction mat and spare tire cover, as well as a full jack assembly.
The 454 cubic inch V8 under the hood carries a CWL suffix code, denoting a 1973 454 for a TH400, so its period-correct and our notes say both the engine and transmission came from a full-sized 1973 Impala. Whatever it was in its old life, its entirely new now, with a rebuild and a lot of extra performance. Theres a slightly upgraded cam that gives it an awesome idle and fantastic mid-range punch, an aluminum Edelbrock intake up top, and a big 4-barrel carb to feed it. But they also took the time to get the detailing right. Theres Chevy Orange on the block, correct chrome big block valve covers, an open-element air cleaner with reproduction decals, and even things like the hose clamps are correct tower units. A giant radiator keeps things cool and they kept the factory exhaust manifolds so no worries about leaky headers. Power steering and power front disc brakes make it easy to handle for just about anyone, and we believe there are 3.73 gears in the 12-bolt out back, so it feels plenty punchy off the line. You will note the chassis is full of new stuff, including the front suspension and brakes, all the lines and hoses, a new driveshaft, a fresh Flowmaster 2.5-inch exhaust system, and much more. The floors and rockers are super clean and not hidden under any kind of undercoating, so you can really see just how nice this car is. Correct boxed control arms, a new gas tank, and chrome oval exhaust tips add to list of new stuff. The stance is just about perfect thanks to a set of lowering springs, and it sits on staggered Coys wheels wearing 245/45/17 front and 255/40/18 rear performance radials.
So you can fret over numbers and what this car used to be, or you can be a smart buyer and simply shop quality. Someone went all-out on this build, aiming for an OEM look with a few choice upgrades, and the result is one of the finest Chevelles weve ever featured. Check the level of detail, the fit and finish, and the correct OEM parts used throughout-none of that was cheap or easy. Like I said, if quality matters, this Chevelle should appeal to you. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
