Few cars do so many things so well as this 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle. Big power, lots of room for friends and gear inside a comfortable interior, and looks that are approaching iconic status make them not only a safe bet for fun, but a smart place to spend some money, because the nice ones will always be in demand.This Chevelle is a multiple award winner that proudly shows off extensive cosmetic surgery that makes it look decades younger than it is. During the full-blown restoration, all the sheetmetal was smoothed, aligned, tweaked, and straightened, including the hood, fenders, quarters, and floors. The result is a car that's a lot straighter than any factory effort and zero fears of the rust boogieman hiding in the deep recesses of the shell. Covered in luscious royal blue paint, it casts a dashing profile that is at once an intimidating street presence and pretty enough to show at almost any level. The simplicity of the original design shows through, from the forward-canted grille to the dramatic "flying buttress" C-pillars that defined the second-generation Chevelle, and they didn't even bother adding a cowl-induction hood, so it looks super sleek. All the chrome was restored so it sparkles like quicksilver, although much of it was shaved for a more up-to-date look. It's actually nice to see one that's not trying to be just another SS clone.You want an upscale look? This Chevelle definitely delivers. The factory bucket seats have been expertly reupholstered in top-grain vinyl and cloth stitched into correct-looking patterns with high-end emblems in the seat backs just for good measure. It isn't over-accessorized inside, sticking to the original recipe for the most part and putting a bright shine on it here and there. For example, there's a 3-spoke wheel framing the original instrument panel, but it's a little thicker than stock. Factory power windows are a nice find and the original climate controls now manage a Vintage Air A/C system (which needs to be hooked up). An AM/FM/cassette stereo suggests that entertainment was important, but only as long as it didn't get in the way of the horsepower. The carpets and door panels are all original-spec, so they look right, and the freshly restored trunk carries a repro mat that looks pretty tidy.The fact that the Chevelle was designed to handle a just about any Chevy V8 only helps when it's time to upgrade, and this one sports a sweet-running 350 cubic inch V8 that's dressed for show and pulls like a freight train. Lots of chrome and billet make it easy to see why this one is a trophy magnet, but all the good stuff is there, too, including power steering and brakes, a bright accessory drive setup, and a smoothed firewall. A Holley 4-barrel carb delivers the go-juice, while headers and a Flowmaster exhaust system with an X-pipe give it a wonderful baritone voice. It also offers easy cruising at any speed thanks to a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission, and drop spindles to give it just the right rake. Handsome 18-inch Budnik wheels give it a look that's more in tune with 21st century fashion and it sits on staggered 245/40/18 front and 275/40/18 rear BFGoodrich radials.This Chevelle delivers all the important parts of the collector car experience: looks, performance, and desirability. If you've been looking for one, there aren't many that are nicer. Call today!
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