SUMMARY
Concours, frame-off restoration completed around 2004 / Restoration included many NOS componentsIn a world full of awesome, numbers-matching Chevelles and very well done SS tributes, it's always nice to see something a bit different. And "different" is what truly defines this award-winning hardtop. Instead of being another run-of-the-mill red car that's finished with bucket seats, black vinyl and everyday Rally Wheels, it's a numbers-matching, real-deal Super Sport that rolls a red, bench seat interior on body-matched steelies. So, when you call your friends here at RK Motors Charlotte about this magazine-featured Chevy, not only are you getting investment grade metal that's restored and ready to roll, you're getting factory-unique muscle that's guaranteed to draw attention in a sea of lustful classics!
BODYWORK/TRIM
The beneficiary of a concours, frame-off restoration that was completed sometime around 2004, this sweet Super Sport wears clean, original sheetmetal under correct Regal Red 2-stage. Recognizing the car's significance as a real-deal SS396, the restorers decided to keep trim and ornamentation just as the General specified. Out front, a black Super Sport grille centers a prominent "SS396" emblem between a new chrome bumper, small parking lamps and bright T3 headlights. At the top of the car, like-new glass is caged between polished stainless wipers, straight stainless frames and a chrome-trimmed Super Sport hood. At the sides of that glass, correct ornamentation and a small, bowtie-branded mirror frame traditional door handles, dent-free wheel lips and correct Super Sport rocker guards. And out back, a color-keyed, "CHEVELLE" branded valance hangs 2-tone taillights and a second "SS396" emblem above a broad chrome bumper.
ENGINE
Glance under this Chevy's mirror-slick hood and you'll find an original, 396 cubic inch L34 big block that's been fully rebuilt, completely restored and thoroughly sorted! Branded with a familiar 3855961 casting number, a correct "EF" suffix stamp and a matching 137962 partial VIN, this legendary engine utilizes hydraulic lifters, a forged steel crank and closed-chamber, oval-port heads to turn beefy 10.25 to 1 compression into an easy 360 horsepower. At the top of the mill, a trick cowl induction set-up feeds oxygen to a reliable Holley 4-barrel that's centered above a fresh AC fuel pump. That air/fuel mixture travels in to a painted Holley intake, which rides between correct, cast iron heads and bright, polished valve covers. At the bottom of those heads, fully restored exhaust manifolds send spent gases in to high performance, true-dual pipes. At the back of those manifolds, a traditional points distributor shoots spark through fresh Packard Radio TVRS cables. And in front of those cables, a beefy Harrison radiator swills water through pliable GM hoses and correct tower clamps. Aesthetically, the spotless big block is covered in a traditional coat of Chevy Orange paint that contrasts very well to the car's satin inner fenders and glossy red exterior. And everything, from the big mill's fresh decals and authentic Delco Moraine brake booster to its correct alternator and reproduction Delco battery, has been professionally installed and completely detailed.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
What good would a killer big block be without a tough drivetrain and solid suspension to back it up? Behind the car's thundering 396, an original Muncie 4-speed, which wears a Muncie (P) assembled on December (12) 13th (13) build stamp, sends power to a tough GM 12-bolt, a correct posi-traction differential and correct 3.31 gears. That fully marked drivetrain is held off the ground by a restored and tagged chassis, which features fresh shocks, old school manual steering and rebuilt power drum brakes. At the center of that chassis, aluminized exhaust pipes run from the aforementioned manifolds to factory replacement mufflers while fresh stainless fuel lines run from the aforementioned Holley to a fresh stainless tank. At the corners of the car, painted steelies twist 7.75-14 Firestone Deluxe Champion redlines around polished stainless hub caps. And overall, the bottom of this awesome A-Body has been restored to the same high standards as its solid exterior panels and clean engine compartment.
INTERIOR
Naturally, this Chevelle's thorough restoration included the installation of a correct Medium Red interior. Firm bench seats hang ornate Fisher lap belts above fresh floor mats and a contoured shifter. A familiar Super Sport dash balances deluxe gauges between a small clock and a correct 7,000 RPM tachometer. A correct Delco pushbutton radio is present and accounted for. In front of the driver, a classy Chevelle steering wheel laps a fixed column. At the sides of the passengers, modernist door panels feature red frames, correct chrome handles and petite arm rests. And behind the cockpit, a fully restored trunk hides a correct jack and full-size spare tire between a new mat and fresh decklid decals.
PROVENANCE
There are many ways to confirm this Chevelle's status as an authentic SS396. Here's a detailed breakdown of the car's original Window Sticker, original Protect-O-Plate, Super Sport-specific VIN and original Cowl Tag.
VIN: 138176K137962
- 1: Chevrolet Motor DivisionCOWL TAG:
- 12D: Assembled during the fourth (D) week of December (12), 1965WINDOW STICKER:
13817 CHEVELLE SS 8 SPORT COUPE: $2,776
DESTINATION: $120.50
DELIVERED TO: Burt Chevrolet in Englewood, Colorado
VEHICLE PRICE: $2,896.50
TOTAL OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES: $347.15
TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE: $3,243.65
PROTECT-O-PLATE:
D Red interiorAWARD/FEATURES
Scored 994 out of 1,000 points at 17th Midwest Chevelle RegionalFeatured in the September, 2004 edition of Super Chevy Magazine
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
The aforementioned Window StickerWrapping numbers-matching power and unique aesthetics in an incredible restoration, this award-winning Chevy is ready to take your weekends to a whole new level! Looking for a legendary muscle car that features an unbeatable combination of style and performance? This magazine-featured Chevelle is your next classic!