Vehicle Description
We tend to get so hung up on matching numbers and correct factory
specs, that it's often difficult to imagine just how special
classic cars can be when they're handed over to brilliant minds
with vast imaginations and deep pockets. Well, this incredible 1966
Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Tribute Convertible was built by
professionals who didn't mind coloring a bit outside the lines, and
once you see this gorgeous droptop beauty, you'll forget all about
pedigrees and factory-specifics and instead just embrace the
wow-factor. Featuring a slick Aquamarine paint job, a custom
leather interior, and huge power under the hood via a built-up 454
big-block V8, this one-of-a-kind Chevelle droptop is a stunning
example of a classic car built with all the right moves. Take a
closer look but do so quickly because we've sold this dialed-in
convertible before. It didn't last very long with us back then, and
we doubt that it will now.
This bright Aquamarine (aka turquoise green) metallic ragtop makes
a big statement wherever it goes, so it's a good thing that it has
the street cred to back it up. Since the goal was to attract
attention, they made sure the bodywork would withstand some pretty
close scrutiny and that it does, with great gaps, super-straight
quarters, and no mods (not even a cowl induction hood!). By
focusing on the basics, the car doesn't look like it's trying too
hard and you're suddenly struck by the fact that these A-bodies are
incredibly good-looking cars. The beautiful finish went down after
the bodywork was just right and the deep shine comes from two-stage
urethane paint that's been color-sanded and buffed to an incredible
surface. It may not be a perfect trailer-queen, but it's pretty
darn close, and we can say with confidence that it will be the
nicest Chevelle droptop driver at your local/regional car show.
Bright bumpers at the end caps add to the slick affair, the chrome
brightwork and trim sparkles against the brilliant paint, and while
those badges up front say '396,' there's a bit of a surprise
waiting for anyone who decides to give this one a go at the stop
light grand prix.
From the driver's point of view, however, this car could easily be
mistaken for a high-end custom, with deeply sculpted two-tone tan
leather bucket seats, a custom console, and all the other tricks
that make this car a show-stopper. It's amazingly easy to get
comfortable behind the wheel and with suede and lizard skin inserts
in the upholstery, it's a feast for the eyes, too. Gorgeous custom
door panels were stitched to match, as was the custom center
console that houses a Lokar shifter to manage the automatic
transmission below, and plush tan carpets are protected with
matching floormats and fully insulate the cabin from the elements.
The dash was totally reshaped and customized to handle a band of
Dakota Digital instruments that complement the high-tech look, with
most of the secondary controls cleverly hidden out of sight. A
billet steering wheel is wrapped in matching leather and lizard
skin which really is the highlight of this already extremely
impressive interior, but you can see that they took care of even
the smallest details. The stereo system is managed via a Pioneer
AM/FM/CD/AUX/SAT head unit, modern R134a A/C blows cold, and
there's a gorgeous tan convertible top that looks incredibly
expensive. Even the trunk was superbly outfitted to match, with
plush carpets and custom leather side panels, and it houses a
full-sized spare neatly tucked into its own niche.
That's a big block Chevy under the hood, but with 454 cubic inches,
it's bringing a bit more heat than any stocker would. Covered in
chrome and billet aluminum, it's a show-quality engine bay that has
been expertly detailed and arranged without sacrificing
functionality. It starts easily thanks to a Holley 4-barrel
carburetor atop an Edelbrock aluminum intake, and inhales through a
set of aluminum heads and a roller cam that makes it cackle. The
block was painted to match the bodywork and they were careful to
hide the plumbing and wiring out of sight, while also showing off
the smoothed firewall and beautifully painted inner fenders. Backed
by a TH400 3-speed automatic that spins a rugged 12-bolt rear end,
along with a trick custom exhaust with Sanderson headers,
electronic cut-outs, and Flowmaster mufflers, it's a blast to bury
the pedal and watch things happen in a big way. Power steering
makes driving super easy, there's a power disc brake at all four
corners, an independent front suspension, fat sway bars at both
ends, and a 4-link rear end with Hortchkis upper and lower link
bars and heavy-duty coil springs. 245/45/17 BFGoodrich radials at
all four corners make this big ragtop maneuver better than anything
this size has a right to, and those grippy tires are wrapped around
flashy 17-inch Billet Specialties wheels that punctuate the entire
look.
This is one of the most impressive Chevelles we've ever seen and
there's so much more to it than we can cover here that you really
need to call and get all the details. Don't wait, call today!
