’72 Chevelle, The Making of a Resto-Mod
For Kevin Andrews, AUTO|ONE’s Founder and CEO, it all started with a red 1972 Chevelle convertible. He was 16, cruising around with a 307 engine and a bench front seat—his very first car. So, when he saw a striking royal blue/purple ’72 Chevelle SS at an Odessa auction in Ottawa four years ago, it felt like fate. He placed a bid, and just like that, he was back where it all began.
The Chevelle he picked up was in surprisingly good shape; all metal, no bondo, and someone had clearly poured time into the bodywork and paint. But Kevin had a bigger vision. This wasn’t just a resto-mod, it was a chance to give this classic car it’s true heart and soul back.
The Build: Living Up to Its Potential
Underneath the hood, Kevin dropped in a custom-built 454 engine pumping out 640 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque. He paired it with a new 4-speed automatic transmission and added a hydro-boost braking system with Wilwood performance brakes on all four wheels. The ride got another upgrade with a RideTech coil over suspension package, front drop spindles, and a custom 3-inch stainless steel exhaust system.
Add in Foose polished rims, vintage AC, and a Bluetooth stereo that keeps the retro vibe alive, and this Chevelle SS became the perfect blend of old-school soul and modern muscle.
Still to Come
It’s almost fully there, but Kevin’s not quite done. LED lights and an updated interior gauge package are on deck. But starting May 1st, this beast is hitting the streets, ready to roar and turn heads.
A Learning Curve Worth Every Minute
As with any build, the process brought its share of surprises and elongated the process. Exhaust pipes needed to be custom bent, the carburetors needed changing as the original car didn’t have a choke, which made cold Canadian starts rough, and the transmission needed some tuning to shift properly. Every step taught Kevin more about how these components work, or sometimes don’t, together.
So, what’s next on the list, Kevin?
With this project nearing the finish line, the only question left is: what car’s getting the treatment next?