This car, like many others, has been transformed from its somewhat less-than-desirable condition into the jewel you see before you. How, you ask? Probably not too differently than your own pride and joy. However, the "why" it was transformed is an exception. This '70 Chevelle had a predetermined destiny, to showcase Goodmark Industries' newly expanded line of replacement body panels. Goodmark has spent an enormous amount of time and money on developing some of the harder-to-find or unavailable body panels. If you have followed along with the buildup, or at least the first few segments, you have a good idea of how extensive the line of body parts has become. We have all seen new fenders, doorskins, and even quarter-panels for a few types of body styles, but what about the inner structure? Chevelle owners everywhere should rejoice in the fact that, with the exception of the cowl, roof, and a few minor braces, the rest of the '70-72 Chevelle (among other years) body sheetmetal is now available and perfected, of which this beautiful example of classic muscle is proof.
If a car were simply the body structure alone, this story would be ending right about now, but there's much more. Not long after the idea of showcasing the new sheetmetal was developed, the rest of the car became a topic of many industry meetings. With the body becoming virtually new, the rest of the car should follow. Sounds easy, right? It was easy, considering over 50 manufacturers, a half-dozen or so shops, and countless editorial hours were all that was needed to put this flamed machine on the road and in a lucky reader's garage. Did we say lucky? How does a brand-new '70 Chevelle powered by an '02 GM Perfomance Parts 350hp Ram Jet 350 backed by a Hughes-built 700-R4 trans, all of which is riding on a Hotchkis suspended chassis and wrapped in a flawless flamed paint job with 17-inch American Racing Daisys, sound? Yeah, lucky doesn't even begin to describe this scenario. Just in case this is your first look at the Project Chevelle (or in case your memory is as bad as mine), we have thrown in some buildup shots and a spec box, detailing some of the finer points. For now, we want to leave you with wishes of good luck if you have or are planning on entering in the contest to win this baby. Remember, if you don't win, don't feel bad; we Primedia affiliates can't even enter the contest. Damn!