Sometimes, you just have to restart from a blank slate. That’s what happened to this 1966 Chevelle, affectionately nicknamed “Phoenix.” This top-tier restomod is the result of a meticulous four-year build, and now, it’s clean and mean, packing a twin-turbo LSX and looking absolutely gorgeous, as featured in the following video.
This car originally started as a Malibu with some questionable modifications, including partial chassis and body work. Once purchased by the current owner, the project was essentially sent back to square one, with some noteworthy names tacked on for good measure. Among them is renowned designer Sean Smith, who provided the renderings to guide the project’s design.
Under the hood, the Chevelle now packs a 376 LSX V8 with twin Comp T3 turbos and an Edelbrock cross-ram intake manifold, plus tucked coil packs and a beautifully clean engine bay. The owner opted for relatively modest boost levels, set at about six psi on 91-octane fuel to deliver around 550 horsepower at the rear wheels. An air-to-water intercooler system with a trunk-mounted reservoir keeps intake temps in check, while a Borla exhaust system and the turbos themselves help keep noise levels tame. The powerplant connects to a 4L75E automatic transmission, with a Curry nine-inch rear end and RideTech suspension with a four-link setup out back.
The car rides on Avant Garde F420 three-piece wheels with carbon barrels, staggered at 19 inches up front and 20 inches out back, wrapped in 245 and 325-series tires, respectively. Behind the wheels are Wilwood brakes with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units in the rear, paired with a boosted brake system hidden behind the firewall.
Visually, the car is deceptively simple, but full of subtle custom touches, including extended and reshaped quarters, a handmade rear bumper, custom billet hood vents, a laser-cut grille, and a bespoke front splitter. The body has been shaved of mirrors, drip rails, and door handles for a sleek, flush look.
Inside, the cabin features a fully custom dash, Dakota Digital gauges, a harness bar, AC, and power windows, plus upholstery by Stitched Envy.
This Chevelle is absolutely dripping with tasty details, so hit play to see them all for yourself:
Comments
I can certainly appreciate the amount of blood, sweat and tears it took to ruin this car.
Some people have more money than brains. This car proves it.
Taste is an individual trait. This car is outstanding in many ways. Great job. Black Cherry paint and a bit of colour (tan ostrich inserts) in the interior would be more my taste, but that’s just me.
My first car in HS in 1971 was a 1966 Malibu with a 283 2 barrel powerglide. White with a blue bench seat interior. Also had chrome reverse wheels. Looked a lot better than this. Late, great Dad paid $600 for it. Drove until senior year of HS, then a 1972 Malibu 350 2 barrel, cream yellow, beige interior and vinyl top. Great days, great cars when V8 coupes ruled.
Back when the choice was small block or big block, none of these “did you want a 3 or 4 cylinder…” we aren’t a third world country or at least didn’t used to be. Why then must we imitate the “if it might last 5 years or 20k, get up to 80km/h in 5 min, then it’s good enough”. I’d never go all this trouble to stop at 6 psi and 550 hp. Just wish ALL cars came stock with a V8, would make the building options more exciting.
Some commenters have no clue what hot rodding is and its history. It’s a 53 billion dollar industry, with another 50 B on the backend, based on the individualization of the automobile. It is for people who do not follow everyone else. It’s a growing industry.
Mike. Good response. We Hot Rodders are a bit rebellious. Taste is a personal issue. I’ve seen Rods that I wouldn’t drive or own, ever, BUT absolutely love and respect the thought, engineering and workmanship that went into them. To each his/her own.
Beautiful build. The quality and detail is top notch. The clean and simple appearance is on another level.
I’d have to go manual though, always manual.