One-owner Chevy

When Bob L. bought his ‘67 Chevelle from Cone Chevrolet in Fullerton over forty years ago, he did not know he would have such a long-term relationship with the car. As a single guy, he liked the sporty styling and the 283 CID engine was economical, yet peppy. It had power steering and brakes with a Powerglide auto trans, so it was easy to drive as well. Since he had a company truck, he only put 113,000 miles on the car in over twenty-five years of driving it. When he finally stopped driving it, he parked it behind his shop and put a cover on it, planning to restore it when he had time. Over the years some rust appeared behind the rear window and low on the car’s sides, a victim of being stored outside. People would see it and try to buy it, but Bob held to his hope of someday again driving his Chevelle. When he moved up to Nevada County, he brought his car and his dream.

Four years ago he started work on the car and finished it in time to take it on the 2007 Fourth of July parade at Lake of the Pines. He kept it basically stock, but changed the transmission to a beefy Turbo 400 and put on an Edelbrock intake and four-barrel carburetor. He and his wife Sharon were very pleased with how well it came out. Now he drives it around, but never in the rain. He is keeping the Chevy in pristine condition. Sharon enjoys riding in it, but will not drive it for fear of putting the first ding on it. After all, he’s owned it longer than they’ve been married and she does not want to take any chances.

1967 was the last year for this body style on the Chevelle. The original color was white, but Bob chose a ‘67 GTO blue for the repaint. He went to Hot August Nights to study the various wheel options before choosing the Cragars he put on the car. For better stopping power, he added front disc brakes.

Bob replaced the original blue interior with black when he redid the car. He put in an AM/FM that looks stock and is controlled with a wireless remote.

The “small block” was the first V-8 used in Chevrolets, introduced in 1955. It continued in production, with different cubic-inch displacements and modifications, until 2005. Crate engines of that genre are still made and are the most popular engines with street rodders. The 283 CID engine was the second generation of the Chevy small block, introduced in 1957 and used until 1967.

Story & photos by Ron C ©2008