Mike Racke--'70 Chevelle--September
Other than the Fikse wheels, this wolf in sheep's clothing is pure sleeper. The bone-stock interior, power windows and door locks, and subtle paint give no indication of the hard-biting power on tap. With a Bill Mitchell 509ci Merlin Rat pumping out nearly 600 hp, 11-second timeslips are expected, along with lots of surprised headlights staring into the rearview mirror. From its humble beginnings, this former daily driver is all performance.
Tom and Pat Wilkinson--'57 Corvette--March
Purchased in 1965, this '57 Corvette waited a long time before Tom had the time and a plan to accentuate the car's classic style and blend in modern driveline technology. Mission accomplished! This blue beauty rides on a custom tube chassis and mates an LT1 350ci small-block to '92 Corvette front and rear suspension. Creature comforts include custom dash instruments from Dakota Digital and a Vintage Air unit for more smiles per mile than should be legal.
Jimmy Spears--'69 Camaro--March
Jimmy's idea of the perfect ride is an early Camaro capable of carving corners, accelerating like a rocket, and cruising on the highway with enough creature comforts for his wife Claricia to enjoy. After some trials and tribulations, the goal was achieved in the form of this radical-red asphalt-chewing machine. A Power Tour veteran, it stops you in your tracks with twin Garrett T-03 turbos feeding 12 pounds of boost through a Griffin air-to-air intercooler to the carbureted 355ci small-block. If there's one thing we love most, it's the sound of those turbos as they spool--it's pure horsepower heaven on earth.
Terri and Rich Stadelhofer--'56 Chevy Bel Air--July
Based on the opinion of at least 10 experts and their awards, this beautiful '56 Bel Air may just be the best on the planet. But, as its owners will quickly point out, this car was built to be driven. Under the hood resides a GM Performance Parts ZZ4 350ci small-block developing 355 hp in one of the most visually exciting engine compartments ever devised. The attention to detail is second to none, making one fine ride, inside and out.
Larry and Chris Cheffer--'84 Monte Carlo--December
On page 102 in this issue is one of the trickest Monte Carlos we have ever laid eyes on. Combining big power, superior handling, and custom styling inspired by NASCAR/SCCA race cars, this Monte is a driver that can Pro Tour with the best of them.