Chevrolet is in the restomod game. Factory-fresh classic cars have been the domain of ultra-luxury brands like Jaguar and Aston Martin, but the practice has just been democratized. Chevrolet has just sold two classic SS models and a factory rally truck, all restored and brought back to better than new by the Chevrolet Vintage Project. There's just one catch: the vehicles come from and are being sold in Brazil. Two Opala SS Restomods With A Big I6 The two classic Chevrolet models are Opalas in SS trim. The Opala was based on a German GM model called the Opel Commodore, but it had more US-like styling and engines from GM North America. It was launched in 1968 and built through 1992 by GM Brazil. Recently, Chevrolet Brazil got ahold of a yellow 1976 Opala and a green 1979 model. The two were chosen to represent the two main colors in the country's flag. Both cars use the Opala's 4.1-liter inline-six engine. The stock six is based on the Turbo-Thrift 250 Chevrolet used in the US, but as part of the restomod process, both of these cars have been fitted with modern fuel injection and a five-speed manual from Tremec. Chevy says this makes it more powerful and reliable. CARDE Museum The cars are also upgraded with Bilstein shocks, newer model brakes, and more precise steering. The steering changes include new 15-inch alloys. This goes beyond a typical restoration, and even most restomods. Chevrolet's engineers and fabricators used modern techniques like laser welding. They also replaced a huge number of components, including the dash and gauges, with new old stock parts. Inside, both have a new sports steering wheel, new seats with period-inspired leather, and more. Chevrolet describes them as "preserving the tradition of this segment." But Chevy didn't stop with some cool new muscle cars. There was a truck hiding in a warehouse begging for attention, too. Rally Truck Still Wears Some Competition Rashes Chevrolet Brazil Chevrolet's rally truck is even more special in Brazil. The 2004 S10 Rally was built for competition, and it was one of the company's factory efforts in events like the Rally dos Sertões. Even finding this truck was a massive challenge; Chevrolet said it took months to locate. It was transformed back to like-new, but has original FIA-homologation parts like the roll cage and bucket seats. It preserved some signs of wear, though, as a record of the truck's heritage. The S10 has a 2.8-liter turbodiesel that was rebuilt by the same team that made it in the first place. The race-ready truck could top 300 horsepower, but this truck has had its power curve flattened so it can actually be driven on the street. GM Brazil put these three vehicles up for charity auction earlier this month. The auction had more than 50 cars sold to benefit the Carde Art Design Museum in Campos do Jordão, São Paulo. It features vehicles and art, and explores how the two intertwine with Brazilian culture. Each of the three sold for 500,000 Brazilian Real, or around $102,000 USD. For reference, that's about the same price that a 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II got at the same sale.
Liked by Madeleine King, Emily Brown
Liked by Madeleine King, Emily Brown
Liked by Madeleine King, Emily Brown