You've got to love that red paint inspired by the Kia Stinger.
A good story inspires the most exciting project car builds, and the Chevrolet Camaro from Mooresville, North Carolina, proves just that. AutotopiaLA presenter Shawn caught up with owner Vinny Giglio as he shared the backstory of how his muscle car came to be.
In the late 1800s, a mill was built in downtown Mooresville, which is said to have sparked the construction of more buildings. About five to six years ago, Vinny bought the abandoned mill from a century ago and called it Mill One.
The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, the nameplate's first model year, was built as a tribute to the mill.
Vinny first got the car with the body only. It is later painted with a color that pays homage to not only the color of the bricks used in the construction of Mill One but also the Hi Chroma Red color of the Kia Stinger.
The classic muscle car look is completed by the racing stripes that are said to represent the gray elements in the mill.
Under the hood is an LS7 naturally-aspirated engine, which, on the dyno, registered 618 horsepower and 541 lb-ft of torque. A Tremec T56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission sends all that power from the LS-swapped engine to the 9-inch rear end.
The build rides on Forgedline DE3S wheels wrapped around 245/35R19 tires for the front and 305/35R19 tires for the rear. Additionally, the stopping power is delivered by the Wilwood brakes.
On the outside, Vinny decided to go for many custom exterior bits, including the custom grille from Darell Johnson. The no-front bumper finish and Vision X headlights complete it.
The Infinity custom taillights are another interesting part of the exterior, which light up with a 3D effect.
The interior is also said to be fully customized, with the seats sourced from a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. As an ex-airline pilot, Vinny integrated an instrument panel similar to a World War II airplane cockpit. While the gauges look old school, the Momo steering gives off a modern project car appeal.
Chevrolet will discontinue the Camaro in 2024, but at least the nameplate that has spanned for six generations has shown us what a true muscle car is. And thanks to guys like Vinny, we get to see builds that should encourage carrying the Camaro's legacy.
Keyword: Original Chevy Camaro Gets A Tasteful LS7 Build Making Over 600 HP