If you had a classic 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle that is a documented big-block, four-speed car, would you keep it all original, or would you do something a little more dramatic?  For one owner in Canada, and a car that had been in the family, it was a difficult decision. That is, until he won a new engine in a raffle. That opened the door for ideas. And, with a little nudge from dad and brother, this Chevelle’s owner set out to make some changes to the original Chevelle and make something a little more… aggressive.

He found the perfect builder for the car in Pro Touring Texas. Upon shipping the car south, the makeover began.

This ’66 Chevelle carries that classic look, but it’s anything but original.

This ’66 Chevelle started as a nice, original car. But, PTT went with a full restoration, and because they knew it was going to have massive amounts of power, they started with a Roadster Shop FastTrack Chassis,  with a nine-inch rearend and 35 spline axles. The car was rust-free, but they went through and cleaned everything up, smoothed the lines, and added mini-tubs and a new transmission tunnel. The Chevelle was painted in an original Marina Blue, but then received polishing and ceramic coating to protect the immaculate finish. The original embellishments continue by keeping the factory trim.

The Beast Within

Under the hood is where things get rowdy. Power comes from a Nelson Racing Engines built LS 427 with a Dart block and Dart cylinder heads. Boost is added from Nelson Racing Engines’ twin 72 mm turbos. This particular package produces 1,700 horsepower. Put it on 93-octane pump gas, and you can cruise all day with 1,100 horsepower. The power gets transferred through a Tremec Magnum F Series manual transmission.

The Beauty Below

If you take a look underneath this Chevelle, you’ll see the craftsmanship displayed. Pro Touring Texas installed a work of art for an exhaust system. Starting with parts from Stainless Brothers, PTT built a truly impressive exhaust system.

With 1,700 horsepower, you can get up to speed in a hurry. But you also want to be able to stop on a dime. Stopping power comes from Baer Brakes with custom-machined Pro+ 6 piston calipers with an engraved maple leaf and 14-inch rotors. The maple leaf stands out behind the Billet Specialties wheels.

Beautiful Inside and Out

While the interior of this Chevelle looks factory original, it has a number of custom touches. From the enhanced transmission tunnel to fit the Tremec, to custom kick plates and door panels, Dakota Digital gauges, Vintage Air, and a full custom Bluetooth audio system. This is definitely not your grandfather’s 1966 Chevelle.

Ready to Roll

Pro Touring Texas did an amazing job with this build. This 1966 Chevelle has the classic looks that we’ve come to know and love in that era of Chevelle, but now it comes with a spectacular amount of attitude. Would you customize your car like this, or do you prefer the classic powertrain? Regardless of your answer, the great part of that thought is there’s something for all tastes in the world of custom Chevys. Especially if you’re Chevy Hardcore.