A professionally built 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle once owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Ray Evernham is drawing attention for its combination of classic muscle car character and carefully engineered modern performance upgrades.
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Listed at $117,900, the black hardtop was built as a modern interpretation of the Chevelle Evernham owned during his high school years. While the exterior preserves the recognizable styling that made the mid-1960s Chevrolet muscle car iconic, nearly every aspect beneath the surface was upgraded to create a far more capable driving experience.
The project centers around a limited-production GM Performance Anniversary Edition 427 cubic-inch V8 engine, an all-aluminum big block produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Chevrolet’s legendary Mark IV big block platform. Only 427 examples of the engine were reportedly built, adding a significant collectible element to the car.
Using original 1969 ZL1 tooling as its foundation, the engine features forged internals, a hydraulic roller camshaft and a Holley four-barrel carburetor. Chevrolet rated the package at 430 horsepower, delivering substantial performance while maintaining the traditional big-block personality expected from a classic Chevelle.
Power is transferred through a five-speed manual transmission from Legend Gear & Transmission, paired with a carbon fiber driveshaft and a Detroit Speed 9-inch rear axle assembly featuring Moser components, 3.70 gearing and a limited-slip differential.
Although the Chevelle retains its original hardtop silhouette and factory-inspired Malibu SS styling cues, the suspension and braking systems were comprehensively modernized. Detroit Speed tubular front control arms, a QuadraLink rear suspension system and coilover shocks at all four corners were added to improve handling and ride quality. Front and rear anti-sway bars further sharpen the car’s road manners.
Stopping power comes from Baer four-wheel disc brakes with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, while Detroit Speed steering hardware modernizes steering response. Satin black Billet Specialties Magneto wheels wrapped in Nitto NT555 performance tires complete the car’s pro-touring stance without dramatically altering its vintage appearance.
Inside, the cabin balances restored factory styling with modern comfort upgrades. Black bucket seats, polished trim and a wood-rim steering wheel preserve the Chevelle’s period-correct atmosphere, while Vintage Air climate controls, upgraded instrumentation and modern audio equipment make the car more usable for contemporary driving.
Additional updates include a RetroSound AM/FM/Aux head unit, upgraded kick-panel speakers and Detroit Speed Selecta-Speed wipers. A Hurst shifter positioned in the center console reinforces the car’s traditional muscle car identity while complementing the upgraded drivetrain.
The completed build reflects a growing trend within the collector car market where classic American muscle cars are being reengineered to offer modern handling, braking and reliability while retaining their original styling and emotional appeal.
For Evernham, whose career became synonymous with engineering and performance innovation in NASCAR, the Chevelle represents both a personal connection to his past and a carefully executed vision of how a vintage muscle car can evolve without losing its identity.