A junkyard-sourced 1967 Chevelle, built at home over 25 years, delivers 500 horsepower and autocross-ready performance.
Some classic builds are polished restorations that cost as much as a house. Others, like this 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle, are the result of years of patient wrenching, trial and error, and pure passion. Rescued from a junkyard for just $1,200, this four-door Chevelle has been transformed into a brutally honest 500-horsepower machine built to perform on the autocross course as much as on the open road.
The story, highlighted in a new AutotopiaLA video, centers on the car’s owner, who spent the last 25 years piecing the project together. Rather than chasing a flawless, show-winning finish, he focused on performance and usability, creating a car that is competitive while remaining streetable.
At its heart is a carbureted 468-cubic-inch big-block V8, bored from a 454 block and paired with a Muncie M22 four-speed manual and Gear Vendors overdrive. The owner assembled the engine himself, fine-tuning the Holley carburetor to deliver both raw power and surprising efficiency. Despite tipping the scales at over 3,800 pounds, the Chevelle manages around 14 miles per gallon on the highway—a testament to careful tuning.
Supporting that muscle is an El Camino box frame, Speedway tubular control arms, stiffer springs, Bilstein shocks, and 315-width tires on custom 18-inch wheels. Stopping power comes from disc brakes up front and drums in the rear, balanced with upgraded pads and a bias valve. The car’s stripped-down interior reflects its focus on function: a raised transmission tunnel, a homemade harness bar, basic gauges, and even air conditioning for comfort.
The Chevelle has proven its worth in multiple autocross events, often running only a few seconds behind much newer Porsche competitors. It’s not a showpiece, but a true driver’s car—proof that passion and persistence can turn junkyard metal into something extraordinary.
