Words: Tommy Parry
With this incredible Chevelle, Chris and his friend Reggie joined forces to try and build a no-compromise Pro Tourer. Chris had the technical knowledge, while Reggie had the vision, the checkbook and the inspiration. As a child, Reggie’s father had a ‘68 Chevelle, and that served the inspiration for this particular car. His aim was to gift this car to his father once it was completed, but sadly, his father passed away during the build.
The original plan for the build entailed the addition of a 454 with overdrive and FAST EFI; a four-wheel disc conversion; a 12-bolt rear; factory-style buckets, column, and console; upgraded wheels and tires; a new coat of paint and refinished trim. Quite quickly, they decided to go down the challenging Pro Touring route and, charged with emotion and interested in building a no-expense-spared machine, they gave it an appropriate title: “Lost Control.”
There would be a few hiccups along the way. After media blasting, they realized they would have to replace the quarter panels, floors and fenders, as well as repair the wheel housings and the windshield cowl. However, it was around this period that Reggie decided it would be his last build, so he jumped in with two feet and hired Sled Alley to do the heavy lifting, and started signing a few sizable checks.
Since this was to be a cruiser, Chris contacted UMI for a Stage 2 kit with Viking coilovers to improve the stance and handling over stock. They used a Grand National steering box to save some money, while also providing better performance. To ensure strong traction, they contacted SC&C for a Currie Sportsman rear end.
Reggie liked the look of the classic Torque Thrust wheels and wasn’t willing to budge — initially. Eventually, he settled on a set of simple but modern Forgelines, which fit the classic aesthetic and provided enough room to house a set of BAER Pro Plus brakes.
The build was gaining momentum. Swayed by the recent upgrades, Reggie opted to go for a very special powerplant: a GMPP 572 with a Pro Touring-oriented torque converter from Twist Machine. Somehow, it all appears compact in the spacious engine bay. With Autorad radiator support and radiator painted satin black, the bay became a feast for the eyes. The thick coat of black paint on the body from LaFata Auto Body, plus the Dakota Digital LED Tail Lights and HID Headlights, completed the exterior.
After relocating the battery to the rear, Chris and Reggie turned to the interior. First, they laid down Dynamat inside the cabin — again, this car had to cruise comfortably — and started designating the wiring for power locks, power windows, and a push start button.
A custom dash, Vintage Air air conditioning, a Flaming River Steering wheel and column, Autometer Gauges, Pioneer Navigation, Master-Shift push-button gear selector and a Pioneer Navigation system came next. The custom interior pieces include reupholstered Corbeau seats and an Impala-style dip in the top of the back seat. Within that curve, they added mesh with a “572” emblem. Everything is impeccably finished in tan vinyl, courtesy of All American Upholstery.
It’s a car that gets driven hard regularly, rides like a Range Rover and turns heads at the car shows. It’s also a fitting final car — one that checks the boxes in every department — and a great tribute to his father. Hats off.
