Like many classic car enthusiasts, I’ve always been drawn to the iconic 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle. There’s something about its styling and muscle car heritage that just resonates with me. For years, I admired them from afar, dreaming of owning and restoring one myself. My journey with Chevelles has been a winding road, leading me to appreciate the hunt for the perfect project, and sometimes, the perfect 1967 Chevelle Parts Car For Sale.
My first foray into Chevelle ownership was a beautiful, original 1967 SS model I found near Seattle. It was a true survivor – original paint, interior, drivetrain – a turquoise beauty with a black vinyl top and a 325 horsepower engine. I loved preserving its originality, focusing on cleaning and maintenance, resisting the urge to repaint or modify. The only changes I made were swapping to 15-inch steel wheels for a better stance, keeping the original 14-inch wheels for posterity. However, I always yearned for a non-vinyl top, four-speed version. Life changes led me to sell that Chevelle, and it ended up in good hands at The Roadster Shop.
But the classic car bug is persistent. About two years ago, the itch to start a new project returned. My ’68 Chevelle was already complete, and I missed the process of restoration. I craved a full-scale project and knew exactly what I wanted: a 1967 Chevelle SS project car. This time, I had specific criteria. It had to be original, a four-speed, and crucially, have a non-black interior. My tastes had evolved; I was now drawn to the vibrant, funky colors of the 60s and 70s.
My search led me to a promising lead in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Without hesitation, my wife and I booked a flight. Arriving in Phoenix in the scorching summer heat, we drove out to meet the seller. It was 115 degrees, so my wife wisely stayed in the air-conditioned car while I went to inspect the Chevelle. And there it was – love at first sight. I was amazed that cars like this still existed, untouched and waiting to be rediscovered.
The story of this particular Chevelle was fascinating. The gentleman I bought it from had first spotted it years earlier, sitting outside the original owner’s house when he was picking up his future wife for their first date. He had even approached the original owner to inquire about buying it, only to be met with a less-than-welcoming response! Years later, their paths crossed again. In 2008, the original owner, facing terminal illness, decided to sell the car. My seller was fortunate enough to acquire not only the Chevelle but also a treasure trove of original paperwork, remarkably preserved despite the Arizona climate. He brought the car home, tucked it away in the side yard of a rental property, and there it sat until I came along.
We quickly struck a deal, and I later returned with my father and brother to retrieve the Chevelle. It felt surreal as we drove it out of Arizona; this car had never left the Phoenix area. Eventually, it was shipped to my home in Washington State, ready for its new chapter.
This Chevelle is a fairly base SS model. No factory gauges or tachometer, equipped with the 325 horsepower engine, power steering, and full wheel covers. Importantly, the engine, transmission, and rear end are all numbers-matching. It even retains its original carburetor, radiator, and exhaust manifolds, complete with the smog equipment as it was built in Fremont and originally sold in Arizona. For me, the real appeal is that it’s a four-speed bench seat car – my preferred configuration over buckets and a console. Adding to the sense of fate, it was built the third week of March, and I was born on March 20th – it felt like it was meant to be mine.
The restoration has begun, and I’ve been steadily sourcing parts. I’ve already acquired restored turquoise seat belts, spiral shocks, and other essential components. I’m still contemplating a few decisions, such as the brakes. I purchased a 1967 GM disc brake kit years ago, both new and a vintage set pulled from a Chevelle in the 80s. However, I’m now leaning towards keeping the original drum brakes to maintain its factory configuration. Similarly, while I appreciate the look of dog dish hubcaps, I intend to run it with the full wheel covers, as indicated on the original sales order. Adding a blinker tach, tilt wheel, and gauges was also initially on my mind, but I’m now reconsidering those modifications to stay truer to its original form.
One significant challenge is finding five Norris Technologies 14×6 wheels, as they are missing. And, despite its Arizona history, the car does have rust issues. Broken front and rear windows led to rust in the dash area and rear window channel. The trunk and lower quarter panels also show rust, though remarkably, the floors are solid and rust-free. This is where the search for a 1967 Chevelle parts car for sale becomes relevant. While I aim to restore as much of the original car as possible, finding a donor car could provide valuable panels and parts to address these rust concerns and ensure a proper restoration.
The journey of restoring this 1967 Chevelle is just beginning, and the quest for the right parts, potentially even a 1967 Chevelle parts car for sale, is part of the adventure. I’m excited to bring this classic muscle car back to its former glory, preserving its history and enjoying it for years to come.
