Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

This 1970 Chevelle Resto-Mod (Lot #730) is ready to wow bidders at the 2019 Palm Beach Auction.

It’s not hard to imagine why the 1970 Chevelle was so popular to begin with. It represented Chevy’s best foot forward in the form of style, performance and that highly sought-after “cool factor.” You could order it with any one of four different big blocks, including the 450-horsepower 454 rat motor. It was the King of Streets. How could it get any better than that? Well, here’s how.

Lot #730 is a reimagined 1970 Chevelle convertible. It incorporates most of the car’s original factory lines, but its technical foundation is now grounded strictly in the 21st century. The body was completely restored and incorporates a variety of subtle changes designed to make it look smoother and cleaner. Kindig-It shaved the door handles away to help make it so.

The undercarriage for this piece of road art is a Schwartz Performing racing chassis ‒ which is another piece of road art in itself. This is a premier chassis-building company, so you’ll be bidding on a car that has evolved dramatically with an internal structure that now rivals the most contemporary high-performance cars on earth. And that’s just the chassis.

Power comes from a fuel-injected LS3 376ci Chevy small block capable of generating 480 horsepower, another global accomplishment for the Chevrolet brand. In the ʼ70s, it took 454ci to make just 450 horsepower. But this modern engine is all aluminum and much lighter, let alone far more efficient. A GM L780 6-speed overdrive automatic transmission sweetens the deal. Out back, a 9-inch Currie rear end packed with 3.70 gears connected to Forgeline 3-piece wheels, and massive Michelin tires, take the power directly to the pavement with utter authority.

Further evolutions come in the form of Baer 6-piston disc brakes utilizing 14-inch rotors front and rear. And in case you haven’t been checking these particular dimensions lately, they equal those of any other ultra-high-performance passenger cars on the road today. A RideTech Shockwave air-suspension system provides the ultimate in driving comfort and overall handling performance. Air suspensions have been around the OEM auto industry for years, but it took the aftermarket to perfect the concept. A highly evolved custom stainless-steel fuel tank by Rick’s fits this Chevelle like it always belonged there. Naturally, all electrical wiring and mechanical plumbing is not just new, but of the highest order.

The car’s fully custom interior is simply spellbinding. Created from seven hides of “Red Lipstick” leather it incorporates intricate door panel and seat designs that look, feel and certainly smell like the most exotic touring machines anywhere in the world. Fantastically detailed metal trim-work abound inside and touches the console, door panels, dashboard, steering wheel, even the gas and brake pedals.

An Ididit keyless entry steering column, a 2500-watt, eight speaker Pioneer sound system, combine with power windows and door locks, as well as Vintage Air, to offer a driving machine that takes a backseat to no other ultra-high-performance car, regardless of its decade of origin. This machine’s canvas convertible top is by Stayfast and includes an actual glass rear window. Of course, this top is electrically operated.

Rarely does a modified, or customized car come along that so brazenly expands the accepted definition of a Resto-Mod. This 1970 Chevelle blends five decades of automotive knowledge, craftsmanship and imagination to create the trendsetting driver’s machine before you.

When this spectacular creation crosses the block in Palm Beach at No Reserve, it will be your best opportunity to personally take advantage of the evolution of imagination, and the beautiful, hardcore reality that it has become. And you can do it from the best seat in town.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at the entire 2019 Palm Beach docket, click HERE.