Chevrolet introduced the 402 CID for the 1970 model year when it was marketed under the 396 label in small cars and Turbo-Jet 400 label in full-size cars. The Chevelle could be optioned with the 6.6-liter V8 as well, but the one-off build we'll cover today is rocking a far more potent mill.
Offered at no reserve at Barrett-Jackson, the white-over-black coupe underwent a frame-off restoration before receiving a brand-new 402 engine. Topped by a K&N air cleaner, Quick Fuel carburetor from Holley, Edelbrock aluminum intake, and aluminum heads, the powerplant is rounded off by Holley Street Fire electronic ignition and a serpentine belt system.
As per the online listing, a high-capacity radiator keeps the gentle giant cool while the yucky stuff exits through a set of ceramic-coated headers, 2.5-inch exhaust pipes, and mandrel-bent tips with a chrome finish. A heavy-duty automatic transmission manages the fury under the hood, namely a TH350 upgraded with a 2200-2300 stall for neck-snapping acceleration off the line.
Power without control is nothing, which is the chassis features beefier sway bars front and aft. Street Performance shock absorbers and coil springs, tubular upper and lower A-arms, Wilwood drilled-and-vented brake rotors with black calipers, and power steering are worthy of your attention as well.
From a visual standpoint, the muscled-up Chevelle makes a strong impression thanks to powder-coated white bumpers, LED circular headlights, smoked bumper-integrated taillights, billet components, Super Sport-inspired black stripes, and 18-/20-inch American Racing Torq Thrust wheels. The tasteful exterior really pops because of the tinted glasshouse.
Open the driver’s door, and you’ll find Super Sport cues all over the place. Upgrades, meanwhile, include the Dakota Digital gauges, Clayton Machine Works billet handles and cranks, climate control, a Classic Sounds stereo with Bluetooth connectivity and a lot of high-quality leather. As for the trunk, that’s where two 10-inch subwoofers flank an amplifier.
Presented with approximately 1,800 miles (2,897 kilometers) on the digital odometer, this fellow comes out of the personal collection of Barrett-Jackson executive vice prez and general manager Nick Cardinale.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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