NewRarewagon.COM

This was surprisingly hard to find. Check out Live Online Coverage of the Russo & Steele auction in Scottsdale via the link below. Lots of very nice Mopars crossing the block right now.

PROGRAM VIEW:

TUNNEL VIEW:

Louie Bain called the yesterday to talk about some of the wagon’s he’s spotted. His sharp eye caught a second wagon at Hot Rods and Custom Stuff behind Rick Billini’s killer orange wagon. I sent an email to the shop asking if we could get the scoop. With luck maybe we’ll hear something.

The “Blue Witch” crossed the Russo & Steele auction block last year and sold for $33k. I about fell off my chair when that happened. I never would have believed it would sell so cheap. Had I known, I would have been there as Dennis Smith’s wagon was my favorite of all time.

Bamboozled will cross the block at NO RESERVE. What do you think it will sell for? Will it bring the $54k price tag it was recently advertised for online? Will it sell for less than Dennis Smith’s wagon sold for last year?

The “Blue Witch” auction was broadcast LIVE via the internet. I hope they will do the same for Bamboozled. The Russo & Steele website does not yet provide auction date or time. I will provide that information here on the NewRarewagon blog when it becomes available. I am yet again, very excited to see a Chevelle 2-door wagon cross the auction block at such a highly visible event.

RUSSO & STEELE AUCTION INFO BELOW:

Consignment # 9534
VIN: 132155Z112764
Lot Number: S748
Auction Date: Saturday, January 22, 2011
Auction Time: Approx. 9:00PM – 9:30PM

1965 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Custom Wagon

Offered Without Reserve

Offered for Auction sale at Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona January 19th-23rd, 2011.

Best known for their coverage of racing events as well as auctions, SPEED channel was early to the game in launching a similar series about the custom and hot-rod culture, tracking the progress of cars undergoing serious restorations and customizations in top-tier specialist shops. This 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle 2-door wagon was the subject of recent episodes of SPEED’s Chop Cut Rebuild. Now in its sixth season, the show covered the build of ‘Bamboozled’ over a 26 week period by D&P Classic Chevy of Huntington Beach, California. D&P is a well-known builder of GM show vehicles including classics and muscle cars and for almost the last 20 years have turned out numerous award-winning vehicles. Not only was this one-off wagon the star of SPEED’s hit show, ‘Bamboozled’, it made its debut at the SEMA Automotive Trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada and was endorsed by none other than the Master of Ceremonies, Jay Leno. This custom then went on to win numerous awards at shows such as Goodguys, Super Chevy, Cruise for the Cure, Fresno Autorama, the Wave Crest Show, the John Force Racing Show and many more. This incredible exposure led many popular media publications including a complete coverage of its build in Super Chevy Magazine as well as feature articles in several custom car publications.

‘Bamboozled’ was built not just for television but as a one-of-a-kind West Coast statement vehicle. As the star of a hit television series, this special Chevelle was created using an extensive list of parts from many of the best manufacturers in the automotive aftermarket. Crafted completely by hand from start to finish, it had extensive work done to enhance the great lines of this rare vintage muscle car. Thousands of man hours were required to complete construction. Custom features include the bodywork that features a reverse opening hood, smoothed door handles and drip rails with electrically controlled doors, a one of a kind cowl induction hood, one of a kind billet wheels, a one-off front spoiler and much more. Inside, a custom dash and gauge panel, with an exotic full-length surf board console, totally custom interior with 4 hand-built leather and suede bucket seats including two front power Lexus seats, and a full entertainment package with multiple video screens, handmade sub enclosures and multiple stereo amplifiers round out the amenities. Under the hood, the exotic looking power train is a dependable LS engine dressed with custom valve covers but with all the same modern mechanicals used by GM in the Corvette, mated to a heavy-duty custom automatic transmission and 12-bolt rear differential. With horsepower approaching a remarkable 500 ponies, you will not only be the first one to the beach who will attract a crowd, but you will also draw attention from onlookers anywhere you go.
‘Bamboozled’ was built not just as an exhibition piece, but also to be driven and enjoyed. It has all the creature comforts one finds in a late-model luxury vehicle but has the undeniable crowd-stopping appeal of a total custom with incredible provenance. There are very few, if any other customs on the market today with this amazing amount of media and custom car event history combined with absolutely faultless build quality and unique design, yet ‘Bamboozled’ represents all of the above, all rolled into one.

Stumbled on more photos of Rick Billuni’s wagon on Facebook. Nice find. Would love to get high resolution photos of the build and photo shoot. Anybody now these guys? This wagon is certainly the “King of the Hill” when it comes to customized Rarewagon builds. I’ll keep trying to get more information and photos of this wagon for the site.

Sorry to see the D&P Chevy “Bamboozled” without it’s Tiki graphics. I know many do not care for wild graphics but I thought they made this car a stand out show car. They built the car on “Chop Cut Rebuild”. Does that make it worth more money, or less? Must be the later I guess.

Darryl’s son Pat also has a ’65 with wild graphics that he’s been trying to sell for some time. It was on eBay last week. I inquired about a trade but he wasn’t interested. Pat is advertising that he will paint the car plain silver for a fee. I’m very sad to see these cars going “belly button” for the masses. Personally, I Bamboozled was worth a LOT more money as it was. So few people have interest in these wagons, I think the car will sell for a much less money now then it would have with the “Tiki” theme.

“Bamboozled” is listed on Autobuy and Hemmings. Pat’s wagon was listed on eBay. Info for all below along with additional photos from my collection.

NewRarewagon – Darryl Nance Collection:

NewRarewagon – Pat Nance Collection:

Autobuy

1965 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE 300 SERIES 2 DOOR WAGON
Very rare factory 2 door wagon. Recent Body-off the frame restoration of a very clean California car. Built with the best components available. Numerous custom features including hand built engine compartment, cowl inducted hood, tailgate, dash, etc. Custom leather interior with high dollar stereo system and multiple video screens. Built by D & P Classic Chevy. GM Performance LS1 all aluminum fuel injected engine Polished Magnuson supercharger with intercooler GM Art Carr 4L65E 4 speed automatic transmission Heavy duty Griffin radiator GM 12 bolt differential with posi-traction Global West tubular control arms Quick ration power steering box CPP four wheel disc brakes Tilt Column Rock Valley stainless steel fuel tank/stainless fuel lines House of Kolor Paint Galaxy Grey Power Windows Vintage air conditioning Foose Nitrous II 18 & 20 inch wheels High end stereo system with multiple speakers, subs, amps remote door openers Only 200 shakedown miles since restoration
’65 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE 300 SERIES 2 DOOR WAGON

’65 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE 300 SERIES 2 DOOR WAGON

Very rare factory 2 door wagon. Recent Body-off the frame restoration of a very clean California car. Built with the best components available. Numerous custom features including hand built engine compartment, cowl inducted hood, tailgate, dash, etc. Custom leather interior with high dollar stereo system and multiple video screens. Built by D & P Classic Chevy. GM Performance LS1 all aluminum fuel injected engine Polished Magnuson supercharger with intercooler GM Art Carr 4L65E 4 speed automatic transmission Heavy duty Griffin radiator GM 12 bolt differential with posi-traction Global West tubular control arms Quick ration power steering box CPP four wheel disc brakes Tilt Column Rock Valley stainless steel fuel tank/stainless fuel lines House of Kolor Paint Galaxy Grey Power Windows Vintage air conditioning Foose Nitrous II 18 & 20 inch wheels High end stereo system with multiple speakers, subs, amps remote door openers Only 200 shakedown miles since restoration

Price: $54,500.
Call K&S Cars
714-579-7743 BREA, CA

Hemmings

1965 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Series 2 Door Wagon
Body Style: 300 Series 2 Door Wagon
Mileage: 200
Condition: mint
Interior: Brown Leather
Exterior: Gray
Location: Brea, California, United States

Description:

Very rare factory 2 door wagon. Recent Body-off the frame restoration of a very clean California car.

Built with the best components available. Numerous custom features including hand built engine compartment, cowl inducted hood, tailgate, dash, etc.

Custom leather interior with high dollar stereo system and multiple video screens. Built by D & P Classic Chevy.
$54,500

Dealer Information:
K & S Cars
2781 Saturn St, Suite N
Brea, CA 92821
PH: 714-579-7743
FAX: 714-579-1772
Website: kandscars.com

eBay Item 280599304727

1965 Chevrolet Chevelle wagon
1965 chevelle 2 door wagon
Chevrolet : Chevelle
Item Location: fountain valley, CA, United States
Ended: Dec 14, 201015:26:24 PST
Bid history: 0 bids
Starting bid: US $25,000.00
Reserve price not met
Payment:
Full payment required within 7 days of auction close.
Shipping: Buyer responsible for vehicle pick-up or shipping.
Vehicle shipping quote is available.

Seller info
Member id $-patrick-$ ( 55 )
100% Positive feedback

Other item info
Item number: 280599304727
Item condition: Used
Sells to: United States

Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
Last updated on 07:32:50 PM PST, Dec 07, 2010
1965 Chevrolet Chevelle wagon
VIN: 131155z135040
Mileage: 1,080 miles
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Title: Clear
Condition: Used
For sale by: Private seller

Features
Body type: Wagon
Engine: 8 – Cyl. Cylinder
Exterior color: Silver
Transmission: Manual
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Gray
Disability equipped: –

More Information

1965 chevelle 2 door wagon

This wagon was purchased and taken off the body to have a full body off restoration. The whole car and chassis was taken off sand blasted and frame and bottom or body painted gloss black. This car was a original a/c car which has all been redone and converted to r-134. This was a california rust free car in good shape never a accident so everything fits and has good gaps on body panels. This car has been shown and won many awards and in magazines. There was no expense spared on any part everything put on this car was brand new including the engine which is a fuel injected corvette LT1 engine with all street and performance pulley system and new fuel tank with internal fuel pump. The wheels are budnik custom 18″ wheels with bfg tires. The transmission is a 6 speed manual with a hydraulic clutch so shifts smooth and easily. The suspension has all been redone the front is factory rebuilt and all the rear is globel west tubular rears with a 12 bolt posi. 4 wheel disc brakes with slotted and drilled rotars. The steering has been converted to a close ratio steering box and is power. The cars interior has been all redone in suede and a console with bucket seats the interior has also been completed with a huge stereo system including dvd and subs and 6 speakers with 4000 watts. I put in 2 batterys that sit in the rear spare tire carrier with a solenoid that charges both batterys. The custom graphics were done by van demon custom graphics.This car is very reliable can be driven everyday and gets amazing gas milage. There is nothing that needs to be done to the vehicle. Im selling this car because i dont drive enough and am using to finish other projects no trades please I have enough toys already thanks though. But if you have any questions feel free to email and I can reply quickly. thanks

Can also repaint solid silver for additional cost

Feels a little odd to see Allen’s wagon sell on eBay. For me, Allen carried the torch for these wagons. With his creation of the website “rarewagon.com”, he united Chevelle 2-Door Wagon owners around the country. His “email list” tied us together, helping us find parts and unique technical information. Some of us even found our cars through Allen’s classifieds section. With the creation of “rarewagon.com” came three gatherings of owners around the country; 2000, 2001 and 2002. I saved some of the “rarewagon.com” website content HERE for reference.

Hope your wagon goes to a good home Allen.

Allen did such a great job listing his car on eBay I want to store the post for future reference. See the eBay listing below as of 12/19/2010.

eBay Item : 300504278271

1964 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Series
Chevelle Two-Door Station Wagon, Stock, Factory 4 Speed
Chevrolet : Chevelle
Item Location: Alhambra, CA, United States

Ended: Dec 19, 2010 16:00:00 PST
Bid history: 18 bids
Winning bid: US $32,100.00

Payment: Deposit of US $2,000.00 within 48 hours of auction close. Full payment required within 7 days of auction close.
Shipping: Buyer responsible for vehicle pick-up or shipping.
Coverage: This vehicle is eligible for up to $50,000 in Vehicle Purchase Protection.

Seller info
Member ID: pmd75 ( 31 )
100% Positive feedback
Item number: 300504278271
Item condition: Used
Sells to: Worldwide

Description
Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
1964 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Series
VIN: –
Mileage: 999,999 miles
Warranty: No
Vehicle title: Clear
Condition: Used
For sale by: Private seller

Features
Body type: Wagon
Engine: 8 – Cyl. Cylinder
Exterior color: Blue
Transmission: Manual
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Blue
Disability equipped: No

Price of this extremely rare Chevrolet Chevelle … about $35,000. Humiliating the competition with a “STATION WAGON” … priceless!

Up for auction is this beautiful, best-in-the-world example of a Chevrolet Chevelle two-door station wagon. Rarely seen is the Chevelle two-door station wagon – never seen in any Chevelle two-door wagon, except in this one:

1) High quality, factory stock, highly detailed, NOS body-off restoration, built to compete against and beat Super Sports and El Caminos on a national level (and it did).

2) Extensive factory original options – including factory 4-speed and air conditioning.

3) Documentation of its authenticity including original purchase order, receipts, vintage photographs and 1960s vintage video (in DVD format).

If you research Chevelle two-door wagons, you’ll quickly find that all of them are either in rough condition or have been modified to the extent that they are largely contemporary creations and their options (if any) and history are unknown – all of them, except this one.

HISTORY:

The original owners special ordered this Chevelle in late 1963 from Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina California. Passionate about cars and raised in the Los Angeles car culture, they factory ordered this wagon with the following options:

• 220 HP 283 V8 engine (the biggest engine available in a ’64 Chevelle two-door station wagon)

• Muncie four-speed transmission

• Four season air conditioning

• Comfort tilt steering wheel

• Power steering

• Luggage carrier

• Tinted windows, all

• Padded dash

• Push button AM radio

• F40 suspension

• 7.5×14 white wall tires

• Full wheel trim covers (same as Malibu)

• Comfort & convenience group. (Includes a day/night rearview mirror, driver’s side mirror, back up lights, two-speed wipers with washers and glove box light)

You would be hard-pressed to find a Malibu SS, let alone another Chevelle two-door wagon so generously factory optioned. The fact that these options were factory installed on this Chevelle is documented by the included original Clippinger Chevrolet purchase order dated 12/12/1963 – which is exactly 46 years to the day of the start of this auction.

The original owners always thought their wagon was special but this didn’t prevent them from putting it to work. Loaded with gear and covered in dust, this wagon often appeared in their vintage home movies. These images are included in a copyrighted DVD presentation that tells the story of this unique Chevrolet and this DVD is included in this auction.

The original owners sold this Chevelle in May of 1973 but in 1984 their son and current owner located it through DMV and bought it back in November of that year. Recognizing the Chevelle’s rarity, desirable factory options, provenance and history, the current owner knew this unusual Chevelle deserved the highest quality restoration and thus commissioned a respected Z16, ’67-69 Camaro, and 1963-1967 Corvette restorer to perform a highly detailed, body-off, numbers matching restoration. The goal was to compete against and beat Super Sports and El Caminos at the National Chevelle Owners Association (NCOA) convention – a national level, points-judged show. In its debut at the 1997 NCOA convention in Schaumberg Illinois it earned the top award – platinum – with 987 points in the original restored class, Editor’s Choice and People’s Choice awards.

DETAILS ABOUT THE RESTORATION:

The highly detailed, numbers matching restoration began with the body in amazingly good condition with original paint. The body was finished with the correct “Daytona Blue” metallic lacquer (an unusual color for a two-door wagon) by a noted restoration house in Phoenix Arizona. A huge amount of rare NOS parts were used along with original parts and some reproduction parts used only where necessary. A key goal was to make the car drive and feel like it did when it was new and use correct NOS or original interior parts as opposed to less expensive, reproduction material that is incorrect for 300 Series cars. In the case of the door panels and the five rear-most windows, correctness was favored over condition. Key NOS parts used in the restoration include:

• All exterior NOS “Autobright” trim (grill, headlight bezels, “C” moldings, rare ’64 two-door wagon only rear quarter moldings, tailgate emblem etc.

• NOS cloth interior

• NOS four-speed shifter control, shift ball & other shifter parts

• NOS radio

• NOS Parking brake lever & parking brake cable

• NOS Wiring harnesses – front

• NOS Luggage carrier

• NOS Door weather striping

• NOS Tailgate window opening weather strip

• NOS 2 speed wiper motor

• All NOS taillights and center reflectors

• NOS canister oil filter

• NOS hood hinges/springs, hood latch and battery hold down bracket

• NOS exhaust hangers

• NOS hub caps

The frame was stripped and powder coated. Instead of using reproduction hardware, original bolts, washers, clips, screws, body bolts and mounts and other tiny detail items were re-plated with appropriate-color zinc plating. Anything aluminum, including the transmission case, tail shaft and air conditioning tubes were re-aluminized. All chrome was refinished in show chrome. The driveshaft was restored to its original bare metal finish with bluing effect on welds and correct inspection marks reapplied. An original, correct-dated 55 amp alternator was located and restored with new correctly dated diodes. The original fan clutch was rebuilt, re-plated and ink stamped with correct codes. Key components of the air conditioning system were rebuilt by a company specializing in original automotive air conditioning systems. However, the system is not currently charged. The drive train was completely rebuilt. The engine was rebuilt with .030 over pistons and hardened valve guides. In one of the few departures from stock, a mild cam was used. This really gives the car some personality. Because it sounds so nice but isn’t loud, non-car people don’t notice it isn’t stock but hot rodders recognize and appreciate the subtitle rumpty-rump of the bigger cam. The other significant departure from stock is a 3.55 gear. This Chevelle wagon is numbers matching and no part was re-stamped (the engine block has never been decked). Key data:

• Body Van Nuys number: 331

• Assembly 12A (first week of December, 1963)

• ACC Code:E 2KLP 3C

• Engine: F1029JH

• Transmission: 1014

• Rear-end: ZA 11 04

• Date on frame: 10-8-63

The restoration was completed in July of 1997 and the car is amazingly fresh today. Attesting to its stunning condition is the first place award it won at the Cruz’n for Roses, car show (South Pasadena, CA, Sept 19, 2010) where it beat a beautiful, authentic ‘65 Shelby Cobra. Since the restoration was finished, this Chevelle has been lovingly maintained and driven less than 800 miles. The photos accompanying this auction (taken June 17th 2010) don’t fully convey the quality and detail of the restoration – you must see the car in person to fully appreciate it.

PROVENANCE INCLUDED IN THIS AUCTION:

• Original purchase order

• Vintage home movies of the car in a copyrighted DVD presentation

• Copies of vintage photographs of the car

• Original repair receipts from 1964 – 1973 & restoration receipts 1984 – 1997

• Glove box documentation & other interesting vintage documentation

BONUS: Included in this auction is a custom-fit, made in USA indoor car cover.

IN CLOSING: No private car collection or museum showcasing Chevrolets is complete without this, the most non-bellybutton Chevrolet on the planet!

This vehicle is being sold as is, where is, with no warranty expressed, written, implied, or given. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicles and/or items and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgment solely. Fees, inspections, taxes, shipping, handling, and or transportation is FOB point of sale Southern California and is the responsibility of the buyer.

FAQs:

1) How many ’64 Chevelle two-door wagons were made? 2710 of which, 1101 were V8s.

2) Were there ever any Malibu two door wagons made? No. All Chevelle two-door wagons were 300 series.

3) Didn’t some ’64 Chevelle two-door wagons come with 327s? No. Although in the middle of the model year the 327 was introduced, it was not available in the ’64 300 series line. As such, the L77 283 V8 (220 HP, 4 barrel, dual exhaust) was the largest engine available in ’64 Chevelle two-door station wagons.

COUNTER: 5431 (12/19/2010)

Popular Hot Rodding – April 2010

65 Chevelle Wagon – Over The Top

Rick Billuni ran into the guys at Hot Rods and Custom Stuff in Escondido, California, many years ago. The relationship started with smaller jobs on his personal cars, then their first full build together. Rick really enjoyed that first car, and wanted another. This one would be different though; his previous cars had been 100 percent show, and he didn’t spend much time on the road. This time Rick wanted something that would be just fun to drive.

Hot Rods and Custom Stuff is known for their turnkey cars, ranging from the 1920s through the 1970s. They do everything in-house from frame building to final painting, with exception of chrome and powdercoating. They start with totally unrestored, destroyed, or unfinished cars, and produce top-notch custom or restoration builds.

Rick brought a ’65 Chevelle wagon that had much of the fabrication work done, but it still needed a lot. First things on the list were the exhaust, brakes, and fuel system plumbing, mounting the air conditioning unit, and setting up the stereo. Since this would be a driver, not just a show car, it would need all of the comfort items commonplace in modern cars, like plush leather-wrapped seats from a modern-day GTO and power accessories.

Next on the build list was the body. They did only minor modifications to smooth the look of the car. They shaved the gas door, smoothed the firewall, and replaced the factory drip rail with round stock. They are finishing the assembly and will unveil the car at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona.

By The Numbers

1965 CHEVELLE WAGON
Rick Billuni • San Marcos, CA

ENGINE
Type: 502 Big-Block Chevy
Block: Factory Iron
Ignition: MSD
Cooling: Meziere’s Radiator and Water Pump
Fuel system: Hilborn Injection
Exhaust: Custom 3-inch Mandrel-Bent Tubing
Fasteners: Stainless Steel

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: Tremec Five-Speed Manual
Driveshaft: Custom Built
Rear axle: Ford 9-inch

CHASSIS
Front suspension: Detroit Speed and Engineering, Roadster Shop frame
Rear suspension: Detroit Speed and Engineering
Brakes: Wilwood Four-Wheel Disc

INTERIOR
Seats: Pontiac GTO
Dashboard:
Stereo: Kicker speakers and amps, Pioneer DVD navigation unit
Wiring: Painless
Column: ididit
Comforts: Power Windows, A/C

WHEELS/TIRES
Wheels: Foose, 18- and 20-inch
Tires: BFGoodrich G-Force, 225/35ZR18 and 265/35ZR20

Stu’s Classic Car Care Garage on HubGarage

DETAILS FROM HUBGARAGE BELOW:

ABOUT:
It’s a somewhat rare 65 Chevelle 2-dr wagon, one of 1668 produced in 1965. It sits on an Art Morrison full chassis. McPhearson struts up front, 9 inch Ford with 4-link in back. The drive train is a 502 crate engine with a TH400 Transmission. The firewall is completely smooth with nothing on it. The power brakes are running sideways under the dash. The throttle cable comes up from the floorboard. Carbon-fiber dash insert has AutoMeter Gauges. The shifter is a custom made unit with “brass knuckles”. The radiator support is hand made. The rain gutters have been shaved.

HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE:
This project was started 10 years ago when I purchased a 502 from the local Chevy Dealer. Then came the Art Morrison full chassis. Little by little it came together and was finally finished spring of 2010.

PLANS FOR THIS VEHICLE:
Have fun with it!!

SPONSORS & SPECIAL THANKS:
John’s Autobody in Imperial, Mo. for the perfect body and paint.
Mike Roth in Perryville, Mo. for the fabulous interior.

PERFORMANCE:
Engine: 502
Transmission: TH400
Suspension: McPhreson Struts in front, coilovers in rear
Brakes: Wilwood 4-wheel disc
Tires: Expensive!
Exhaust: Custom Headers, Dynomax Mufflers

INTERIOR:
Upholstery: Mike Roth’s Excellent Workmanship
Steering Column: Tilt
Gauges: AutoMeter

EXTERIOR:
Body Mods: Shaved Rain Gutters

Super Chevy Article

Hotchkis Sport Suspension ’65 Chevelle Wagon – Gripping, Sticking Grocery Getter
From the March, 2010 issue of Super Chevy
By Patrick Hill
Photography by Team Super Chevy

When the call went out for entries to the 2009 Super Chevy Suspension & Handling Challenge, Hotchkis went with what some may consider an unusual choice for a hot-handling entry: Art Alvarez’ ’65 Chevelle wagon was tapped to represent the Southern California-based company, and after seeing it perform we understand why.

Some particular models of cars are like good candy, once you’re hooked, you can’t stop. For Art, that irresistible automotive candy is two-door wagons. Back in 1997, Art got the taste for Chevelle two-door grocery getters when he bought his first one, a ’64, and found several other enthusiasts with the same addiction. After that wagon proved to be a problem child with numerous electrical issues, Art passed it onto his son who worked in Michigan as a mechanic and bought a cherry ’64 wagon with only 34,000 miles.

After having some fun with his second ’64, Art heard that his good friend, Chevelle builder Dick Etchison, was moving to Colorado and parting ways with a ’65 Chevelle wagon. Art quickly sold his second ’64 wagon to buy the ’65. Art also knew Dick had done a ground up restoration on the car and it was in pristine condition. After the deal was struck and Art had the Chevelle at home, he quickly began transforming the two-door from a bone stock hauler into a corner-carving import intimidator. First to go were the stock wheels and tires in favor of some Torque Thrust five-spokes (which later became billet 20s), and finally the Bonspeed two-piece wheels wrapped in Nitto NT05 rubber for the Super Chevy Challenge.

Because Art likes to drive his cars all the time, a Vintage Air climate system was installed, and Malibu interior trim from Original Parts Group replaced the standard Chevelle 300 trim the wagon came with. To give the wagon some extra grunt, the 350/200-4R it had between the fenders was replaced in favor of a GM Performance Parts ZZ383 pumping out 425hp backed by a 700R4 transmission built by Bowtie Overdrives.

So the car could handle all that power, Art went with a Hotchkis Sport Suspension Total Vehicle System with tubular upper and lower A-arms with the correct offset for B-body spindles for improved suspension geometry. The Hotchkis control arms feature fully TIG welded construction with 1.5-inch diameter tubing, CNC machined spring cup with stackable spring shims for adjusting ride height, polyurethane spring isolators, and laser cut steel arm gussets for extra strength. Providing some extra cushion are Bilstein/Hotchkis HPS1000 shocks.

Out back, a Hotchkis adjustable rear suspension package was installed, with adjustable upper and lower trailing arms that positively locate and control the rear axle for smooth and consistent launches with reduced wheel hop. The adjustable upper arms also allow for easy pinion angle changes to better tune the rear suspension when the car is lowered. The stock 10-bolt rear was pitched in favor of a 9-inch rear with 3.25 gears and a limited slip system to put all the 383′s power to the pavement.

Keeping the body level is Hotchkis’ Extreme Sway Bar Set, with tubular 13/8-inch diameter front bar and 15/16-inch rear bar. The rear bar has two adjustments, 75 percent and 100 percent stiffer than stock, with TIG welded end links and polyurethane bushings. Both bars feature Hotchkis’ market-first fully articulated mounting system, which improves traction, decreases body roll, and allows the handling/balance tunability to compensate for larger rear tires and front/rear weight bias.

Making sure the wagon stays under control is Hotchkis’ Performance steering rebuild kit. The kit comes with new inner and outer tie rod ends with 4140 forged ball studs and triple lip sealed boots installed in hardened steel forged housings, and center link assembly. Stopping all the action is a Baer Aluma Sport braking system, with dual piston calipers and cross drilled 12-inch rotors.

Driver’s Impression – On the Autocross Course This wagon performed exactly what we’ve come to expect from Hotchkis Sport Suspensions and was a total blast to drive. Even with OEM (read: very slow) ratio steering, navigating the autocross course was quite manageable. This nimble wagon also drove “small,” which made threading the cones much easier. As for the brakes, well … the Chevelle had the best brakes of all the cars I tested that day. These stoppers worked perfectly for the weight and balance of this car; they were confirmed, consistent, and complimented the suspension quite well.
I used the weight of this car for an advantage on corner entry and had much fun throwing it through the gates, then catching it at the apex and hammering the accelerator pedal to motor on down the course. The initial offset slalom posed no problems for the Chevelle grocery getter and I got great turn-in and smooth transfer back to power entering the crossover. After the offsets that approach the end sweeper, applying the brakes smoothly and uneventfully slowed the car allowing me to get over the hump and transition back to throttle a lot sooner than almost any other tested car. Back across the course to the power section found a light engine ping but this was momentary. Can this unassuming, tan wagon handle this job? A definite vote of “yes” from me.

What I particularly like about the Hotchkis suspensions is the predictability. I often tell people that there are no surprises; a Hotchkis car will come around on Tuesday but pre-warn you Sunday. I was able to plan and control my track line placement, and found the car very neutral and well-balanced. You’d never expect a grocery getter to get an “A” for my part of this automotive flog fest but this one sure did! Like its older sister, the Newman Car Creations 210 Wagon, I loved every minute spent behind the wheel. -Mary Pozzi

Driver’s Impression – On the Street What is it with the Suspension & Handling Challenge contestants and station wagons (Newman Car Creations brought a ’57)? Or should I ask, what’s with the tan ’65 Chevelles, as DSE had one too? Either way, we had a blast driving them all. Who knew a plain-Jane ’65 wagon could be so much fun or so nice to drive?

This entry got top marks in the comfort category. Tilt wheel, power windows, and custom-stitched bucket seats got my attention at first, as they were somewhat unexpected, but it was the ride quality that left a lasting impression. Simply put, it was outstanding. Maybe it was heavier than a Chevelle hardtop or sedan, but we wrote in the test log, “BMW ride quality. It doesn’t float. It just soaks up the bumps.” It’s hard to fathom that a 45-year-old car with large 18-inch/35-series rolling stock could deliver such an impressive combination of ride/handling.

Also getting good grades were the Baer brakes, which had very reassuring pedal feel. Hit the whoa pedal and the long A-body stopped quickly and straight.

There was a big numb spot on center with the steering, but other than this it delivered good feel on the road. – Jim Campisano

Hotchkis Sport Suspension ’65 Chevelle Wagon Specs
Engine Type: Gen I ZZ383 small-block
Block: GM
Fuel Delivery: Barry Grant Speed Demon 750 carb

Drivetrain Transmission: Bowtie Overdrives built 700R-4 Rearend: 9-inch style with 3.25 gears and limited Slip

Chassis Suspension
Steering: stock ’65 Chevelle with Hotchkis Performance Steering Rebuild kit. Front Suspension: Hotchkis Spindles: Tall B-body Chevrolet Front Shocks: Bilstein/Hotchkis HPS 1000 Front Springs: Hotchkis Sport Springs with 1-inch drop Front Control Arms: Hotchkis TIG welded 1.5-inch diameter tubular upper and lower Front Sway bar: Hotchkis 13/8-inch diameter tubular Extreme Sway Bar with fully articulated mount Rear Suspension: Hotchkis Rear Shocks: Bilstein/Hotchkis HPS 1000 Rear Springs: Hotchkis Sport Springs with 1-inch drop Rear Sway bar: Hotchkis 15/16-inch diameter tubular Extreme Sway Bar with fully articulated mount Rear Control Arms: Hotchkis adjustable upper and lower trailing arms Front Brakes: Baer Aluma Sport twin-piston calipers with 12-inch diameter cross-drilled rotors Rear Brakes: Baer Aluma Sport twin-piston calipers with 12-inch diameter cross-drilled rotors

Wheels & Tires
Wheels: Bonspeed Crokus two-piece, 18×8 front, 18×9 rear
TRACK RESULTS ’65 Wagon ’10 Camaro
Skidpad: 0.88 g 0.85 g
Slalom: 41.63 mph 45.84 mph
Autocross: 47.66 sec. 46.32 sec.