December 7, 2023
The Raven Restomod
During my cross-continent journey from Alberta to California in April 2023, I reached out to various car pages and groups on social media, inquiring if anyone would be interested in a free photoshoot along my route. To my surprise, a multitude of classic car owners responded enthusiastically, expressing their interest in meeting and allowing me to document their collector vehicles. Among those, Alex and his 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle restomod stood out amongst the Las Vegas leg of the journey.
The front of Alex's 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
In late 2020, Alex, or PatriotInfinity on Instagram, fulfilled his dream of owning a marvelously sinister 1970 Chevelle when he acquired the restomod from Florida. His journey began with an extensive search, scouring various online auction websites in pursuit of the perfect vehicle. The raven black Chevelle, with its captivating allure, emerged as a prime candidate, poised to go under the gavel at the renowned Mecum auction.
The rear of Alex's 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
As Alex prepared himself for the chance to bid on this eye-catching muscle car, fate had already set other plans into motion. Little did he know that the acquisition of his dream car was destined to be a unique and unforgettable chapter in his automotive journey.
The rear quarter of Alex's 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
While perusing listings on a automotive classifieds website, Alex stumbled upon the exact raven black Chevelle he had been dreaming of, currently located in Florida. Acting swiftly, he reached out to the sellers to initiate negotiations on the restomod muscle car. After some thoughtful deliberations and negotiations, Alex successfully struck a deal, officially becoming the proud new caretaker of his beloved dream car.
The custom back seat inside the Chevelle
Upon taking ownership of the Chevelle, Alex wasted no time in personalising the muscle car to perfectly suit his taste. His customization journey started with the installation of analog Dakota Digital Gauges, complete with changing backlit colours, adding a touch of modern flair to the classic interior. The AM/FM radio was replaced with a cutting-edge Sound Storm Laboratories touchscreen, seamlessly integrating a 21st-century centre console for a contemporary touch.
The stunning interior of the Chevelle
Elevating both style and functionality, Alex incorporated electric exhaust cutouts into the mix. This addition allows him to unleash the distinctive growl of the raven black Chevelle when he desires, making it unmistakably clear that this iconic car is out on the prowl. Through these thoughtful enhancements, Alex has not only preserved the classic charm of his dream car but also infused it with personalised touches that reflect his unique automotive vision.
The another ange of the rear of the Chevelle
The 1970 Chevelle stands as a beautifully modernised rendition of the iconic muscle car. The deep black paint makes a bold statement, heightened by the legendary Super Sport stripes finished in a sophisticated gunmetal grey. The car rests on a set of sleek black Asanti aftermarket wheels, meticulously chosen to enhance the restomod aesthetic.
Overhead shot of the front of Alex's stunning Chevelle
Stepping inside the Chevy, the transformation continues. The once-dated factory seats have given way to a pair of ZL1 Camaro buckets, providing both style and comfort. Under the cowl induction hood, the carbureted V8 engine of the twentieth century has been replaced for a more efficient fuel-injected Corvette LS3 with a Tremec 6-speed manual behind it, elevating the car's overall performance.
The Corvette LS3 sits at home under the hood
Not stopping there, the builders of the Chevelle went the extra mile to ensure a well-rounded upgrade. The antique factory brakes were swapped out to BAER aftermarket four-wheel disc brakes, and the suspension underwent a comprehensive enhancement to handle the improved power from the new drivetrain. This meticulous attention to detail throughout the car reflects Alex's commitment to preserving the classic This 1970 Chevelle stands as a beautifully modernised rendition of the iconic muscle car. The deep black paint makes a bold statement, heightened by the legendary Super Sport stripes finished in a sophisticated gunmetal grey. The car rests on a set of sleek black Asanti aftermarket wheels, meticulously chosen to enhance the restomod aesthetic.
The massive BAER brakes fit perfectly in the barrel of the Asanti wheels
Alex's passion for driving his remarkable 1970 Chevelle is unmistakable, as he frequently takes the muscle car out to stretch its legs wherever he goes. According to him, the experience of driving a vintage American muscle car, even one as heavily modified as his, is unparalleled. Whether he's pushing the car to showcase its muscle car prowess or simply enjoying a leisurely cruise around the city, the sensation behind the wheel is a visceral experience that demands to be felt. I can personally attest to the fact that driving such a classic, modified masterpiece is truly a unique and exhilarating adventure.
The Camaro ZL1 seats were a great enhancement over the stock bucket seats
I had the pleasure of meeting Alex earlier this year during my road trip to California, and his prized Chevelle provided a warm welcome on the first day of my Las Vegas leg. With a kind and enthusiastic personality, Alex is always eager to share not only his Chevelle but also the captivating story that binds them together.
The Sound Storm Laboratories touchscreen replaced the original radio, a modern touch that truly seemed to fit in place with the rest of the car
His journey of acquiring the dream car is nothing short of serendipitous. As the iconic muscle car came close to being auctioned at a prestigious event, Alex, through a stroke of good fortune, seized the opportunity to obtain it through a private sale online just in the nick of time. To this day, he revels in the joy of owning the automobile, appreciating it in all its glory.
Overhead shot of the rear of Alex's 1970 Chevelle
It's a tale of being in the right place at the right time, an alignment of fortuitous circumstances that enabled Alex to fulfil his dream of owning the iconic 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. This automobile, cherished by car enthusiasts worldwide, holds a special place in their hearts, and Alex's stunning muscle car is a testament to the enduring allure of this beloved classic.
The centre console had the power window controls integrated into it, removing the controls from the door panels for a more streamlined look
Until next time, don’t give up on your dreams, cause like Alex, the right time will come for you to obtain all that you’ve ever desired!
The Dakota Digital Gauges glowed a bright purple and accentuated the interior with interchangeable colours to Alex's taste
- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics