We just love the classics, and we’ve featured many cool tri-five Chevys right here on RA. These cars are a fantastic platform for customizers of all genres. We are constantly amazed at the number of impressive builds we run across every month.
This particular tri-five gets it’s moniker “ZL-55” from the engine transplant. It is sporting a real race-winning ZL1 427 engine, from a ’69 Camaro. The engine was in road racing legend Gene Felton’s ’69 Camaro, and powered the car to two wins at Daytona; the 1972 Daytona Presidential 250, and the 1973 Paul Revere 250. Felton has signed authentication documents that certify this is the very engine powering his car for those races. The engine was built by Hinkle’s Performance in London, Kentucky, and dyno tested to 550HP at the flywheel.
The body started out as a rust free two door ’55. The entire car was stripped and then treated to a dip in a rust proofing compound. Custom touches abound throughout the build. The wheel openings have been reworked, the exterior trim has been shaved and minimized and the beautiful red paint looks as deep as if you were staring straight into the PPG mixing vat itself.
Inside the car is of course treated to a full-custom interior to match. Beautiful tan leather abounds and a custom console neatly houses the shifter for the Tremec TKO transmission. Vintage Air controls sit at the front of the console so the occupants can stay comfortable. The entire build is said to have taken an astounding 9,300 labor hours to complete.
This car has racked up major accolades everywhere it’s been shown, including being chosen as a great eight for the 2012 Detroit Autorama. It has also received the nod as a Builder’s Choice from Goodguys, and a Fabulous 5 award at Shades of the Past.
ZL-55 will cross the auction block at the Mecum event in Kissimmee, Florida on Saturday January 19, 2013 at 3:30 eastern time. You’ll have to tune in then to find out what this beauty sells for. Any takers?