by Revival of an American Classic
Trans Am Worldwide from Tallahassee, Florida, has built a reputation for reviving the muscle car era. Founder Todd Varmack and his team, who previously brought the Firebird and Trans Am back to life, have now turned their attention to the Chevrolet Chevelle, introducing a model called the Chevelle 70/SS.
This retro car is built on the chassis of the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, serving as a modern tribute to the legendary 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. It possesses enough power to compete even with modern hypercars.
Trans Am Worldwide began production of the 70/SS last year and recently completed work on the most unique specimen to date.
The Story Behind the Unique Specimen
This particular Chevelle 70/SS was created for Earl Newman, who last year spent $220,000 on a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle known as the “Pilot Car” — the earliest documented Chevelle with an LS6 engine. He wanted to have a modern version of this car, and that is exactly what was built for him.
Design Features
Although the car started as a modern Camaro, almost all visible elements of the donor model were removed. The design fully adheres to the style of the 1970s, with proportions and details that make the transformation very convincing.
A new chrome front bumper is installed, along with a custom radiator grille and round headlights. This 70/SS model is painted in Autumn Gold, just like the original Pilot Car, with black racing stripes on the hood.
Engines and Trim Levels
Under the hood, the 70/SS is not just a powerful, but a meticulously engineered car. Buyers can choose from several V8 engines in three trim levels: Base, 396 Heritage, and 454 LS6X Limited Edition.
The base model offers a 5.7-liter (348ci) LT1 V8 engine with 425 hp or its supercharged version with 675 or 800 hp. The 396 Heritage model is equipped with a 402ci (6.6-liter) V8, which produces 800 hp with a supercharger, and 900 hp with a twin-turbo setup.
The top tier is the 454 LS6X Limited Edition trim, which will be produced in a limited run of 20 units. For it, three versions of the 7.4-liter V8 engine are available: supercharged with 900 hp, twin-turbocharged with 1000 hp, and the most powerful version with 1500 hp.
Uniqueness and Technology
Earl Newman chose the most powerful 1500 hp version, which exceeds the figures of the Bugatti Chiron with its 1479 hp. This makes the car truly impressive.
All body panels are made of lightweight carbon fiber and assembled in-house. The Chevelle 70/SS is also equipped with a removable hardtop that can be taken off using a few latches, and a functional folding soft top.
The price of the base model starts from $195,000, and Newman’s version is at the top both in terms of power and cost.
The creation of cars like the Chevelle 70/SS demonstrates how modern technologies allow for the reproduction of classic models without sacrificing either power or design. This highlights the lasting impact of muscle cars on automotive culture and their relevance even in the era of electrification. Limited series, such as the LS6X, also increase the collectible value of these cars, making them objects of desire for enthusiasts and investors.
