The original Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 shone like a star back in its era, rising to fame in the early 1970s, gathering an enviable fan base and dropping into obscurity a mere decade later as it was outshined by the competition. Now, Trans Am Worldwide wants to bring it back – and at a whole new level, too.
The Florida-based shop is already taking orders, but the first examples will not ship until this fall. Rather than restoring the rundown originals, the tuner wisely opts for building the replica on the new Chevrolet Camaro basis. The windshield is just about the only exterior part that remains stock, while the rest – including the top, the doors and the entire kit – gets replaced with custom-made components. Dominant straight lines, a pointed nose and a massive sloping tail lend the car a rather convincing Chevelle look.
Modifications are scarce in the interior, limited to the seats, 70/SS badges on the door cards and dash panel, new floor mats and a Hurst gear lever.
From the powertrain perspective, Trans Am Worldwide promises a choice from multiple engines. The ultimate spec rocks 1,500 horsepower from a twin-turbo LS6 engine while somehow managing to stay street-legal. The middle-ground spec – if you can call it that – commands 900 hp from its 6.4-liter V8. Finally, those who are in it for the aesthetics alone may as well make do with 450 hp.
Prices start from $150,000 for the entry spec before options.