Chevrolet Chevelle SS396. Better than new after restoration – Auto Motor Klassiek – magazine about vintage cars

This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 has been off the road for seven years. But he is born again. Like New. Or rather: better than new. Because Robin Houtman has handled and refined the car to perfection.

By: Max de Krijger

Robin bought a Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 from pictures in the Netherlands. It was a smart car, but he still got the job. The reason was an engine leak. “Because why wouldn’t I bring it back completely,” he looks back at what he now calls a big mystery. It’s also because Robin is a perfectionist. The doors, hood and loose parts have been chemically de-painted. All nuts and bolts are also galvanized or new stainless steel. “I sanded it and completely dismembered the body. That was a busy week. But I do it myself, because the blasting company is doing well?

It’s not original

Nature? Well no. The Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 has, among other things, electric cooling fins and a fuel pump. “Build it the way I want it. Not in a roundabout, no traffic light sprints. But I can drive it well,” says Houtman. An additional oil cooler is fitted for the automatic transmission. The rear axle suspension has been replaced because the polyurethane bushings are too stiff. And the Momo handle bar is installed. Additional clocks are placed on the central console. The handbrake has been upgraded because it kept getting stuck. Four big, heavy brakes stopped the car again.

After seven years – with a brief hiatus – Chevy is better than ever. Houtman looks back. “You really should build the car more often. Strip it down and rebuild it. Test drive the car and then take it apart again. That’s when you get to know the car.”

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– 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. What a great find. Part 2
– Chevrolet Corvair. Finally recognized
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