STANDOUT IN GRAY: A No Reserve 1968 Chevelle Resto-Mod
December 11, 2020
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by Eric Becker
This Nardo Gray 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Custom Coupe is headed to the 2021 Scottsdale Auction with No Reserve.
Sometimes, with color, less is more. The majority of automotive paintwork leans toward vibrant, loud and “shouty” colors, but there are exceptions to this. Neutral colors are used to elegantly convey a sense of sophistication without being flashy. There’s a reason why simple colors can be found on most cars around the world. White, for instance, has been the most popular color choice for cars for nearly a decade, closely followed by its monochromatic stablemates black and gray. More than 70 percent of cars produced around the globe the follow this grayscale pattern, but sometimes you need something a little different to stand out.
Nardo Gray is an example of a color that turns more than a few heads and looks like nothing else on the road. It might not be eye-catching in the same vein as Plum Crazy or Verde Mantis, but park a Nardo Gray car next to a line of candy-colored rivals and let’s see which car’s paintwork receives the most attention. There’s a richness to the color that makes it stand out in a sea of neutral hues. So much so that even though it is devoid of metal flake or matte flourishes, it’s created a cult following online (there are entire social media channels dedicated to it).
Nardo Gray as displayed on this 1968 Chevelle looks particularly superb. The muted gray hue accentuates the Chevelle’s tapered fenders and muscular proportions beautifully and, with the contrasting black elements, the custom Chevy looks rightly menacing. Come the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, this standout Chevelle will cross the block with No Reserve.
Rich in detail, this ’68 Chevelle is something to behold. Look no further than the aluminum heart tucked underneath the cowl hood. Sitting ready to unleash fury with one stab of the throttle is a highly modified LS2 V8. The 6.0-liter engine features PRC CNC LS3 ported and polished cylinder heads, a COMP cam, Thumper hydraulic roller, Harden pushrods and LS3 1.8 roller rockers. For those in the need for more speed, the Chevelle is also fitted with a Nitrous Express dry kit complete with insulated bottle blanket/heater, pressure switch and liquid-filled gauge. Best of all, the nitrous bottle is painted to match and easily accessible thanks to a billet AR Performance quick-release bottle bracket.
The powerful engine routes drive through a TCI 6-speed automatic transmission and 12-bolt posi-traction rear end. Keeping the brutish Chevelle connected to terra firma is a set of custom staggered Rushforth 20-inch wheels wrapped in Nitto rubber. The Chevelle grips the road and offers a pliant ride via a full RideTech suspension that features front and rear coilovers, upper and lower StrongArms (control arms), tall spindles and muscle bars. Stopping power comes courtesy of Wilwood 6-piston front and rear disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors. Additionally, the Chevelle features power rack & pinion steering, further combining its classic beauty with modern performance.
Inside, the cabin is dressed in a bespoke Relacate distressed leather, with a dashboard wonderfully appointed in Graytone Hide. The seats and door panels feature black, red and gray plaid inserts. Greeting the driver is a Forever Sharp steering wheel complete with carbon-fiber paddle shifters by Classic Industries, as well as a black-and-yellow Classic Instruments gauge cluster. A Vintage Air climate control system keeps the cabin temperate, and the trunk is upholstered in gray to match the exterior. The Pro-Touring Chevelle uses LED headlights and taillights with smoked lenses and features Ringbrothers billet mirrors and Eddie Motorsports billet door seals and hinges for added detail.
Hugger Orange and Grabber Blue may come and go, but classic gray is forever. This beautiful Pro-Touring Chevelle makes a statement and is sure to draw a crowd – don’t miss your chance to get behind the wheel!