THE ULTIMATE DIY: The Barrett-Jackson Service Center brings you #ProjectPrestone
September 28, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
At the root of almost every collector is a connection to a specific car. If someone asks you to close your eyes and think about a car, you might find yourself thinking about your very first car, or that car you worked tirelessly on to build or restore. It’s a common thread that lives with those of us in the Barrett-Jackson family and why the build of a 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe, known as “#ProjectPrestone,” has become the talk of the summer as we prepare for the 10th Annual Las Vegas Auction in October.
“I’ve spent a lifetime building and working on cars, and this project truly epitomizes the passion that lives within so many of our fans and team members,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We are grateful to Prestone for their partnership and the great idea – and to all those who are collaborating on this project, allowing our team to give new life to this ’87 Monte Carlo. It’s something we haven’t seen before on this level, and that excites me.”
#ProjectPrestone – the transformation of a 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe – was unveiled at the 2017 Northeast Auction.
The project began earlier this summer with the unveiling at the 2017 Northeast Auction in Connecticut. Prestone, along with more than a dozen other partners, have provided parts and resources for the project, which is considered more of a build than a restoration, according to build-team leader and Barrett-Jackson Showroom Division Manager Jeff Catlin.
“To me, a restoration is taking a car, tearing it apart and having everything cleaned and redone,” says Catlin. “Here, we’re taking a car that already was extremely clean, but we’re customizing it and we’re going to build every aspect of the car all at once.”
The concept of this “Do It Yourself” project goes back to the heart of every collector and car person: Taking a cool car from your youth, putting it in on some jacks in the garage and going to work. Perhaps a common misconception in today’s collector car world is that it isn’t as possible as it once was. Many assume that the customs you see at auction are products of TV shows and special circumstances that can’t easily be replicated at home. #ProjectPrestone is here to prove otherwise.
“Prestone came in from a ‘DIY’ perspective,” said Catlin. “We want to show everyone this stuff is still possible to do at home – just like they did back in the heyday of the hot rod.”
“Part of our passion for this is to really show people it’s not that mysterious; you can get in and do this yourself,” Jackson added.
Detroit Speed President Kyle Tucker reviews the Monte Carlo’s upgraded suspension featuring G-Body front and rear speed kits with Barrett-Jackson Showroom Division Manager Jeff Catlin.
The project will illustrate to enthusiasts how all parts for a project like this can be easily sourced online through various websites, from the comfort of their own homes.
A major part of #ProjectPrestone is adding more horsepower to the Aero Coupe. The new build will drop in a new 383ci stroker engine with 415hp, a dramatic increase from the factory 185hp engine.
A new transmission, front and rear speed kits, along with electronic fuel pump and injection, are also being installed. The addition of catalytic converters and a performance exhaust, as well as new tires, will contribute to providing a significant change in power and performance for the next owner.
“I want to build something the new owner is going to connect with – but because of the car, not just the concept,” Catlin said. “I told the guys here we’re building something we would all drive. I’d be happy to drive this car when we’re done.”
Catlin pointed out that while the new suspension will be dropped and the brakes will be visible through the new wheels, overall the vehicle will not look significantly different from what rolled out of the factory.
Forgeline Motorsports President David Schardt with Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson during filming for #ProjectPrestone.
“It’s going to look the same as the factory model did,” he said. “It will have the factory components and air cleaner, and a lot more horse power, but when you pop the hood it won’t look much different.”
There will also be some interior improvements, including work on the upholstery and hidden stereo upgrades with a regular new deck.
Finally, a fresh coat of black paint will bring back the original vibrant black color the car had when it left the factory, making it ready to be sold at the 2018 Scottsdale Auction.
Fans can check in on Catlin and the team throughout the process by following #ProjectPrestone online, and will have the opportunity to see the finished product at the 2017 Las Vegas Auction, the 2017 SEMA Show and other events in the automotive community.
In addition, one of the most exciting elements of this project is not just that it will cross the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction block, but it will also be included for a limited time in the popular Ride ’N Drives attraction at the Scottsdale event for fans to experience the performance of the build first-hand before it is sold.
“It’s just a really fun project,” Jackson added. “We’ve seen increased interest in these types of Resto-Mods and some of these cars from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. It’s a great build indicative of what we might see in the near future, and we can’t wait to see it cross the block in Scottsdale.”