In a world of 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle muscle car builds, it can be tough to build one that stands out from the others. Spencer Campbell and his son Sawyer set out to do just that, taking inspiration from the muscle car Trans Am race cars of the late 1960s to influence their build. With the help of Spencer’s brother Trent, the idea was transformed into reality, and the build was documented on CarBuff Network.
ABOVE: This 1970 Chevelle build named “NTP” or Nothing to Prove” Chevelle made its debut at the 2024 SEMA Show. Designed by Dom at Dom Tucci Design and built by Resurgence Automotive. It features one of BluePrint Engines new iron block LS-based 427 crate engines backed by a TREMEC Magnum 6-speed transmission supplied by Bowler Performance. The wheels were designed and built by Zac Zamudio of Pyramid Optimized.
The project started in January of 2020. Spencer and Trent’s passion for cars started with their dad. Projects/cars were always around as they grew up, and their father encouraged their involvement while also teaching them how to work on cars. Fast forward a few decades and Spencer’s high-school age son Sawyer had been showing similar interests in cars. Spencer asked what kind of vehicle he’d like to build as a father/son project, but Sawyer didn’t respond right away. After taking a shop class during his junior year and talking with his friends, Sawyer came home and told his dad what he wanted to build: A 1970 Chevelle. Spencer had been expecting him to want a Model A, a 1968 Chevy stepside truck or a Corvette of some sort, but was surprised about a Chevelle.
ABOVE: The NTP Chevelle’s wing was designed paying tribute to Trans Am racing. The wheels carry the theme as well. The stock rear bumper was replaced with a 1972 piece with its four tail lights that Spencer felt better matched the look of the car’s quad headlight design. The suspension is UMI Performance front and rear, and the car uses Baer disc brakes front and rear.
Spencer had found a suitable 1970 Chevelle to use for the new father-son project, but before a wrench could be turned, COVID derailed just about everything in the world. The Chevelle was parked in a trailer where it would sit for three years until the 2022 SEMA Show. Spencer and Trent unveiled the Sasquatch Jeep Wagoneer build at the 2022 SEMA Show in the TREMEC booth and through CarBuff Network online. The response to the Wagoneer build was fantastic. This spurred them to get to work on the hibernating Chevelle project.
ABOVE: The heart of the Chevelle is a BluePrint Engines LS-based iron block 427 Proseries crate engine rated for 605 horsepower. It’s fuel and spark is controlled by a Holley Terminator X system. For even more power, a Procharger P-1XG centrifugal supercharger was added. An Aeromotive fuel system makes sure the 427 is fed plenty of go-go juice. Zac Zamudio machined the valve covers so they’d match the engine’s intake manifold.
Building a unique 1970 Chevelle is a tough job with the model being one of the most popular build platforms for decades. Dom at Dom Tucci Designs took the ideas/inspirations for the Chevelle build and forged the concept into a design rendering. With Dom’s renderings in hand, the Chevelle was hauled to Resurgence Automotive in Utah for the work to begin. The father and son team of Rob and Nate went to work getting the Chevelle cleaned up, solid and straight using parts from Auto Metal Direct to replace planes that were beyond repair. Then it was painted using BASF products, with the final hue being Kamora Gray from the 2020 Audi factory color palette.
ABOVE: Part of Zac Zamudio’s design work was the NTP Chevelle’s steering wheel. He took the basic shape of the base Chevrolet wheel and tuned it up for a modern look that played homage to the original. Keeping tabs on the 427 is an array of Classic Instruments Bomber Series gauges. Electrical is handled by a Ron Francis Wiring harness.
The stock Chevelle chassis was stripped bare and then rebuilt with UMI control arms and suspension along with a Borgeson universal steering box. The rear axle is a factory 12-bolt with Yukon axleshafts and ring and pinion. Baer 12-inch front disc brakes and 13-inch rear discs give the Chevelle plenty of stopping power.
Behind the supercharged crate engine is a TREMEC Magnum 6-speed from Elite Distributor Bowler Performance using an ACT clutch system.
ABOVE: The Chevelle’s modern headlights incorporate turn signals, so the factory turn signal locations in the bumper were repurposed as air intakes to feed the engine.
The wheels designed by Zac Zamudio at Pyramid Optimized along with the Chevelle’s steering wheel, both influenced by original GM designs. Zac also machined the valve covers to match the intake manifold. Matt Zubrick from 5 O’Clock Designs 3D printed and finished the badges for the Chevelle. The interior was done by Semas Impossible upholstery, including wrapping the rear seats and the door panels to match the Recaro buckets.
We hope that this is a father son (and extended family) project that can inspire more.