Lights, Chevelles, Action!
I'm excited!!! Just a couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by the production company that produces an electronic version of MOTOR TREND Magazine for The Nashville Network (TNN). They were interested in showcasing classic Chevelles for a regular segment of the show entitled "Rearview." As the segment title suggests, it's a retrospective view of the American musclecar, and for car enthusiasts like us, it's some of the best viewing to be found on cable TV.
Naturally, we were only too happy to help them locate suitable subjects to represent the spectrum of Chevelle supercars. We're lucky enough to have Richard Fudge as a member of ACES and an enthusiastic owner of not just one, but a pair of the most desirable Chevelles ever to roll off the assembly line: A black '65 Z16, and a matching black '70 LS6 coupe. No question about it, Richard and his pair of Black Beauties have given me the worst case of unmitigated envy I've ever had. He rewarded my envy, however, by letting me slide behind the wheel of his LS6 car and driving it to the shooting location (Truth be known, he was kinda forced into it. He simply couldn't be in two places at one time). I tried to talk him into letting me take the wheel of the Z16, too, but just as I thought I saw him weakening, he regained his senses. Oh well...
One of the other cars involved in the taping of the show is a '72 SS belonging to Roland Chavez; the same one gracing this issue's cover. It, too, is a georgeous Chevelle that's as capable of turning the tires as it is at turning the judges heads at car shows. The folks from the production company like it alot, too. Probably because Roland wasn't afraid to show them what a healthy small-block could do to a pair of new BFG radials. In fact, look for some real nice, smoky burnout shots while you're watching the show, and if you look real close, you'll probably see Roland's ear-to-ear grin as well.
Even my trusty '66 convertible got into the act, as the host of the segment, Joe Elmore, used it for the final wrapup shots. While it may not have the extreme intrinsic value of Richard's Z16 or his LS6 car, nor the head-turning ability of Roland's retina-burning red '72, there's an undeniable attraction that's part of owning any drop-top Chevelle. And, after owning mine for almost 20 years, I have to admit that I still get my kicks from driving my '66! Apparently Joe did, too. After the day's taping, he asked me to keep my eyes open for one that he might buy for himself. Maybe we can even talk him into an ACES membership...
He rewarded my envy, however, by letting me slide behind the wheel of his LS6 car and driving it...Speaking of ACES members, those of you living on the "left" coast will be happy to learn that one of your fellow members has volunteered to be our Western Editor. John Ladd resides in Burbank, California, owns a '67 Malibu, and just as importantly, wields a mean word processor. He also knows how to use a camera. If you're interested in getting together with John to let him photograph your Chevelle and write a CHEVELLE WORLD feature on it, you can contact him at (818) 841-3230 during evening hours PDT. John is also open to any discussions about starting a West coast ACES associate club and having a Western regional Chevelle event. I'd like to give a special thanks to John for volunteering his time as the Western Editor.
One final note: ACES member Bill Smith has his gorgeous L78-powered '66 featured in the June issue of CHEVY HIGH PERFORMANCE Magazine. Try find a copy for a gander at one of the nicest and most unique '66 L78 cars in the country. Congratulations, Bill!
Chuck
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