Member: Jean-Claude Pilon

Car: 1967 SS Chevelle

1967 SS Chevelle

I purchased my '67 Bolero Red SS on March 16th 1967 at Belisle Automobiles in Ottawa Ontario. I had to anxiously wait two months for my car to arrive. I finally took possession of the Chevelle on May 18th 1967. I was a member of the "Synchros Car Club" and a fellow member had asked me if I would be interested in helping him shop for the car he wanted; a 1967 Beaumont SD 396. This "shopping" was what led me to purchase my Chevelle. I found the Beaumont to be reasonably priced, however, I discovered that the Chevelle was less expensive than the Beaumont and this would allow me to add more options if I purchased a Chevelle. The decision was made and my Chevelle ordered. The bill; $3650.00! Members of the Car Club nicknamed the SS the "Option Car". Looking back, I would probably enjoy only two more options - air conditioning and power steering! At the time, I wanted all the power I could get!

The Chevelle is rather unique since it is a four speed bench seat car with optional factory headrest and optional body side accent stripe.

The Chevelle was my only means of transportation until November 1978 when the engine was damaged. The Chevelle had been used for all pleasure trips and to take me to the various swap meets in search of parts for my '32 Ford. With a growing family, the car was then parked for several years. I was now the driver of a station wagon!

In 1985 I started dismantling the Chevelle for bodywork and an engine transplant. The body was never removed from the frame, however, all glass, interior, dash etc. was completely taken apart and refurbished. The Chevelle finally "hit" the road again in 2001. Sadly the engine was damaged again but this time I had it bored, balanced and professionally rebuilt by West Carelton Automotive during the winter of 2001-02. In June 2002, my master mechanic friend, Rick Leary and I fired up the big block and I proceeded to enjoy driving the Chevelle with my wife all summer. We managed to cruise for two thousand miles that summer; by the end of season the odometer read 78,721 miles. The SS definitely brought back great memories for us!

When I was rebuilding the Chevelle I never did find the factory build sheet; I do, however, have the protecto-plate attached to the original Owner's Protection Plan Booklet. As the original owner of this Chevelle SS, I treasure the car and recall many memories of good times and look forward to more days of pleasurable driving. The car is now a real attraction whereever we go.

This car came from the factory equipped with the following


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