Some enthusiasts have a hard enough time keeping one classic Chevrolet in the garage. Mark King of Mattoon, Illinois, has two—and each offers its own interpretation of vintage Chevy performance. His 1967 Camaro SS and 1966 Chevy II SS combine classic Chevrolet styling with small-block V8 power and a handful of carefully chosen upgrades.
1967 Camaro SS: First-Year F-Body with Stroker Power
Mark’s 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS represents the first year of a nameplate that would become one of Chevrolet’s most recognizable performance cars. While its appearance remains relatively straightforward, there’s considerably more muscle waiting underneath the hood.
The Camaro is powered by a 383-cubic-inch stroker V8, backed by a Turbo 350 three-speed automatic transmission. Power makes its way rearward to a 10-bolt Positraction rear end, giving the Camaro a traditional small-block Chevy drivetrain combination with some extra displacement and torque on tap.
Mark has kept the suspension stock, while a set of classic Torq Thrust wheels provides just enough visual attitude to complement the Camaro’s timeless first-generation lines. Inside, a tilt steering column adds a welcome bit of adjustability without detracting from the car’s vintage character.
The result is a straightforward formula that has worked for generations of Chevy enthusiasts: take one good-looking first-year Camaro, add a healthy stroker small block, an automatic transmission, Positraction, and a great-looking set of wheels, and enjoy the ride.
1966 Chevy II SS: More Than Meets the Eye
Mark’s 1966 Chevy II takes the performance theme several steps further. He describes the car as a true SS, and its compact proportions conceal a substantial list of mechanical and comfort upgrades.
A 350-cubic-inch Chevrolet small-block V8 supplies the power, coupled to a Turbo 350 automatic transmission with a 3,000-rpm stall converter. Out back is a stout 12-bolt Positraction rear end equipped with 3.73:1 gears—a combination that should make good use of the small block's power.
The chassis has also received some significant attention. Mark upgraded the front of the Chevy II with a Heidt’s front suspension, along with Wilwood front disc brakes for improved stopping capability.
Its exterior retains the unmistakable squared-off good looks of Chevrolet's redesigned-for-1966 Chevy II, but Mark added a muscular four-inch Harwood cowl-induction hood that leaves little doubt this Nova has something more than stock performance in mind.
Inside, modern conveniences mingle with the Chevy II's 1960s character. A Dakota Digital instrument system provides modern electronic instrumentation, while Vintage Air air conditioning makes cruising considerably more comfortable when summer temperatures climb. A chrome tilt steering column rounds out the interior upgrades.
Two Chevys, Two Personalities
Although Mark's Camaro and Chevy II share Chevrolet small-block power and Turbo 350 automatic transmissions, they go about the classic-car experience somewhat differently.
The 1967 Camaro SS keeps things comparatively simple, pairing its stock suspension and classic appearance with the extra punch of a 383 stroker. The 1966 Chevy II SS, meanwhile, ventures farther into restomod territory with upgraded suspension, four-wheel performance intentions led by Wilwood front discs, modern instrumentation, air conditioning, steeper rear gearing, and its attention-getting four-inch cowl hood.
Together, they make quite a pair—and demonstrate that there’s more than one way to build a classic Chevrolet.
Mark, thanks for sharing both of your Bowtie beauties with Classic Industries. We hope you enjoy many more miles behind the wheel!
Classic Industries Components for That Chevy II Nova & a 1967 Camaro SS in Progress in Your Garage
Whether you have a Chevy II Nova, a Camaro SS, or both like Mr. King, or some other American time machine like a Mopar, or a Ford, you'll find an enormous assortment of restoration, performance, restomod, and automotive accessory products available at Classic Industries. You can shop by vehicle online. You can also request that Classic Industries mail a Nova / Chevy II Parts and Accessories Catalog right to your residence or a Camaro catalog or both. Don't be shy!
