Station wagons were once the practical workhorses of American family life, but a few decades and the right modifications can completely change their personality. This 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Wagon looks more at home on the track than on a family road trip.
Its long roof is instantly recognizable, although nearly everything surrounding it has been given a darker, considerably more aggressive treatment. Dark Gray paint is paired with black trim, black bumpers, tinted glass, and a set of black 18-inch wheels.
The transformation isn’t a recent one either. According to Mecum, Luce Customs of New Mexico completed the build in 2017, and the finished Chevelle was displayed at that year’s SEMA show.
Now the nearly decade-old restomod is looking for another owner. It’s scheduled to cross the block at Mecum’s Nashville auction on September 26, and the intimidating appearance is backed up by a thoroughly modernized drivetrain.
There’s An LS3 Under The Hood
The original-era powertrain has made way for a GM Performance 6.2-liter LS3 crate V8, dressed with vintage-look valve covers to keep a little old-school flavor under the hood. It’s paired with a 4L70E four-speed automatic transmission, replacement driveshaft, and limited-slip differential.
Stainless-steel headers feed a MagnaFlow exhaust system terminating in polished quad tips. Cooling duties are handled by a BeCool aluminum radiator, while an American Autowire harness takes care of the updated electrical system.
The chassis received plenty of attention as well. Ridetech coilovers and matching control arms underpin the wagon, while red Wilwood six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers clamp drilled and slotted rotors.
Those bright red brakes provide one of the few flashes of color against the Chevelle’s otherwise sinister exterior. Nitto NT555 tires wrap around the 18-inch aftermarket wheels.
The Body Has Been Cleaned Up
Luce Customs didn’t simply repaint the wagon and install a new drivetrain. The windshield and door rain gutters were shaved for a smoother appearance, while a domed hood secured with locking pins gives the front end a considerably tougher stance.
Black bumpers and trim reinforce the monochromatic theme, while the wagon retains a power-operated tailgate window. The combination gives the Chevelle a cleaner restomod appearance without disguising the unmistakable proportions of the original long-roof body.
The Cabin Gets Modern Comforts
Inside, black leather bucket seats feature contrasting white stitching, complemented by custom door panels, a center console, and a redesigned dashboard. A carbon-look instrument panel houses white-faced Speedhut gauges behind a padded billet steering wheel and tilt column.
Modern conveniences include Vintage Air climate control and Dakota Digital cruise control. An Alpine touchscreen head unit is connected to JL Audio speakers and a Memphis subwoofer, giving the old wagon considerably more technology than Chevrolet offered in 1972.
Mecum hasn’t published an estimate for the Chevelle ahead of its Nashville appearance. Regardless of where the bidding ends, this is certainly one way to turn an old family wagon into something that looks like it would be far more comfortable prowling around after dark.