A Classic Reimagined for the Modern Era

To the uninitiated, a ’67 Camaro, such as this one, retains every bit of its original appeal, yet every aspect of it has been thoughtfully reworked. This not only carries it into the 21st century and up to modern-day standards, but it also helps to make a powerful and bold statement that is artfully projected from its most basic and original form. From the paint right down to how it sits and attacks the pavement, little remains of the original car except for the recognizable lines that have attracted enthusiasts since these F-bodies first rolled out of Chevrolet’s Van Nuys, California, assembly plant.

Preserving Character While Boosting Performance

As one of those fans, Scott Boduin wanted to have his cake and floor it, too, so throughout this build he retained all of his car’s original character while adding to its overall performance, stance and interesting details that are blended here. To achieve this delicate and difficult balance, he took the car to Wayne Due’s Chassis Shop in Marysville, Washington, which is not far from the Canadian border. Before he could say transformation, that process was well under way, beginning with a reconfigured frame that was better suited to the suspension updates the Camaro would undergo.

Corvette-Inspired Suspension Overhaul

The most obvious change was to replace the original front suspension with one from a C4 Corvette. The overall suspension upgrade required several alterations, including the addition of welded-in subframe connectors. QA1 coilover shocks replaced the original Corvette transverse monoleaf spring for more refined handling, while the rack-and-pinion steering assembly was lowered 4 inches to make room for the engine. This required the fabrication of new steering arms, which have been lowered 1 inch to offset unwanted bumpsteer that often results from such an installation. From there, a Flaming River steering shaft and U-joints were used to extend the steering control through the column and into the steering wheel. When combined with four-piston Wilwood calipers, the 275/30-17 Michelin Pilot radials surrounding the 17×10-inch Budnik Famosa billet rims provide the beef and grip that a car of this caliber requires.

Rearend Reinforcements and Braking Power

Out back, 17×12-inch rims join with 315/35-17 Michelin tires on either end of a 56-inch-wide Currie Enterprises modular 9-inch rearend, fitted with 3.73 gears. The assembly is positioned with NASCAR-style control arms from a ’72 Chevy pickup and another pair of QA1 coilovers. The install also sports a pair of Baer two-piston calipers, which are similar but more effective designs compared to original Corvette calipers, and they clamp down on 13-inch rotors. This combination, front and rear, forms an exceptional braking package that is well suited to the power. New brake lines were also fitted throughout the chassis.

Big Block Power and Custom Fuel Injection

The original drivetrain has been replaced with a more potent, serious engine assembly that produces nearly three times the original power—and best of all, it sounds great. To get this 540ci aluminum Merlin big block and cylinder heads under the hood, an Edelbrock Victor Jr. intake manifold was reconfigured for fuel injection using a throttle body and fuel injector nozzles placed in the runners. The assembly is managed by a programmable Holley command management system, which not only allows you to build a unique system but also enables you to tune the package as needed.

Handcrafted Exhaust and Drivetrain Details

Once the internals transform the fuel mixture into horsepower, the spent energy passes through Due’s hand-made exhaust system, fitted with a Stainless Works X-pipe and mufflers. Beautifully made and fully coated, this is but one example of the detailing applied not only to the powerplant and drivetrain but to the entire car as well. Other special touches add to the overall appeal, including the March pulley kit, the polished intake manifold, the matching valve covers, a Ron Davis aluminum radiator and numerous other details. Gear changes come from a Tremec five-speed transmission adapted to its surroundings through the addition of a custom Due’s crossmember.

A Thoughtfully Upgraded Interior

From the inside, the view is equally stimulating, whether you’re stirring the butter-smooth gears, sawing the Budnik Famosa steering wheel or peddling the 500-plus ponies. A feeling of confidence surrounds you as the substantial rollbar provides protection for the occupants and sneaks beneath the convertible top. Extra care and special approaches unique to this application were taken in designing the rollbar so that the top would fold down without interference. In addition to the main hoop and rear supports, the assembly also incorporates cross bars, lateral bars and door bars for maximum protection. A pair of Corbeau seats in black-and-white hound’s-tooth has been covered to match the back seat and to offset the smooth black leather door panels and wool carpet, which are also found in the trunk. The dash has been updated with a carbon-fiber insert fitted with Auto Meter instruments, while the required repositioning of the audio system allows room for the Vintage Air Gen II climate-control system. From there, everything is as it was when the car was built by GM assembly workers.

Subtle Bodywork and Bold Paint

While the mechanical and environmental aspects of this Camaro are exceptional, body and paintwork have concealed the vast majority of it. And unlike most projects that often begin with less-than-pristine cars, this project began life as a fully restored original. Nevertheless, it required considerable work, as certain “restorations” hid more than a few questionable areas, including the rear quarter panels, which were actually filled with holes and body filler. To remedy this, Due’s fitted a pair of Goodmark’s replacement steel rear quarter panels and its cowl induction hood, which replaces the original stock flat hood. To further smooth the lines of the Camaro, all of the trim pieces and moldings were cleaned and filled, allowing the smooth original bodylines of this Camaro to become more visible and to shine like never before. Once all of the surfaces had been fully prepped, a custom-mixed PPG Red was just the thing for this Camaro, as it tells of all the efforts that lie beneath. And once the re-chromed bumpers were finally installed, there was little questioning how well everything came together.

A Camaro That Commands Attention

If ever the time comes when you spot this ’67 Camaro coming up fast behind you, or even if it’s just languishing at a car show somewhere, take plenty of time to look it over. It’s then that you can fully appreciate what has been done, as you will begin to realize the impressive capability of Wayne Due and his crew—this car sets a subtle standard that stands out in any crowd.