The First Overhaulin’ Car Goes to Barrett Jackson Scottsdale!

The first vehicle to be featured on the popular show Overhaulin’ is going to Barrett Jackson in Scottdale, AZ! For those of you who are unfamiliar with this Custom 1971 Coupe Chevelle and its relationship with Original Parts Group Inc., let us fill you in. Perhaps you may consider making this your ride!

In 2001 long-time OPGI employee, Jeff Miller purchased a faded green 1971 Chevelle. His plan was to use it as a daily driver and “fix it up” over time with OPGI parts. Over the years, the Chevelle became a very familiar classic to staff and showroom goers at OPGI headquarters. The car partook in many crucial test-fittings that would assist with the reproduction of RESTOPARTS® specific to Chevelle. And, it was even featured in various tech articles in popular Chevy-orientated magazines. When asked if Mother’s Wax could use his ride in an infomercial, Jeff did not think twice. Little did he know this was the perfect decoy to get Jeff to unknowingly allow his Chevelle to become the Star of the first episode of Overhaulin’.

In typical Foose fashion, Chip Foose drew an astounding rendering of his vision for Jeff’s Chevelle that would include a scheme of cinnamon and copper paint with color-reversed champagne ghost flames over a RESTOPARTS® steel hood. Under the hood, they would install a 350ci performance motor from Edelbrock complete with a 200-4R tranny from California Transmission. A modified front bumper (minus the license-plate recess), Hotchkis suspension, Baer Brakes, and a new Chevelle rear bumper. Doug’s shorty headers, connected to a full Flowmaster ceramic-coated 3-inch exhaust system. On the inside, all interior parts from Original Parts Group would complete the transformation.

After being viewed by millions during the Overhaulin’ premiere, Jeff Miller’s car became an instant star. The custom Foose-designed 1971 Coupe Chevelle campaigned across the country in the 2004 Hot Rod PowerTour. It went on to be the cover car of Hot Rod Magazine in 2005 alongside co-host of Overhaulin’ Courtney Hansen. And was even reproduced in two different sizes of die-cast miniatures in 2006. See what Courtney, Chip, and Chris Jacobs had to say when news broke that the first Overhaulin’ car was going to Barrett Jackson!

Don’t miss Jeff’s beloved ’71 Chevelle and its custom Budnik Wheels (19s on the front 20s on the rear) rolling across the auction block at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale January 22nd-30th on the History channel. Click here for a complete description of the vehicle, including the VIN, or to place your bids! Good luck!

Posted in Chevy, Events & Appearances, OPGI News Tagged with: , , , ,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*