Author Archives: Cameron Tunstall

About Cameron Tunstall

265-400 SBC, third generation F-bodies, anything Oldsmobile... and a little modular 2V as well.

SEMA 2022 – 1974 El Camino

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Even 15 years ago you would have a difficult time trying to generate a crowd for anything from 1974. Today it is refreshing to see anything designed prior to the proliferation of computers. At the Original Parts Group booth I was stopped dead in my tracks by this 1974 El Camino, created by ROYL Garage.

The first thing you may notice is the striking gold paint job accented by a black reverse stinger pointing along it’s side. However I was attracted to the velocity stacks poking out of the hood, hinting at 496 cubic inches of splayed-valve Chevrolet rat. Behind it is the nearly-indestructible 4L80E.

Side pipes must be coming back, because much like last month’s 1978 Pinto, this El Camino also features them. This car also features Dakota Digital gauges, QA1 Drag race 2.0 suspension, Wilwood brakes, Kicker Audio stereo components and the booth namesake OPGI parts throughout.

SEMA 2022 – 1978 Pinto Cruising Wagon

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Stopping by the KBS Coatings booth, you may find something a bit different than your typical SEMA Car. Designed and built by Cool Hand Customs of Middleton, WI this Malaise-era had a few upgrades under it’s vintage exterior. Gone is the original drivetrain, replaced with a 3.7L Cyclone V6, backed up by 6R80 6-speed transmission. The 3.7L features custom headers that exit as side pipes on the car, providing a transition from modern to retro.

Cool Hand Customs didn’t stop there, the Pinto also features a modified suspension from Heidts, adjustable coil-overs from QA1 with the suspension terminating at a set of American Racing wheels.

The interior also received some loved via Dakota Digital gauges, custom interior upholstery and a Hurst Sport Shifter. Although I am usually not intrigued by retro-nostalgia or modern drivetrain swaps, this car retains enough of the odd character to stay faithful to spirit of the vehicle. The V6, the pearlescent paint upgrades to the original theme and the willingness to end up with a car that avoids following the pack makes this a must-see build

Barrett-Jackson 2020 – 1954 Corvette Convertible Lot # 1162

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The Corvette name is directly associated with the zenith of Chevrolet performance and if you haven’t been paying close attention, you might think it always has been. The C1 generation was a bit of a bumpy start for what was a Thunderbird copycat.

In 1954 it was equipped with a souped-up version of the standard 235ci inline six cylinder. This “Blue Flame” sported most obviously three Carter side-draft carburetors and coupled with a high compression ratio was good for 150hp that was capable of propelling all 2886 lbs to 0-60 in 11.6 seconds. If that seems underwhelming, keep in mind that it was enough that GM didn’t have a manual transmission fit to sit behind it and since opted for the 2-speed powerglide auto on all models.

That didn’t stop a dealer option that would add a Paxton supercharger, though this model is without one. With a Polo white exterior, Sportsman red interior seen in pristine condition this ‘Vette was able to make it’s owner $60,500 on the block.

Barrett-Jackson 2020 – 1986 Camaro IROC-Z Lot # 149.1

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1986 was a year of ups and downs for the IROC-Z. The 85mph speedometer has now been exchanged for a more sporting display reading up to 145mph. Last years 215hp  5.0L TPI motor recieved a severe camshaft downgrade and was now rated at 190hp for this model. With the cam change the redline on the tachometer was dialed back to a timid 4500 rpm, in stark contrast to the new speedometer. F41 suspension package was standard for the IROC-Z, but this model has a 2.73:1 peg leg rear behind the 700r4 automatic transmission.

The Daytona Yellow paint and gold trim on the wheels gives it a bit more bark to make up for the lack of bite, but as far as third-generation Camaros go this one sees itself in the middle of the pack of v8 models. It has an impressively low 23,368 miles on the odometer, and that’s likely the biggest reason why this car was able to reach $18,700 in auction.

Barrett-Jackson 2020 – 1997 Camaro SS 30th Anniversary Lot # 408

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The sunken headlights, pointed nose and bubble greenhouse on the early fourth-generation Camaro recalls images of fighter jet fuselages. This anniversary model with the typical orange and white paint scheme obscures that image some, but makes up for it with a mean 340hp LT4 engine in place of the factory 275hp LT1.

A G92 performance axle RPO in turn makes up for the 4L60E automatic. The tri-color tail lights that would be a staple of the later models were first found on these 1997’s and are a welcome addition to the overall cars exterior. The Anniversary package, 7,091 miles and pristine condition make this optispark actually fire to the tune of $17,050.

Barrett-Jackson 2020 – 1978 Datsun 280z Lot # 358

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Before the emergence of the Nissan 280zx there was the 280z. Named for it’s L28E 2.8L inline 6 SOHC which claims a 148hp rating. With a manual transmission less than 150hp was more than enough for a sporty six-cylinder in the late 1970s. However, this fair lady is equipped with the lackluster 3-speed automatic. It makes up for this deficiency with clean body lines and pure Japanese sports car charisma. A 3.55:1 final drive ratio doesn’t hurt either, helping to propel the handsome Panasport racing wheels and this car’s final price to $23,100.