Buying a classic car at auction can be thrilling—great cars, electric atmospheres, and sometimes even great deals. But what happens when you get that car home and realize it’s not exactly what you expected?
In this video, we share real-world stories from customers who purchased classic cars at major auctions and turned to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for help. From a concours-correct 1957 Thunderbird needing the right under-hood details, to another ’57 Thunderbird that was completely transformed with a modern Coyote engine, 6-speed transmission, high-performance chassis, and creature comforts—these cars prove that an auction purchase is just the beginning of the story.
Whether your auction car needs fine-tuning, a full transformation, or prep for resale, we’re here to help.
VIDEO: What if your new auction purchase isn’t what you expected?
Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to Upgrade Your Classic, Muscle Car, or Hot Rod – Auction Purchase or Otherwise, We’re Here to Help!
Get ready, Muscle Car Fanatics!! The 2025 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN) is right around the corner, and it’s gearing up to be one of the best shows of the year! Located at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, this isn’t your average car show—it’s a curated display of the rarest and most significant muscle cars and Corvettes in existence.
In this video, we’re taking a look at some of the incredible shows within the show—the theme and feature invitational displays you absolutely cannot miss! From fresh unveilings of newly restored muscle machines to incredibly rare B-body convertibles and tributes to iconic years, there’s something for every enthusiast.
Here are just a few of the highlights:
– Hemi Power: A spectacular collection of the ultra-rare 426 Hemi B-Body Convertibles.
– The Class of 1965: A full assortment of awesome muscle cars from this pivotal year.
– Iconic Chevys: A dedicated display of the legendary ’65 Malibu SS Z16 396 cars—all three colors represented!
– Drag Racing History: The powerful Mopar A990 factory drag race car display.
– Pinnacle Performance: Relive the golden age with the Class of 1970 display.
– Malaise Era Marvel: A unique spotlight on the 1978 Ford Mustang King Cobra, showcasing eight different colors!
– Movie Car Magic: See the freshly restored ‘Tommy Boy’ Convertible GTX celebrity car!
Don’t miss the unveilings, the day two modified cars, and all the professionally curated displays.
Go to the Show!
– When: November 22nd and 23rd (Saturday and Sunday).
– Where: Donald E. Stevens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois (near O’Hare Airport and Chicago).
– More Info & Tickets: Find all the details at mcacn.com.
Subscribe to the channel! We’ll be shooting a special walkthrough video Saturday night after the show closes to give you a personalized tour if you can’t make it!
This cool 1966 Chevelle is the second for it’s owner Larry Frees, who might be familiar as the caretaker of the “Mr. Chevy” 1955 Chevy gasser and hauler ramp truck. He had a Marina Blue ‘66 Chevelle in his youth, and this car connects him to the car he had long ago. Larry provided us with the beginning of the restoration story as it unfolds in the V8 Speed & Resto Shop. The car turned out beautifully, after some sheet metal surgery, laser-straight bodywork, and a custom color brewed in-house… named “Tropical Frees!” It’s putting out over 400 horsepower, it rides on air, and looks fantastic!
Highlights of the Build
True SS 396: A real 138 VIN 1966 Chevelle SS, reimagined with passion and precision.
Custom Powertrain: Features a bored-out 396 to 402ci engine with a full roller valvetrain, paired with a Richmond 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive and Holley fuel injection.
Air Ride Suspension: Fully adjustable air ride system for a smooth, customizable ride.
Body and Paint: New quarter panels, trunk floor, tail pan, and deck lid, with meticulous metalwork to ensure tight, uniform gaps. Painted in a unique “Tropical Freeze” aqua-teal with pearl and metallic flair.
Custom Interior: Two-tone Fawn and Buckskin interior with a metallic cardboard-inspired dash, Dakota Digital gauges, Vintage Air AC, and a hand-painted tropical graphic.
Modern Touches: LED taillight inserts, 17″ chrome Craig SS wheels, and a smoothed rear package tray with flush 6×9 speakers.
Day Three Philosophy: Because it was not a numbers matching, all original car, it was built with a blend of classic SS 396 style with modern upgrades like fuel injection, air suspension, and enhanced power (over 400 HP!).
Why This Build Stands Out
This Chevelle isn’t just a restoration—it’s a reimagining of a classic, balancing authenticity with modern performance. Our team at V8 Speed and Resto spent months refining every detail, from TIG-welding panels for precision fitment to block-sanding the body for flawless reflections. The result is a car that looks like it’s carved from a single piece of steel, with a vibrant custom color and a roaring exhaust that demands attention.
Watch The Video:
Get in Touch
Dreaming of bringing your own classic car to life? Whether it’s a muscle car like this Chevelle, a fat-fendered beauty from the ’40s, or a gem from the ’80s or ’90s, we’re here to make it happen. Contact Us to start planning your dream build!
V8 Speed and Resto Shop
817 S. Main Street Red Bud, IL 62278 314.783.8325 https://www.v8speedshop.com
This sweet 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, bathed in tasty custom-mixed “Tropical Frees Blue”, just left the V8 Speed & Resto Shop… and we’ve got the full video coming soon!
Get ready for an in-depth look at this stunning restoration, from the classic muscle car lines to the impeccable, flawless finish. It’s a build that demands attention and a video you won’t want to skip.
Don’t miss the complete feature video—subscribe now so you’re the first to see it when it drops!
How Did These 6 Top Muscle Cars Get Their Names? | Muscle Car Of The Week
Muscle Cars are all about power, performance, and style, but you can’t overlook their stories. In this episode of Muscle Car Of The Week, we dive into the fascinating origins behind six legendary muscle car names: the *Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Pontiac GTO, Oldsmobile 442, Buick Gran Sport/GSX, Plymouth GTX, and Ford Mustang!* From clever marketing moves to nods to racing heritage, discover how these iconic names became synonymous with power, freedom, and rebellion. Join us as we seek to uncover the stories that made these cars legends!
🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell for more muscle car history and reviews!
The Legendary Comp Cams Camaro: A 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Reborn
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is a timeless icon, celebrated for its versatility and enduring appeal. Whether built stock, as a race car, pro-touring machine, or full custom, a ’69 Camaro always turns heads. At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, one particular ’69 Camaro convertible, known as the Comp Cams Camaro, holds a special place due to its rich history and remarkable revival.
A Storied Past
The Comp Cams Camaro traces its roots to the 1970s and 1980s when Scooter Brothers, founder of Comp Cams, campaigned a white ’69 Camaro convertible in NHRA drag racing. That original car was sold, but years later, Brothers sought to recreate it. The result was a white Camaro with black stripes, powered by a NASCAR-spec SB2 small-block V8. This car became a legend, featured in Hot Rod magazine, showcased on the Hot Rod Power Tour, and displayed at countless events.
One memorable tale from its travels involves the Camaro nearly escaping its trailer during a Power Tour stop, fish-tailing down the road while hanging by its header flanges. Though it was saved, years of heavy use at public events took a toll, leaving the car worn out.
A Second Life
To celebrate Comp Cams’ 40th anniversary, V8 Speed and Resto Shop was tasked with restoring this iconic car. Known for building high-performance ’69 Camaro convertibles, including one for Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, our team was ready to bring the Comp Cams Camaro back to life. Comp Cams, a leader in valve train technology with brands like RHS, FAST, and TCI, wanted the car to showcase their cutting-edge products while remaining instantly recognizable.
The Build
The restoration began with a plan to preserve the car’s identity while enhancing its performance and appearance. The car, a real RS Camaro with hideaway headlights and low-mounted reverse lights, was originally Daytona Yellow but had been painted white. We retained the white base with black stripes, adding a red pinstripe matching the Comp Cams logo’s Pantone color for a subtle branding touch.
The body required minor repairs—rust patches in the floors, trunk, and quarter panels were addressed with precision to preserve the original shell. Suspension upgrades included a Heidts front subframe, tubular control arms, Wilwood brakes, CCW wheels, and a Ford 9-inch rear axle with Heidts four-link brackets for superior handling.
Under the hood, Butler Performance built a 454-cubic-inch LS engine using an RHS aluminum block, RHS cylinder heads, an LSXR intake manifold, and Comp Cams valvetrain components. A FAST XFI EFI system and EASY LS/TCU controllers manage the engine and TCI 6X six-speed automatic transmission, delivering 690 horsepower naturally aspirated, with a ZEX nitrous kit for extra punch. A custom aluminum air filter box, designed to fit the tight engine bay, ensures fresh air intake while adding a sleek look.
The interior blends classic and modern with houndstooth bucket seats, Dakota Digital gauges, a TCI shifter, and a Vintage Air Gen 4 AC system with electronic controls for a factory-like appearance. A reduced-diameter billet steering wheel and hand-bent stainless exhaust complete the package, giving the car a commanding presence.
The Result
The reborn Comp Cams Camaro is a masterpiece of performance and style, built to be driven hard and enjoyed for years. Delivered to Comp Cams, it made a flawless 4.5-hour drive to Memphis, and since then, it has racked up nearly 7,000 miles. The car has starred at SEMA, the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (scoring 997/1,000 points), the Rev’n Rods Tour, the Car Craft Pro Builder Shootout, and the Good Guys Top 50 ’69 Camaros display.
The COMP Camaro as part of the 2024 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals / V8 Speed and Resto Shop 20th Anniversary Display
A Legacy That Endures
The Comp Cams Camaro is more than a car—it’s a testament to passion, craftsmanship, and performance. Its journey from drag strip warrior to restored icon showcases the dedication of both Comp Cams and V8 Speed and Resto Shop. Check out the full build at v8speedshop.com or spot it at an event like the Hot Rod Power Tour. If you’re dreaming of reviving your own classic, we’d love to bring it to life!
Watch The Build Video!
Speaking Of Camaro Videos… Here’s A Few More Built at V8 Speed and Resto:
Sometimes it’s advantageous to take over a project than to start from scratch. In this case, the customer wanted a cool ‘69 Camaro, and we happened to find him one that was already undergoing a restoration. The owner of this clean Arizona car changed his mind and decided to sell his project, so we had the car shipped to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, where it transformed into the Pro-Touring Camaro the new owner has always wanted. Features include a Holley Terminator EFI system, Vintage Air A/C, Scat seats, restoration parts from Classic Industries, Axalta paint, ARP engine hardware, COMP cam, and much more.
Design Details
The customer wanted a classic Z/28 look but with a few modern touches and better performance.
Details
Interior Upgrades
Build Photos
The Video Tells The Story
Let’s Build Yours!
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!
Mike’s Award Winning GTO, Automotive Trivia, V8 Speed and Resto Shop Wins, and Much More on the V8 Radio Podcast!
Join hosts Kevin Oeste and Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke for an award-winning episode of the V8 Radio Podcast, recorded live from Kevin’s personal garage! This episode is packed with automotive enthusiasm, car show triumphs, shop updates, and intriguing trivia that will keep gearheads glued to their speakers. Mike shares the thrill of winning a trophy for his 1967 GTO at the Chicagoland Motor Expo, while the duo dives into the nuances of car show judging, the evolution of tire technology, and the V8 Speed & Resto Shop’s latest projects. From a heartwarming Buick Regal surprise to a rare 1969 Charger restoration, this episode celebrates the passion and stories behind classic cars. Plus, stick around for the reveal of their automotive trivia answers that spark lively debates!
Our Fearless Hosts Cover:
Mike’s 1967 GTO wins a trophy at the Chicagoland Motor Expo, with insights into car show judging and the “boomer board” phenomenon.
Discussion on the differences between bias-ply and radial tires, highlighting their impact on driving experience.
V8 Speed & Resto Shop updates: 14 cars completed this quarter, a 43% repeat customer rate, and standout projects like a 1977 Buick Regal SR surprise and a 1969 Dodge Charger restoration.
Heartwarming story of a Buick Regal unveiled at a grocery store’s 30th anniversary, showcasing the emotional impact of classic car restorations.
Automotive trivia questions about the fastest speeding ticket and the first American car with clear coat paint, with surprising answers revealed.
Tease of a potential acquisition: a 1970 Buick GS convertible with a storied history tied to Dave McClelland.
This super-cool 1979 Ford Bronco recently arrived at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop looking for some basic mainenance and mechanical upgrades. It’s already wearing a nice restoration, but the original 351 M engine was just plain worn out, so the V8 Team is going to be adding some new power to this 4-wheel drive 1970s throwback fun machine!
Follow along in the complete 1979 Ford Bronco Photo Gallery below:
We’ve worked on this clean 1970 Pontiac GTO several times here at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop, and this time, we installed a Tremec TKO 600 5-speed manual transmission from Modern Driveline, complete with a hydraulic clutch and a Hurst shifter.
In the past, we’ve removed, resealed, and detailed the Ram Air III 400 cubic inch V8 engine, and upgraded it with a March serpentine accessory drive system.
The owner Mo is a US Army Veteran and has become a great friend of our team. He and his wife really enjoy Classics and Muscle Cars, and we appreciate them as customers, friends, and general positive role models for the car hobby.
We invite you to contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop anytime at 314.783.8325 for a Coyote swap or restoration for your classic car, truck, or muscle car.
The V8 Speed & Resto Shop is a full-service classic car and muscle car restoration service ready to perform everything from simple maintenance on vintage cars to full frame-off restorations and modifications. Whether you are seeking a stock restoration, a pro-touring muscle car, or a custom restomod, the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, can help. Contact us today to put the V8 crew to work for you. Transport services are available.
V8 Speed & Resto Shop 817 S. Main Street Red Bud,IL 62278 314.783.8325 https://www.v8speedshop.com resto@v8speedshop.com
