Classic recollections: 1968-1972 Chevelles

Of all the cars General Motors has produced in its 10-decade history, several come immediately to mind, such as the Corvette and the Camaro. Another GM model that generates legions of loyal leadfoot fans is the iconic Chevelle.

The Chevelle hit the market in 1964, but it's the instantly recognizable third generation that gets any V-8 gearhead's blood pumping. Produced from 1968-72, these five Chevelle model years conjure up fantasies of tire-smoking power and quick quarter miles, all the while still maintaining a comfortable and downright roomy interior.

Paying homage to one of the baddest street machines to ever roll out of the Chevrolet factory, here are five area muscle-bound Chevelles that typify why car guys and gals simply can't ignore them.

1968 Chevelle, Bob Rubens, JolietThese GM #8216;A-body' cars were, and are, known for producing big power, but if you're Bob Rubens, your mild appearing '68 is known for really BIG power #8212; to the tune of 1,500 horses. To achieve those eye-popping numbers, the Joliet resident ditched the factory 396-cubic-inch V-8 and anchored in a 540-cubic-inch powerplant strapped with twin Garret turbochargers. In lieu of a NASA control room, engine management is governed by a laptop, tucked out of sight below the passenger seat. Wilwood disc brakes ensure that coming out of orbit is a safe process on this all-original paint and interior brute. Despite the extreme modifications, purists can rest easy: Bob made sure everything is reversible. #8220;All original parts were saved so that at any point, everything can be returned to factory condition.#8221;1969 Chevelle, Mike and Julie Bowen, Rolling MeadowsMike Bowen's love of Chevelles started when he was a kid. His dad had a '69 and the memory of riding along with his father has always stuck with him. The Rolling Meadows resident found his rust-free '69 cruiser in California and in the fourteen years since, has gone all out in creating a great all-around performer. #8220;I wanted enough horsepower to have fun at the drag strip while not sacrificing street drivability.#8221; Underneath the Dusk Blue paint you'll find a 454 that has been bored out to 461 cubic inches. A Holley carb sits up atop the intake and Hooker headers aid in the exhaling process. Despite the 500-horse setup, it's docile enough for Mike to carry on the Chevelle family tradition. #8220;It'll blast down the quarter mile in the mid-elevens, but that doesn't keep me from using it regularly with my wife, Julie, and my two young boys strapped into their car seats.#8221;1970 Chevelle SS, Jeremy and Amber Waryck, Round LakeFirst cars are always special and if you're Jeremy Waryck, his is definitely one that stands out. He purchased his '70 Chevelle SS two days after his 18th birthday and still drives it today, nine years later. He made the trek to Virginia to purchase the former East Coast cruiser purely based on photos alone. #8220;I can't say exactly what drew me toward it but after that first test drive with the big-block sound, vinyl smell and just the overall presence of the car, I knew I was taking it home.#8221; That would be to Round Lake where the resident keeps his credit card glowing red hot at the local gas pumps, logging heavy miles with the Green Mist coupe. You won't find it stationary too often as he chooses to avoid lingering at lengthy shows as he #8220;bought it to drive it, not to park it.#8221;1971 Chevelle, Mike and Mona Costa, Beach ParkNostalgia is a powerful motivator for getting a classic and that's exactly why Mike and Mona Costa purchased their 1971 Chevelle. Mona drove her brother's red with black stripes '69 bruiser in high school and felt it was due time for another. #8220;Since day one, this was all about nostalgia for Mona. We wanted it restored to show quality, but still be hassle-free for regular use,#8221; Mike said. The Beach Park residents' bow-tie came from Mississippi and was in slipshod shape #8212; nothing like how it sits today. Now you'll find disc brakes installed at all four corners while power steering makes cruising a breeze. Aluminum heads and racing roller rockers and rods in the original 350-cubic-inch small block ensure that Mona's 332-horsepower trip down memory lane is just a throttle away. 1972 Chevelle, Phillip Christensen, SkokieIf you ask Phillip Christensen what it's like to drive his '71 Chevelle, here's his answer: #8220;Imagine trying to manage something that's out of control. The immense power and torque is unreal.#8221; The savage V-8 beast the Skokie resident loves to reign in has a 468-cubic-inch engine, which dumps 650 horsepower and 600 foot-pounds of punishment to the unsuspecting asphalt. He completed the frame-off restoration in his home garage and chose to bolt on disc brakes, 17-inch wheels and a five-speed overdrive transmission covered in layers of Millennium Yellow paint. Despite its raw and untamed nature, Mike wouldn't have it any other way. #8220;It was built for all-out performance but it's still driven as much as my work schedule, and Mother Nature, allow.#8221; 40002650Bob Rubens, Joliet 400026501969 ChevellePhotos Courtesy of Prestige Motorcar Photography 40002650Mike and Julie Bowen, Rolling Meadows 400026501970 Chevelle SS 40002650Jeremy and Amber Waryck, Round Lake 400026501971 Chevelle 40002650Mike and Mona Costa, Beach Park 40002650<element type="body" id="paragraph-B7137134-3E2D-48CD-A533-68DFDC5B9EEF">1972 Chevelle</element> 40002650<element type="body" id="paragraph-B7137134-3E2D-48CD-A533-68DFDC5B9EEF">Phillip Christensen, Skokie</element>