This Abandoned Stock Car is a LEGENDARY CHAMPION

The 1968 Chevrolet "C1" Chevelle, owned by Zack from Tuques N Tires, is far from just a "raggedy pile of crap" (0:02). Despite its worn appearance, which Zack meticulously maintains to preserve its history, this vehicle is a legendary champion dirt track race car. It embodies a unique blend of historical racing integrity and modern street-legal functionality, offering a driving experience that is both raw and surprisingly comfortable (5:35-5:55).

Zack acquired this Canadian race car, originally built in the 1970s, through an unusual trade for a Honda three-wheeler (2:25-2:28). Initially unaware of its prestigious past, Zack soon discovered the Chevelle's incredible racing history through social media. It was an unbeatable car, winning countless races at tracks like Brighton and Kingston, and even earning its number C1 a spot on the Hall of Fame wall (3:25-3:37). The car's original builders acquired it from a used car lot, transforming it into a full tube race car based on Bobby Allison's 70s race car design (3:45-4:02, 5:25-5:28).

Under the hood, the C1 Chevelle houses a 6-liter engine with a sloppy mechanic stage 2 cam (10:28-10:30). Zack intentionally styled the engine bay to mimic a small block Chevy, complete with hidden coils and extended wires, effectively tricking many onlookers into believing it's a 1000 horsepower crate motor (10:44-10:47, 11:16-11:26). This clever disguise allows for easier maintenance with readily available LS parts, while maintaining the car's vintage racing aesthetic (11:01-11:11).

The car features a four-speed Saginoff transmission and a Winter's Performance quick-change rear end with straight-cut gears (14:07-14:10, 22:26-22:34). This quick-change system allows for gear ratio adjustments in about ten minutes, making it highly versatile (22:37-22:39). Another notable feature is its two-stage exhaust system, which includes a "boom tube" cutout that can be opened with a button for a louder, more aggressive sound, a feature that has even sparked online debate about its authenticity (24:10-24:48). The car also maintains its original 70s shocks and steering box, contributing to its authentic, analog feel (16:09-16:13, 16:51-16:56).

Zack's primary goal with the C1 Chevelle was to preserve its originality and racing heritage while making it street-legal (5:35-5:37, 30:50-31:04). He intentionally kept the wide wheel well cutouts and dirt track tires, prioritizing the feel of a race car with the comfort of a street car (5:47-5:55). Having driven it over 5,000 kilometres on Hot Rod Power Tour (8:38-8:42), Zack hopes to inspire others to save and drive old race cars, emphasizing the dedication and hard work involved in such a restoration.