Don’t try to walk in here making sense. Don’t say it’s too small and would be much too wild on the street. Don’t sweat the small stuff like creature comforts that you’ve gotten used to over the years, or the lack of a radio being a hinderance. If that’s where your head is at, just move along. The goal behind this 1980 Chevette isn’t about daily-driver practicality or comfort on the cheap. If you’re after that, we could put you on the trail towards a 1979 Chrysler New Yorker that looks to have been loved all of it’s life. No, this Chevette should only have one main goal in life, and that’s to milk your adrenal glands dry of epinephrine every time you even think about the throttle pedal. Does that seem like a bad thing? We don’t think so.

Admittedly, you’re buying a roller. You get a rear axle that’s already been narrowed, you’re getting seats, and you’re getting rolling stock. After that, it’s on you. At least the body has enough to work with for the basic builder. Shove in the powertrain of your choice, put a floor pan of some kind into the car, make sure the folks at the DMV are happy, and be on your way. Really, the biggest question you have to ask yourself is what engine will you shove into it. I feel that most of you will cry out for a V8, but hear me out: the turbo-four from a late-model Camaro. Four-cylinder sounds, turbocharging, 275 horsepower dead-nuts stock. No? Well, at least the menu is wide-open and available, so if you want to do a four-banger or want to rip on Steve Magnante’s “Bad Seed” Chevette and go full-kill big-boy Cadillac, all you have to do is break out the tools.

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