The 60’s and 70’s were great time if you wanted a bit of unique muscle to cruise with or take to your local track. A handful of now well known dealerships specialized in providing that muscle. Nickey Chevrolet in Chicago, Illinois, Baldwin-Motion Chevrolet in Baldwin Long Island, New York, Yenko Chevrolet in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge in Chicago, Illinois are four of the powerhouse dealerships that Auto World’s latest ThunderJet release #3 (SC385) in their Muscle Car Dealership series. It’s time to take a stroll across the car lots from the past and check out the cars in this release.
#1 1971 Chevrolet Vega – Motion Super Vega Mediterranean Blue/White and Cranberry Red/White
The Motion Super Vega is a great example of how far the dealerships were willing to go, to get ridiculous amounts of horsepower in the smallest and lightest cars possible. From 1971 through 1974, Motion Chevrolet offered in both dealer ready and kit form, the Chevrolet Vega with a 350 cubic inch motor through the incredible 427 c.i. and even the monstrous 454 c.i. If a little is good, more is, well more! Interesting side note, the Feds actually stopped the dealership ready to run version with the 454 big block, stating it was unsafe for U.S. streets. The dealership built four total with the 454 monster Rat, one prototype and three production units. The three were all sold overseas and the whereabouts of the first prototype is claimed to be unknown.
#2 1968 Chevrolet Camaro – Yenko Camaro – Bronze Red/Black and International Blue/White
Yenko was the king of the COPO conversions. With the success of the 1967 Yenko Super Camaro, the dealership continued the program in 1968. The 1968 Yenko Super Camaros started out as L78 396 c.i. models with the COPO 9737 additions. On arrival at the dealership, the 396 was yanked out and replaced with a 450 horsepower 427 c.i. powerhouse. Around 64 Camaros were converted by Yenko in 1968.
#3 1966 Chevrolet Nova – Nickey Chevrolet Nova L79 – Chateau Slate and Regal Red
Nickey Chicago was another shrine to performance from the dealership. This Auto World version covers the L79 equipped Nova with a 327 c.i. power plant that was rated at 350 horsepower. Most came with a Muncie 4 speed and 12-bolt rear ends. True performance in a small package.
#4 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A – Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge – Bright Yellow/Black and Black/White
Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge became the world’s large Dodge dealership in 1972. And how did they get there? By offering some of the highest performing Dodge muscle cars available. Starting with the potent Dodge platforms, Grand Spaulding Dodge would dyno tune these cars to the maximum performance before they rolled out of the dealership. The 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A with the 340 Six Pack was a monster performer from the factory, but Mr. Norm’s wizards took these to a different level that are now some of the most sought after muscle cars.
2022 Auto World ThunderJet Release 3 SC385 Muscle Car Dealerships Packaging
Here are some more views of the dealership’s choice selections.
It was golden age of high performance dealer direct availability that was unequaled in the day. Every manufacturer has a few of these go getter, performance minded dealers and we got to see just how far their imaginations would carry the level of performance. The Auto World ThunderJet Release 3 (SC385) Muscle Car Dealerships will be available at your local hobby shops or your favorite webstore in late September, 2022.