David N’s 1972 Chevelle SS

Built From The Ground Up

David N’s 1972 Chevelle SS

If you’ve ever taken physics class, you would understand why a 6’2″ US Air Force Colonel might have some trouble seating himself in a 1967 Cobra. Why he didn’t think of this before signing over his 1972 Chevelle for the Cobra is another story, but we’ll focus on the story of how this worked out to David’s benefit.

Blue Thunder started out life as a midnight bronze 1972 Malibu and was quickly transformed by the original owner to Super Sport status in 1974. He had it painted Marina Blue with white SS stripes and also upgraded to a bored out 454 currently producing over 500 horsepower. The car remained this way in California for the next 31 years.

Later on in the cars life, it was purchased by a US Air Force Colonel and shipped out to Colorado. He enjoyed the car for the next 4 years until he was bitten by a Cobra on a business trip to Illinois. The 1967 Cobra had not yet arrived at the dealership, but he decided to sell the Chevelle anyway to put toward the Cobra. When the Cobra arrived, the Colonel found out the hard way that he didn’t quite fit into the driver’s seat, so he declined the deal. The classic car dealer ended up keeping the Cobra and the Chevelle.

This is where David came to the scene and scooped the Chevelle right up. He began ordering parts and named his work in progress “Blue Thunder”. The thunder comes from the 454 with Flowmaster Series 44 mufflers. Other details include 20 inch Foose rims, HID Xenon headlights, LED brake lights, a killer stereo system, and much more. Future plans include a 4 wheel disc brake conversion and a restoration of the stock air conditioning system.

“Although the story sounds like something out of a bizarre Hollywood script, Blue Thunder is in impeccable shape and I plan on holding on to her for many years to come!!!”

– David

Shop our huge selection of Chevelle Parts!

1964-1977 Chevelle & Malibu Parts

We want to see your Built From The Ground Up Ride!

Submit your car to be featured here!

More Articles From Ground Up SS396.com

1972 Chevelle

Mitch P’s 1972 Chevelle

Mitch has a fondness for 1970-1972 Chevelles, reminiscing about cruising in his friend’s ’69 SS396 during high school. The memories we make in our youth tend to be some of

Read More »
1968 Chevelle
1968 Chevelle

Randal Y’s 1968 Chevelle

Randal is a simple engineer that tends to over-engineer any project he starts. This 1968 Chevelle build is not his first hot rod. He started in 1976, with a 1968

Read More »
1970 Chevelle

Andy H’s 1970 Chevelle

Two years ago, Andy stopped by to visit a friend of his who is a car dealer and was snooping around the key rack and saw a tag that said

Read More »

Follow Us On Social

Now Hiring in Florida!

Looking to get into the Automotive Industry? Here's your chance, click below to see what positions are opening soon!

Parts Catalog

Chevelle & El Camino, Camaro, & Nova
Free

We Want To See Your Car!

Submit your car to be featured today!