MotorBiscuit has covered the Trans Am Worldwide Chevrolet Chevelle SS, based on the 1970 Chevelle adapted to brand-new Camaros. The Tallahassee-based company offers both convertible and hardtop Camaros into (sort of) a resto-mod limited edition stunner. But now, another company is doing a similar conversion with different details to help separate it from the TAW 70/SS. Hey Chevrolet, we hope you’re paying attention.

Is this the Camaro Chevelle conversion by TAW?

This is Vision Retro Designs’ carbon fiber Chevelle SS. The Topeka, Kansas company calls it the A69 Chevelle Series. So this leaves open the possibility of an A70, A71, and so on versions. Maybe? And while the TAW Chevelle adds modern flair to the iconic design, Vision’s hand-laid carbon fiber body hews more closely to the original design.

And mostly the details also ape the original car. It looks like both the headlights and taillights are vintage car take-offs. But now they’re now LED with halo lights in the headlights. In all, it follows the surfaces and design details, applied to a new Camaro that has decidedly different proportions. Yet, makes a good host for these new interpretations. 

How easy is it to make a retro Chevelle?

If we could fault it at all, some of the surfaces have slightly wonky reflections. And the shoulder that runs through the original 1968 to 1972 mid-body, the surfaces get rather soft. But it is an involved, and complicated process, and that just covers creating the design.

Then, you have to make molds and configure the new body panels to tie into the Camaro’s inner body. So the entire process is fraught with design, technical, and manufacturing complications. So we commend both Vivion and TAW for taking it all of the way to rolling and driving vehicles.

Is the interior retro Chevelle?

Inside, the details, door panels, and seats follow what Chevrolet has available in the Camaro. But, one design element that stands out is the front seat headrests. These follow the look of the original Chevelle’s interior. 

So look, these Chevelle conversions of the existing Camaro, they’re really cool. The bodies are lighter weight than the sheet metal Camaro bodies, and they’re so startling to see in 2023 gives them intrinsic value. Especially, in this era of electrification, a new Chevelle that harkens back to 1969 when the muscle car era reached its peak, they will come. 

Why doesn’t Chevrolet just make a retro Chevelle?

Major EV manufacturers tout the advantages of EV platforms, making it easier to create more models. So, if that is true, give enthusiasts 1969 Camaros, Mustangs, Road Runners, Corvettes, Chargers, and iconic models like the 1972 Road Runner, 1971 Mustang bread boxes, and on and on. 

Do we want to live in 1969? No. But, for those that lived it, and those that look to it as better for the adrenalin that drives car buyers, the Vision Chevelle SS and TAW Chevelle are a breath of fresh air, and a challenge to corporations that want to sell as many vehicles as they can, to satisfy their stockholders, and enliven enthusiasts.