Take a look at this, The ULTIMATE Family Car? Custom Chevy CHEVELLE Wagon with NITROUS!!
When most people think of a family car, they picture something safe, practical, and maybe a little boring. But “Rusty”, a 1967 Chevy Chevelle Malibu wagon, shatters that image with a vengeance—thanks to a 900-horsepower nitrous-injected small-block and a sleeper look that hides its true performance beast DNA.
👀 First Impressions: A Rusty Sleeper?
From a distance, this wagon looks like a junkyard relic. Covered in a faux-rust vinyl wrap and sporting a luggage rack loaded with vintage gear, Rusty oozes the vibe of a forgotten cruiser. But open the hood and all bets are off.
💥 Powertrain: A Small-Block Surprise with Big Numbers
Under the hood sits a 396ci small-block Chevy topped with a 750 CFM Holley carb, aluminum heads, and a roller camshaft. By itself, it makes an estimated 600 horsepower—but with the hit of a nitrous kit, that number soars to around 900 hp.
Power is sent through a built 4L60 automatic transmission with a 2,600 rpm stall converter, delivering reliable launches and smooth shifts, whether you’re cruising the boulevard or mashing the gas on the highway.
🛠️ Suspension, Chassis & Street Manners
The car rides on a stock Chevelle frame with upgraded QA1 coilovers all around. That means it handles better than it looks and can actually be driven comfortably despite its beastly capabilities.
And the best part? The interior is all original—bench seats, column shifter, and all. It’s a time capsule… that just happens to run 10s.
📽️ In Action: AutotopiaLA Puts “Rusty” to the Test
In the feature by AutotopiaLA, the car goes from sleeper to screamer in seconds. It launches hard, sounds mean, and surprises everyone with its nitrous-fueled performance. All while carrying the illusion of being a rusty, underpowered family wagon.
🧾 Build Sheet Summary
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Car | 1967 Chevy Chevelle Malibu Wagon |
| Engine | 396ci SBC (~600hp NA, ~900hp with nitrous) |
| Induction | 750 CFM Holley carb + nitrous plate kit |
| Transmission | Built 4L60 auto w/ 2,600 stall converter |
| Suspension | QA1 coilovers on factory frame |
| Exterior | Faux-rust wrap + roof luggage rack |
| Interior | Fully original (bench, column shift) |
| Nickname | “Rusty” |
| Owner/Builder | Hood Muscle Cars |
✅ Final Thoughts
“Rusty” is the definition of a sleeper—a car that looks like it’s limping but punches like a heavyweight. With 900 horsepower, classic wagon vibes, and real-world drivability, it might just be the ultimate family car for gearheads.
Forget the minivan. This is how you haul kids—and a$$.
