Source: The Block (Chevrolet)
The allure of classic Chevrolet muscle cars often takes hold early in life. For Jim Meyer, that moment arrived in September 1966, as television screens flickered with advertisements for the upcoming 1967 model year Chevrolet lineup. The iconic Camaro, Chevelle, and Nova instantly captured his imagination, a hook that would set the stage for a lifelong passion.
Fast forward several decades, and Jim’s passion has materialized into a stunning reality: a Glacier Ice Blue 1967 Chevrolet Nova affectionately named “Blownaway.” This isn’t just a lovingly restored classic; it’s a meticulously crafted custom build that blends vintage charm with modern performance, earning accolades on the prestigious show car circuit.
At the heart of “Blownaway” lies a potent Chevrolet Performance LS376/525 crate engine. This modern V8 provides a reliable foundation of power, but Jim wanted more – both in terms of output and visual impact. To achieve this, a 2.9L Whipple supercharger was added, delivering a significant boost in horsepower and a distinctive, aggressive look under the hood. This combination perfectly embodies the “show and go” ethos of a true street machine.
The dedication and craftsmanship poured into “Blownaway” haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, the Nova achieved finalist status in the highly competitive Street Machine of the Year category at the Goodguys Summit Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. Its excellence was further recognized with a top 10 finish in the Pro’s Pick category at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Additionally, “Blownaway” was named a Chevrolet Performance Builder of the Year finalist in the GM Iron class at the Goodguys Colorado Nationals, where it also took home the award for Best Use of Color.
The talented team behind this exceptional build is Ron Jones Garage in Windsor, Colorado, just north of Denver. Interestingly, Jim Meyer, the owner of “Blownaway,” now works at the very shop that brought his vision to life. As a result, he was intimately involved in the car’s four-and-a-half-year build process, offering a unique perspective on every stage of the project.
The journey to “Blownaway” began when Jim discovered a rust-free 1967 Nova near Denver. A previous father-and-son project had stalled, leaving the car sitting in a primer-covered trailer for a decade. Eager to bring the Nova back to life, Jim acquired it and embarked on an ambitious build. He opted for a Chevrolet Performance Connect & Cruise Crate Powertrain System, pairing the LS376/525 engine with a robust Super Magnum six-speed manual transmission. To ensure exceptional handling and performance, a Roadster Shop FAST TRACK chassis was also integrated into the build.
The experts at Ron Jones Garage then took the reins, disassembling the Nova and undertaking significant custom fabrication work. This included narrowing the chassis’ rear end by four inches and ingeniously converting it into a bolt-on system for easier maintenance and modification. The shop’s fabricator, Justin, meticulously added new sheet metal to the Nova’s body before reuniting it with the enhanced chassis.
While Jim handled some of the mechanical work himself, the collaboration with Ron Jones Garage proved invaluable. The scope of the project evolved, fueled by the creative ideas and expertise of the entire team. The choice of the LS3-based engine was deliberate, offering a balance of reliability and performance that perfectly complemented the Whipple supercharger.
Beyond the raw power, the details of the build are equally impressive. The team at Ron Jones Garage added custom touches to the engine, including 3D printed and poured urethane boots to conceal the fuel injectors and a custom-molded throttle body designed to hide wiring and connectors. The engine is further personalized with custom valve covers featuring “Blownaway” in billet aluminum script, a name that reflects both the supercharged power and the owner’s enthusiasm.
Ron Jones highlighted the ease of working with Chevrolet Performance’s Connect & Cruise packages, stating, “We do a lot of Connect & Cruise… We love that concept. We like the looks, we know we can modify it, we know we can fire it up, we know we can run it. You can’t beat that.” However, the team did reposition the engine, moving it back four inches and down two inches to improve hood clearance with a modified two-inch cowl-induction hood, potentially enhancing the car’s center of gravity for track use.
The Nova’s impressive stance is achieved with Michelin Super Sport tires (345/35/19 rear, 245/35/18 front) wrapped around distinctive bronze Curtis Speed Equipment wheels, a nod to the owner’s long-standing connection with the Curtis family. The custom Glacier Ice Blue paint is a personalized version of Jim’s favorite color, complemented by bronze accents under the hood. Exterior modifications also include sleek flush-mount glass and the removal of the vent windows.
The interior, crafted by JJ’s Upholstery in Denver, continues the bronze and blue theme. The leather seats feature a striking bronze square-checker pattern that echoes design elements on the exterior. The cabin also boasts a unique, one-off dashboard and a custom console inspired by the C8 Corvette, further modernizing the classic Nova.
Ron Jones Garage, established in 2009, has built a reputation for award-winning vehicles. The “Blownaway” Nova, with its dedicated owner playing an integral role in its creation, is a shining example of their collaborative spirit and meticulous attention to detail. As Jim Meyer eloquently put it, “It’s been a long-term labor of love with ups and downs, thrashing, and then making decisions and backing up and doing some things over again just to get it right… Ron is very particular with the fine details… with his help and guidance and everybody else that helped, they built a wonderful car. We’re very happy with it.”
*Chevrolet Performance disclaimer included in original source.
Summary:
- Jim Meyer’s Glacier Ice Blue 1967 Chevrolet Nova, “Blownaway,” is a highly customized and award-winning build.
- It is powered by a Chevrolet Performance LS376/525 crate engine with a Whipple supercharger.
- The build was a four-and-a-half-year project by Ron Jones Garage, with the owner actively involved.
- Key modifications include a Roadster Shop chassis, custom bodywork, and a bespoke interior.
- “Blownaway” has received recognition at major automotive events like Goodguys and NSRA Nationals.
Disclaimer: Vehicle modifications can affect performance, handling, and safety. Consult with qualified professionals before altering your vehicle.
Source : Chevrolet
AI Assistance: Gemini
