CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) Clarksville native Patrick Nichols has been on many treasure hunts and has discovered 50 or more classic muscle cars that were buried under the hands of time in barns, garages, storage sheds and back yards since his youth.
Recently, Nichols found a rare and valuable 1970 Chevelle SS454 LS6, that was stashed away in an industrial storage building in Reno, Nevada for decades.
The Chevelle was built in Van Nuys, Calif., and finished with a special “Hugger Orange” paint option. It is estimated that less than 25 extraordinary cars were assembled and painted the unique orange hue.
Nichols purchased the car and had it transported to Clarksville. It was restored and named “Sunkist” as a wink to it’s original paint.
“The 1970 model year was the peak year for the muscle car era,” Nichols said. “In 1971 they reduced the horsepower.”
Nichols is a walking classic muscle car encyclopedia and the Austin Peay State University business graduate, professionally authenticates, hunts, buys, and sells vintage muscle cars that need restoration.
In addition, he is an automotive journalist for HotRod magazine and his finds have graced the cover many times.
His favorite finds have been rare Yenko Novas and rare Chevelles.
The value of this treasure was $125,000 in its found state and $250,000 concourse restored, Nichols said.
See More of Nichols finds:
Super Rare 69 Nova
LS6 Chevelle
KY Classic Car Cruise