Not By The Book

One of the smoothest intrepretations of modern Pro Street yet

- Ro McGonegal

Over the years we’ve seen enough Chevelles to last several lifetimes. Like a lot of them, this one’s bagged but has a thoroughly modern engine and brandishes some of the biggest back tires known to man. It signifies a return to Pro Street but with a 21st century approach. It’s the brainchild of Nicolas Chauffe who practices his art in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, west of New Orleans deep in Cajun country.

When he was 8, Nic was doing brake jobs and oil changes in his pop’s garage. At first he hated it—saw it as encroachment on his freedom. He wanted to be outside playing with his pals. He reflected: “I’m happy that I was able to learn a trade that many don’t get a chance to even if they wanted.” His conscientiousness paid off early. Pops was overjoyed with his son’s vision, potential, and experience. He handed over the family 1966 C10 for Nic to tattoo.

“Any money I made doing odd jobs and at my after-school job working at a mom-and-pop auto parts store went straight into fixing up that C10,” said Nic. “By my senior year, I had the truck completed and painted. It was a great feeling to know that I built my own first vehicle and that no one gave it to me. I consider that to be one of the best lessons I ever learned, and that has helped me to succeed in life.”