OPGI Customer Car Spotlight: 1965 Chevelle Malibu

1965 Chevelle Malibu 4DR

Dick Eytchison, Cortez, Colorado

Engine: Chevrolet ZZ383 Crate Motor with Holley 670 CFM Avenger, Hydraulic Roller, Stock Chevy rotating assembly, Hooker Super comp 1 3/4″ headers

Transmission:  Muncie 4-speed wide ratio M21

Wheels: CCW – 9 x 17 – 9 1/2 x 17

Tires: Bridgestone Potenza RE71R – 255/40 x 17 front and rear

Interior: New reproduction interior with Kirkey aluminum driver’s seat, roll cage and 5 point Crow 3″ harnesses

Paint: Mist Blue

Original Parts Group Inc. (OPGI), Customer Dick Eytchison of Cortez, Colorado is the proud owner of this 1965 Chevelle Malibu that he has restored and modified as a purpose-built autocross competition car. Born in Indiana and raised in California prior to moving to Colorado, Dick always had a passion for Chevrolet vehicles.

After restoring several classic Chevys (with parts from OPGI) over the years, Dick met John Hotchkis of Hotchkis Suspension fame in 1990 and a friendship developed. Dick quickly became very interested in Pro-Touring car setups and modified the suspension of his ‘65 Chevelle to improve the handling. One thing led to another, and ten years later in 2010 Dick and his Chevelle entered an autocross event at a Goodguys show in Del Mar, California.

By 2012 Dick was an accomplished autocrosser and was entering (and winning) events across the country. His current goal is to be able to move up into the Pro Class for the 2016 race season. Although the definition of the term “Pro-Touring” is evolving and open to interpretation, we’d say Dick Eytchison’s street-driven Chevelle that he races on the weekends definitely meets the spirit of the genre.

*Be sure to click on the video below to see Dick’s Chevelle in action at the Goodguys 16th Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals last month where he took 2nd place in the Street Machine Class.