Chevrolet Brazil Unveils Restomodded 1970s Muscle Coupes: Opala SS and S10 Rally Truck Auctioned for Charity

Chevrolet Brazil auctioned three classic restomods to mark its centenary, including two Opala SS coupes and a competition-bred Chevrolet S10 Rally truck. The trio went under the hammer at the Carde Museum in Campos do Jordão, with proceeds benefiting charity.

Opala SS Restomods: Modern Power Meets Vintage Style

Chevrolet selected two Opala SS coupes for its latest restomod project: a 1976 model and a 1979 model, both painted in Brazil’s national colors—yellow and green. Despite their vintage appearance, these cars received significant modern upgrades.

The factory 4.1-liter inline-six engine in each Opala now features electronic fuel injection and is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Suspension and braking systems have also been enhanced with Bilstein shocks and performance rotors, improving drivability while preserving their classic character.

Inside, the Opalas boast leather trim, three-point seatbelts for improved safety, and modern amenities like Bluetooth audio and climate control. Chevrolet ensured the restomods retained their original charm while refining them for contemporary use.

2004 Chevrolet S10 Rally Truck: Racing Pedigree Meets Street-Ready Performance

The third vehicle in Chevrolet’s centenary auction was a 2004 Chevrolet S10 Rally truck, a competition-bred machine with a storied past. This truck earned its patina by competing in Rally dos Sertões, one of South America’s most grueling off-road events, and other similar races in the early 2000s.

The S10 retains its original FIA-mandated roll cage, bucket seats, and five-point harnesses. While the exterior was refreshed, the truck’s mechanicals were carefully detuned for road use. The original 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine produced over 300 hp (304 PS) in competition spec, but engineers reduced its output for street-friendly performance. Despite this adjustment, the engine still delivers 362 lb-ft (491 Nm) of torque at just 2,000 rpm, ensuring brisk acceleration.

GM Brazil noted that locating the truck was a challenge, but once found, it remained in the same condition as when it last competed in a race.

Auction Details and Proceeds

The trio of restomods was auctioned at the Carde Museum in Campos do Jordão, with part of the proceeds supporting charitable causes. Chevrolet’s heritage push in Brazil continues to gain momentum, following the success of last year’s restored Omega sedan.