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As a teen in the original muscle car era, Mike Guarise lived within a short distance of Chicago’s Nickey Chevrolet. Then it was the largest Chevy dealer in the world and would become the source of what are now some of the most unique Chevrolets ever built. While driving a Nickey supercar was a dream for Mike in those days, the dream became a passion.
- 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle L78 2-Door Hardtop 396/375 HP, 4-Speed – Currently packing a 500 hp, 396 cui V8, research suggests that this Ermine White on black example may have been a 427 Nickey Supercar at one time. Additional Nickey modifications include Nickey Traction-Action ladder bars, liquid tire squirters and a Stinger hood.
In the last thirteen years, Mike has found and restored ten Nickey originals, an experience he views with great pride and satisfaction. “I consider it an
honor to have been their caretaker,” explained Mike. “Having had that pleasure, it is time to share them with collectors who have found it nearly impossible to acquire one of these great cars.”
Seven of those cars will shortly go to auction during Dana Mecum’s Original Spring Classic Auction, which runs May 17-22, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, IN.
Each of these examples is certified authentic by legendary Nickey Performance Manager Don Swiatek and all are listed in the Nickey Registry. Check them out below.
For additional information on the auction or these rare Nickey examples, visit the event web site.
1968 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 427/435 HP, 4-Speed - The original, matching numbers drivetrain starts with the powerful L71 427/435 HP Tri Power big block, with added horses by a Nickey-installed Hooker Headers side exhaust system. The Lemans Blue with blue interior combination makes for a striking package.
1968 Chevrolet Malibu L79 2-Door Hardtop 327/325 HP, 4-Speed - In Grotto Blue with black vinyl roof and blue interior, this matching numbers Nickey original was dealer-modified with a dual plane aluminum intake and Holley 4-barrel, and still retains the original Nickey signature white headers. Reason enough for it to be awarded 'Top Gun' at Chevy Vettefest.
2002 Chevrolet Nickey/Bill Thomas 427 Stage III Camaro 427 - As the first Nickey/Bill Thomas continuation car, this 4G Camaro is a supercar in its own right. Its twin-turbo powerhouse is based on a GM Skunkworks 427 cui C5R racing block and delivers over 1,000 rear wheel horsepower. With its perform,ance suspension and multistage exhaust, this is a one-of-one Nickey Camaro.
1967 Chevrolet Nickey/Bill Thomas 427 Stage III Camaro 427, 4-Speed - Following the introduction of the Camaro in 1967, Nickey Chevrolet in Chicago had bigger plans. Working with legendary Chevrolet race car and engine builder Bill Thomas in California, as well as GM performance manager Vince Piggins, Nickey developed a plan to install the potent 427 Corvette engines into the Camaro body as soon as they were available in late 1966. This L72 450 HP Stage III Camaro is the only Nickey/BT Camaro certified by Bill Thomas himself.
1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe LT1/360 HP, 4-Speed - As fora ll of the examples shown here, this 1970 Z/28 was sold new at the legendary Nickey Chevrolet supercar store. With its original drivetrain and just 21,000 miles on the clock, time stopped for this example some years ago. Extensively documented, this Nickey-modified Z/28 was likely set up for street racing, where the a modified, high winding small block was preferred over the heavier big block engines.
