Serious hauling requires some serious equipment. It’s just part of the hot rodding game. Sure, your favorite slush-box can perform but to be honest, its old news. Sporting a bland 3- or 4-speed automatic has its limitations and when spirited driving comes into play, nothing beats three pedals and the sound of the perfect rev-match downshift.

Tremec is building some of the industry’s finest bullet-proof 5-, and 6-speed manual transmissions. To prove it, they’ll even feature your ride, too, so long as it’s stuffed with Tremec’s line of shifting goodness. It’s Tremec’s way of paying you back for dedication and support of their products.

To kick things off, Jeff Betz’s ’69 big-body Chevelle Wagon fits the bill, perfectly. With a 502ci big-block on tap, it only seemed right to back it with some serious parts including a D&D-sourced Tremec TKO 6-Speed transmission and McLeod clutch. Shifting now is not only part of the experience, moreover a way to keep Betzs’ wallet fat.

That’s right, Betz not only has a super-hauler now but benefits from an increase in fuel mileage. Matter of fact, Betz even states, “Who wants an automatic in a bad ass car when you could be shifting yourself and having a great conversation piece that gives you modern day durability, driveability, and fuel economy?!” Betz went from an average of 10mpg to an unheard of 16mpg!

To get the full scoop on this gorgeous hauler, be sure to visit Tremec’s website. Then, click on the forum (be sure to log in first) and check out this sleeper ‘Velle wagon. That’s not all either from the Betz camp. He’s already in the process of building a ’57 2-door wagon. Although, this time it going to be powered by an LS and of course, backed by a Magnum 6-Speed. We can’t wait!