It’s a simple formula, but one that’s worked so many times that doing otherwise almost seems impractical: taking a classic ride and beefing it up from bumper to bumper with the best of modern-day technology. Otherwise known as resto-modding, the techniques and tactics may vary from shop to shop, but the spirit of improvement remains the same.

The Chevelle as it appeared when it first rolled into the shop.

When the Roadster Shop, based out of Mundelein, Illinois, set its sights on a 1964 Cheverolet Chevelle SS, they spared no expense to make the muscle car sing again in full V8-powered glory. The two-door droptop build started out in Fall 2013 and came in a light brown paint job, brown leather interior, and some aftermarket polished wheels.

“The owner, Tim Roach, had heard about some of our previous builds and sought us out online,” explains Phil Gerber, one of the owners of the Roadster Shop. “To him, the car had some sentimental value. He had seen our pro-touring muscle cars and wanted to go that route with his Chevy. He wanted to do it right and take care of the rust and motor issues.”

RS’ unique take on the build would ensure the finished product looked far different than other projects. For example, renderings depicted a tailpanel that lit up the “Chevrolet” lettering between the taillights, while the front end would contain C-shaped headlights and a two-bar grille. “That was our take on what a 2015 concept car would look like on a 1960s Chevrolet muscle car,” said Gerber.

In place of the decades-old drivetrain this muscle car was destined to have had, RS sourced a 525 hp LS3 and 4L70 transmission. That combo went with a new FAST TRACK IFS/IRS chassis to give the final product a “refined, original style build.”

The car was finished in time for SEMA Show 2014. Attendants of the show were blown away by the build, replete with all kinds of new technology, from the custom button-controlled center console to the Extreme+ 14-inch disc brakes on all fours from Baer Brakes. Roadster Shop didn’t just build it for show, however.

All that power and prowess was just begging to be driven to the max, and MaliciouSS gets its fair share of “testing” done in this way. Earlier this month, Gerber could be seen at the GoodGuys PPG Nationals in Columbus, where he was cutting around cones in the autocross competition. Needless to say, those Baer brakes were getting a good workout in those tight corners. “I was doing pretty good out there in the SS,” commented Gerber. “I’d say it was running around the 30-second mark for each of the runs I put it through.”

The Roadster Shop always has incredible cars going in and out of its doors. Find out more about then online via its website. And to see what all Baer Brakes is cooking up, follow the company on Facebook.Images courtesy of The Roadster Shop