Bobby Price is an avid classic car collector and owner of Price’s Collision Centers, a chain of high-quality auto body and frame repair shops throughout Tennessee and Kentucky. In the following Q&A we caught up with him to learn more about one of his favorite models, the 1970 classic Chevelle Super Sport.
Interviewing Experts: Thank you, Mr. Price, for talking with us today.
Bobby Price: My pleasure.
Interviewing Experts: We’ve brought you here to talk about famous movie cars. Specifically, we’ve been hearing a lot about the car Tom Cruise drives in Jack Preacher.
Bobby Price: That would be a 1970 Chevelle SS – red with black stripes down the hood.
Interviewing Experts: Yes, that one!
Bobby Price: That’s not the first movie that car’s ever been in, although it is one of the most recent.
Interviewing Experts: What can you tell us about it?
Bobby Price: The Chevelle SS is a real symbol of American muscle. The SS 396 came stock with a 350 hp engine and “power dome” hood.
Interviewing Experts: As cool as they look, are they comfortable?
Bobby Price: Well, the 70 SS was offered with power windows and door locks…and air conditioning!
Interviewing Experts: How do you know so much about this particular model?
Bobby Price: I actually have two of these cars, a 1970 and a 1971. The 70 model was purchased in Florida at a private auction. It’s one of my favorites.
Interviewing Experts: Do you drive it or is it just for show?
Bobby Price: Both!
Interviewing Experts: Really? Interesting.
Bobby Price: This is the car I use when I want to talk about preserving American history. Kids these days are intrigued by the powerful look of the cars we drove when I was a teenager.
Interviewing Experts: Where do you show?
Bobby Price: All over, but the biggest event is the Chevy/Vettefest in Chicago.
Interviewing Experts: Tell us more…
Bobby Price: The event takes place twice a year and draws a crowd of around 40,000. People bring in Chevys from all over the country to vie for one of the coveted Gold Spinner Awards.
Interviewing Experts: What’s the Gold Spinner?
Bobby Price: Judges rate the cars on how true their restoration is to original factory condition. A composite score of 95% or above gets major recognition.
Interviewing Experts: Is that difficult to achieve?
Bobby Price: You bet! There is a lot that goes on in these vehicles… paint and body, engine work, interior… the list goes on and on.
Interviewing Experts: Well, I have to know if you’ve ever won an award…
Bobby Price: I’m very proud to say that my 70 SS has won a Gold Spinner Certificate twice.
Interviewing Experts: What’s the most important purpose of these events, in your opinion?
Bobby Price: To promote restoration and enjoyment of these classic cars.
Interviewing Experts: Can you tell us a little about the history of the Chevelle SS?
Bobby Price: The SS, or Super Sport, was first unveiled by Chevy in 1964. It was one of the company’s most popular brands.
Interviewing Experts: Was the Chevelle the first muscle car from Chevy?
Bobby Price: It was the first “battle ready” set of wheels. It was released to compete with the popular Ford Fairlane. Chevy had previously had the Malibu SS but a bolder consumer population wanted more…more speed and more muscle.
Interviewing Experts: It sounds like the Chevelles are still a popular car among collectors?
Bobby Price: I think they always will be.
Q: I’m sure. Thank you for answering our questions today. It was great to visit and we look forward to reading more about your collection in the future.
Bobby Price: Anytime!
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