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!