08/17/2026
It’s way past due for a Wheels that Heal Car Club “feature” car. So here we go.
If you’ve been to many car shows or cruise ins this car might be familiar to you.
First a few facts about the car. Then we’ll get into the story behind the car.
This 1966 Chevy Chevelle is owned by Janice and Mike Chance from Siloam MD. and has been for the last 37 years. Currently equipped with a 540cid big block engine, backed by a Turbo 400 transmission and a 12 bolt rear end with 411 gears, and 275/16 Mickey Thompson’s, doing their best to keep traction when the hammer’s dropped.
But it wasn’t always like that…..
Mike had his eye on this car for ten years as it set in a yard in Bivalve MD. Mike would occasionally stop by and attempt to purchase the car only to be told “no thanks, I’m going to fix it up” each time. Finally in 1990, with the car now full of rust, dogs living in it, and a tree growing out of it, Mike was able to purchase the car. Finally his persistence pays off. Mike offered a whopping $100 for the car but the owner was thinking a bit more and made a counter offer of $200. They settled on $150 (remember it’s 1990 and it wasn’t the car it is now). Fearing the guy would change his mind, Mike called his brother who came with the trailer and off they went. Rusted out, former dog house in tow.
With two small children to raise and money on the tight side, Janice was not impressed and is quoted as saying “you’re never going to turn that thing into a car”.
As soon as he got it home, under an old tent and a tarp as Mike had no garage at the time he tore into it. Out came the old carpet and what was left of the seats. Basically tearing the car down to the bare frame as best he could with this being a “budget” build. He begged, and borrowed what he could and bondoed what he couldn’t. With things looking up and a minimal amount of money spent, even Janice was starting to come around. Mike had his mind set on a big block for it but his wallet said a 327 will have to do for now.
Mike and Janice cruised this car until 1997 when finances were a little better and it was decided it was time for the ole gal to be done the “right” way.
Mike enlisted friend and awesome body guy J.C. Webster. They replaced the floor pans, trunk pan, quarter panels and both front and rear window channels. J.C. laid down the beautiful teal base coat clear coat paint in a two car garage.
On the road again but still without that big block. Along comes 1999. With the kids out of the house, it’s finally big block time. Legend goes that it was Janice’s idea as the car was already badged as a 396 and she was tired of hearing “that’s not a 396” as passerby’s would often say. Here comes the 396, nope 504cid was the choice. That lasted until 2006 when they upgraded to the current 540cid power plant.
This awesome Chevelle is also equipped with a Dakota digital dash and gauges, beautiful black interior and a custom console.
Pictures do not do this car justice. Come out and see Mike and Janice’s Chevelle as they are out at many local events and although not members they are avid supporters of Wheels That Heal Car Club and we are happy to have them as one of our “feature” cars.
