Any serious car collector will have home-grown American steel in his garage, and the 1972 Chevelle would be an excellent place to start. By far one of the best looking in the Chevelle generations, it’s a true head turner with its big hood and menacing grille. But don’t you dare take it for a drive without going whole hog — your gear needs to complement the Chevelle’s bad self without sacrificing a strong sense of red, white and blue style. We threw on some Springsteen and came up with a kit for layin’ down rubber in Everytown, U.S.A.
Schott NYC Vintaged Wool Blend Varsity Jacket
Any guy with a ’72 Chevelle in high school was envied, whether or not he had the athletic chops to be on a varsity team. Maybe you weren’t that guy, either, but you have the chance to cruise the boulevard in Schott’s leather and wool jacket that’s got high-end varsity style written all over it. Schott’s own varsity patches ensure that you’re not still stuck with dreams of your own high-school’s glory days.
Converse All Star Chuck ’70
There’s no shoe more American than Chucks, and if you’re driving Americana, you should be wearing it, too. These black high-tops from the Premium Line prove that you’ve got a foot in the past and a mind for the quality of a modern shoe. Chucks are comfortable, flat-soled for great pedal feel when you mash it to the floor and that iconic look that’s a bit on the sporty side and slightly on the end of “don’t mess”.
William J. Mills & Co. Classic Duck Duffel
Though they’re nautical in origin, these duffels look the perfect sporty part with classic gym bag contrasting colors. Each hand made bag is crafted from #8 cotton duck canvas and is water resistant, coupled with marine-grade zippers. Toss in your stash like you’re headed nowhere fast and get there like a bat out of hell.
Ebbets Field Wool Baseball Cap
No man, particularly a Chevelle driver, is complete without a proper baseball cap. Ebbets Field makes some of the best, using only high grade baseball wool and memorializing some of the oldest baseball teams in America.
Pendleton Woolen Mills Thomas Kay Weavers Plaid Throw
Don’t be one of those fools to drive with the window down on a chilly evening and allow your honey to freeze just so you can be cool. Keep a Pendleton blanket at the ready, and you’ll be set for a picnic in the park or an evening under the stars after drag racing in the crisp autumn night and blowing the doors off unsuspecting fools.
Thermos Stainless King 40-ounce Beverage Bottle
Driving hard and fast makes a guy thirsty, and you’ve got to get to work somewhere in there, too. Thermos isn’t just practical by keeping your joe hot and your root beer cold while you lay down rubber, it’s the iconic American beverage bottle that can take a beating and look good all the while.
Ray Ban Wayfarer Folding
The Wayfarer is an icon, just like your car. But if you just acquired your American hot rod collector car, you’ll want some updated shades, too. This is where the folding version makes you look a bit more hip than 1972. Sure, the green lenses and black acetate frames are the same as always, the fact that you can fold them into your shirt pocket changes the game into the 21st century.
Louisville Sluggger
Another American icon, the Slugger fits perfectly in your Chevelle’s back set in case someone tries to get their mitts on your steed (or, you know, for your slow-pitch softball league). Made with ash, it’s durable and as tough as nails. It’s also consistent with your Chevelle’s attitude: brash, American and ready to tussle.
Levi’s Original Fit 501 Jeans
You can’t exactly wear skinny selvage denim while driving American muscle, can you? The right look calls for classic Levi’s 501s that aren’t too baggy or too ass-hugging and just right for driving that slick silhouette of a car. No one will ask you what you’re wearing and they shouldn’t have to. All the right questions will be about the big hunk of steel you just parked at the diner.
Schlitz
For after you’ve parked the Chevelle for the night, of course. It ain’t sexy and you don’t need to pour it in a glass. Schlitz has been around since the dawn of time and it goes down cold and easy and doesn’t claim to be “craft” in any way, shape or form. A Milwaukee adult beverage icon, Schlitz has about as much pretense as a classic American automobile.
