Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today

Whether they're family-oriented or track-ready, these Chevys make absolutely perfect platforms for light and heavy modifications.

Chevrolet manufactured millions of cars in its 110-year history. Starting with cars typical of the 1910s, Chevy evolved to become the automotive giant it is today. The Detroit carmaker shook up the domestic market when it released the Corvette in 1953. Following the Corvette's huge success, Chevy came up with several other astonishing cars.

RELATED: 10 Classic Chevrolets That Should Be On Every Gearhead's Wishlist

While several Chevy cars will go down as the greatest vehicles the world has ever seen, purists will argue that a rotisserie restoration is the only thing that should be done to those cars. Whether they were family-oriented or track-ready, several Chevys are among the most underrated American cars gearheads would love to take for a spin.

When gearheads think of cars to modify, they do not necessarily think outside the box. The number of restomodded first generation Camaro is the prime example. To some gearheads, being completely different is the name of the game. Cars normally used to drive across America are turned into quarter-mile bullies. The Nomad can be one of them.

The Chevy Nomad is one of those American classics that would make great restomod projects. Offered at best with a 283 cu in V8, the Nomad already has the prerequisites necessary to do an engine swap. When it comes to esthetics, the Nomad truly embodies an aspect of the 1950 car industry that most gearheads tend to forget about. Combined with modern performance parts, the Nomad can become a true beast.

As Chevy became aware of the economic boom the United States was undergoing back in the '50s, the automaker made sure to offer a vehicle for every budget. Unlike today, mid-range Chevy cars from that era were absolutely stunning. The 1950s witnessed some of the most elegant and stylish cars ever made in the United States.

Lodged between the low-end 150 and top-line Bel Air, the 250 was a great compromise for middle-income families. According to Hagerty, it is possible to find a 1956 210 in fair condition for a little over $13,000. Revisiting the 210 by changing the original engine to a 7.0L LS7 V8, adding a performance exhaust system, and replacing several other parts would turn the 210 into a cool restomod.

Most gearheads will remember the eighth-generation Impala as Chevy's version of the Ford Crown Victoria. The Impala was as basic as it got. Wood grain panels, leather, and alcantara seats, and a modern entertainment system were definitely not included in the Impala. Back in the 1960s, the equivalent of the Impala was the Biscayne.

The 1960 Chevrolet Biscayne with the 283 cu in V8 was the entry-level Biscayne V8. Rated at 170 hp 275 lb-ft of torque, the Biscayne was not the most interesting Chevy sold at the time. The fact that the Biscayne received little attention upon its release and its subsequent decades, piston heads looking for a classic Chevy should seriously consider the Biscayne.

Chevy marketed the Bel Air as its top-line two-door coupe back in the '50s. As Chevy's lineup drastically changed at the beginning of the '60s, popular cars from the previous were being slowly replaced by newer nameplates. As time went on, the Bel Air went from being a luxury coupe to becoming a bottom-shelf beater. With that said, Bel Airs released in the early '60s are still worth considering.

Hot Rod-styled second-generation Bel Airs are a dime a dozen. However, not every Bel Air received the same level of attention. Though sought after by today's muscle heads, the fifth generation Bel Air and its bubble top were never that popular. The potential of the 1962 Bel Air became clear when the restomod trend started taking over.

When the Corvette made its debut, Chevy equipped it with a 235 cu in inline-six engine developing 150 hp. Ten years later, Chevy gave the Corvette a much-needed facelift. In 1965, the smaller engine found on the Stingray was a 327 cu in V8 rated at 250 hp. The C2 combined both looks and performance. It is quite understandable why today's gearheads have developed a liking for the C2.

Souped-up Corvettes C2 are often among the coolest restomods gearheads have ever seen. The C2 set the tone for a new generation of muscle cars. In 1965, the entry-level Corvette came with a 327 cu in V8 rated at 250 hp. With the know-how and parts available on the market today, it is possible to turn a C2 into an 800-hp machine.

During the golden age of the American muscle car, Chevy manufactured a fair number of street racers. Although the Nova became a star at the drag strip, it gained a lot more attention at street takeovers. Having earned the reputation of being made to race, cars such as the Nova attract contemporary gearheads with a myriad of wild ideas.

RELATED: 10 Of The Best Classic American Muscle Cars Regular People Can Afford

The 1968 Chevy Nova became a big player in the restomod scene. Thanks to its classic physique and overall potential, the Nova got a second chance at life. The '68 Nova came at best with a 396 cu in V8 rated at 375 hp. These days, Novas all over the nation end up receiving much more potent LS engines. Whether conservatively customized or completely transformed, restomodded Novas are turning heads.

Muscle heads will disagree on when exactly the Malaise Era set in, but most will agree that a lot of the last great muscle cars were made in 1970. Both the Corvette and the Camaro were outstanding that year. However, they were not the only remarkable vehicles in Chevy's lineup. Car fans all over the country know how great the Chevelle was.

The Chevelle SS is among the GM classics that will be worth a fortune in a few years. Already estimated at $123,000 in concours condition by Hagerty, the SS is one of those American muscle cars that will most likely appreciate in value over time. For those wanting to personalize their Chevelle SS, there are plenty of ways of turning a regular Chevelle into something out of this world.

A number of Chevy cars will be remembered as an utter disappointment. Wanting to attract younger thrill-seekers, Chevy offered the Cobalt SS. Unlike anything else, the Cobalt SS was not provided with a potent 427 engine. Moreover, the Cobalt SS looked more like a Japanese compact car than an all-American monster. While most car enthusiasts disregarded the Cobalt SS, others saw its potential.

Customizing was one of the main factors that came into designing the Cobalt SS. Made to counter the JDM invasion, the Cobalt SS came either with a supercharged or turbocharged option. The supercharged 2.0L inline-four still produced 205 hp, but unfortunately, it failed to attract most car fans with a need for speed and a small budget. Consequently, the Cobalt SS is affordable and widely available.

After an eight-year-long hiatus, the Camaro came back in full force. The mistake that was the Catfish Camaro was a thing of the past. This time around, Chevy beautifully designed its legendary pony car. Looking extremely stern with the combination of old and modern features, the fifth generation Camaro proved that the American muscle car was far from being dead.

RELATED: 10 Shops That Build Some Serious Restomods

The Camaro surprised every car enthusiast upon its return in 2010. Unlike the previous generation, the latest Camaro was aggressive. The car begged to be souped up. Professional tuners like Callaway and Hennesey logically offered several performance packages for the Camaro. Following the release of several modified Camaros pumping out over 600 hp, Chevy's pony car was back in the race.

Back in 1994, Chevy brought back the meaty Impala SS as a four-door sedan. Fitted with a 350 cu in LT1 V8, the revisited Impala SS was among the meanest American sedans on the market. Twenty years later, Chevy reiterated the experiment by bringing a design from Australian Holden. The Chevy SS was a beast no one paid attention to.

RELATED: 10 Things We Love About The Chevrolet SS

The Chevrolet SS is essentially a badged-engineered HSV ClubSport. Instead of going for the supercharged LSA found on the more energetic HSV GTS, the SS came stock with a 6.2L LS3 V8 rated at 415 hp. The SS is undeniably a wolf in sheep's clothing. Thanks to a couple of modifications such as a supercharger, the SS can easily chase down Mustang GTs without any effort.

Max Veron is an avid fan of anything equipped with a powerful engine. Spending time between Southeast Asia, Europe and the US, Max is travel bug with a great taste for cars.