There’s absolutely nothing unusual about a Chevy Chevelle built for pro touring, as long as you’re talking about a second generation model, built from 1967 to 1972. In 1973, the Chevelle grew noticeably in length, width and weight, while at the same time new emission standards emasculated its once-potent V-8.

A few years earlier, buying a Chevelle with the 454 cubic-inch V-8 would have gotten you a conservatively-rated 360 horsepower. In 1973, the 454 cubic-inch V-8 was still an option, but stringent emission regulations reduced its output to a mere 245 horsepower.

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, few would argue that the 1973 Chevelle looked anywhere near as good as the 1972 (and earlier) models. One fan who could present a very valid argument for the 1973 Chevelle, however, is Sean Rich.

Rich has owned his 1973 Chevelle since 1998, when paper-route earnings allowed him to pony up the $1,400 price of admission. Since then, the car’s been through several different styling visions, thanks to Rich’s body shop background and his training as an industrial designer.

Rich describes his car as “what I’d build if I were going to rob a bank,” undoubtedly in reference to its dark paint, dark wheels and heavy-duty construction. We’d have to disagree with him on that point, since his stunning 73 Chevelle pro-tourer would blend into the background as well as Nancy Pelosi at a Mitt Romney rally.

Under the hood lurks a mildly-built 350 cubic-inch V-8, which Rich estimates is good for around 400 horsepower. As Big Muscle host Mike Musto points out, that’s enough to have fun, without being so much that you risk a jail term every time you get behind the wheel.

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a third-generation Chevelle, and we seriously doubt we’ve ever seen one this clean. Rich’s Chevelle may not be what you’d expect to see on the pro touring scene, but that only makes the car more exceptional in our eyes.