Just as sure as summer comes and the sun shines, Powell River car owners go cruising in numerous types of antique, vintage and restored vehicles. Bill Kerns owns a modified muscle car that was nicknamed “Super Hugger” when it was produced between 1970 and 1981; the Camaro Z28 is all power.
What have you done to modify the car?
The original chassis was a 1979 Camaro Z28 that came with a small-block 350 engine, but it has had a big block put in it, a 468 cubic inch. The engine itself is pushing the low-600 horsepower; it’s all set up for a quarter mile. The street ability is questionable sometimes because with that engine it makes it hard to drive, especially at speed limits.
What do you have to know about driving a car with so much power?
You have to be responsible with these cars because you’re always tempted to open them up, but being on the street you have to be very careful.
What is the car’s history?
The car was originally purpose-built by a speed shop in Calgary. They sent it to auction and two friends ended up buying it out in the Kootenays. They had a dispute over it and each of them took parts and went their separate ways. One took the engine, the other took the wheels. The car ended up behind a barn for about 10 years.
What shape was it in when you bought it?
Not too bad. It was a bit of a basket case and took a lot to get it to this point; it was just rough around the edges. I’ve had it for about four years and have about 1,000 hours and tens of thousands of dollars in it.
Why didn’t you restore it?
This car was already modified past the point of restoration. When I originally found the car, I found it for a deal and I was mainly interested in just pulling the engine out and putting another engine in, cleaning the car up and selling it to somebody who wanted it. I’ve always had nice cars and I raced circle track for about 15 years, so I have a background in racing. I drive it to relax. The main thing is I like working on cars; it’s part of my passion.
