1971 Chevrolet Vega

“Potent Rodent”

Owned by: Rick Kiel

Photos by: John Mumaw

Some builds are polished. Some are pretty. And then there are builds like Potent Rodent—raw, loud, and unapologetically aggressive. Owned by Rick Kiel, this 1971 Chevrolet Vega is exactly what happens when a lifelong gearhead finally builds the car he’s been dreaming about since the golden days of street racing.

Featured in the January 2026 issue, Potent Rodent isn’t a nostalgia piece—it’s a full-blown statement.

The Meaning Behind the Madness

The name Potent Rodent is a nod to what lives under the hood. Big Block Chevrolets are commonly known as “Rat Motors,” and this Vega packs one that’s about as potent as they come. The name fits perfectly—small car, massive power, and zero apologies.

Rick’s inspiration goes all the way back to the first time he saw Vegas stuffed with V8s. From that moment on, he knew he wanted one built the way the legends were—street-raced, blown, and intimidating. No trailer queen vibes here. This car was built to look like it would line up against the baddest cars on the block and dare them to try.

The build took three years from start to finish, but Rick’s experience stretches much further. He’s been building vehicles since 1969, with a background that includes mud racers, drag quads, and hardcore off-road machines. That experience shows in every detail of this Vega.

Originally purchased for just $2,300, the car already had small-block power and mini tubs. From there, the transformation went full send.

Big Block Power That Doesn’t Play Games

Under the hood lives a 548ci Big Block Chevrolet, and it’s every bit as wild as you’d expect.

Engine highlights include:

• JE pistons

• Ported Dart 360 heads

• Comp Cams solid roller cam

• Crower rockers

• Moroso oil pan

• BDS 8-71 street blower with drive and intake

• Dual APD 950 CFM carburetors and fuel system

The engine was built by Rips Racing Engines, and it’s designed to deliver brutal power with classic blower presence.

All that power is handled by a bulletproof combination:

• Turbo 400 transmission

• Coan torque converter

• Ford 9-inch rear axle

• 3.79 gears

Driveline work was handled by Ultimate Driveline, ensuring the Vega could survive everything Rick throws at it.

Old-School Chassis, Modern Execution

The chassis setup is pure hot rod with race-car execution. The Vega features:

• Full back-half with 4-link

• 12-point roll cage

• Dropped straight axle front

• 4-link front with coilovers

• 2×3-inch main frame rails

The chassis was built by Hot Rods by Gene and Diamond Race Cars, giving the car its aggressive stance and serious capability.

The stance is dialed with classic drag styling:

• Front: 15×4 Starburst wheels by American Rebel with 24.5×15 tires

• Rear: 15×14 polished Centerline Auto Drags wrapped in massive 31×16.50-15 tires

It sits exactly how a blown Vega should—nose up, rear planted, and ready.

Candy Paint and Rat Fink Attitude

Visually, Potent Rodent is just as loud as it is mechanically. The car wears House of Kolor urethane in Candy Apple Red with silver metal flake, topped off with cobalt blue fading to purple flames and custom Rat Fink graphics.

Paint and graphics credits:

• Candy red paint by Rick Kiel

• Custom artwork by Mike Contreras

• Clear coat and final finish by Mark Dunn at Precision Collision

The result is pure old-school street machine energy with show-quality execution.

Body Mods With Purpose

The Vega body has been heavily reworked to match its performance:

• Front wheel wells moved 6 inches forward and 3 inches up

• Radiused exhaust outlets for zoomies

• Custom fuel tank fill

• Cut-down fiberglass snorkel hood

• Harwood molded fiberglass rear wheel wells

• Hatchback conversion with mar-resistant polycarbonate window

• Filled side marker lights

Every modification was done with function and attitude in mind.

Upholstery is finished in black Naugahyde with black and silver metal flake Zodiac inserts, handled by Joe at Buckskinz Interiors.

Rick credits a long list of talented builders and friends for bringing Potent Rodent to life, including Eugene Bochenek, Cruising Customs, Precision Collision, Ultimate Driveline, Diamond Race Cars, and many others. It’s also backed by his involvement in the West Michigan Street Rod Association, Relix, and Sidewinders 4WD.

Potent Rodent is everything a hot rod should be—loud, fast-looking, and built without compromise. It doesn’t chase trends or filters. It represents decades of experience, a lifelong love of street machines, and the kind of build you don’t forget once you’ve seen it.

Small car. Big block. Massive attitude.