At Petty’s Garage work has commenced building the grand prize for the 2018 MAHLE “Drive with the Original” Technician Promotion –­ a custom, resto-mod 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS. The one-of-a-kind vehicle will be finished and tested in time to be awarded to the winner by MAHLE Aftermarket Inc. at AAPEX, taking place from October 30 to Nov. 1 in Las Vegas.

“Last year’s MAHLE Mustang was a huge hit at AAPEX and we wanted to do something that would surpass even that,” said Jon Douglas, general manager, MAHLE Aftermarket North America. “The MAHLE Camaro RS will be a real showcase for MAHLE Original gaskets, filters and other MAHLE parts. One lucky technician is going to be very happy!”

The “Drive with the Original” promotion runs through Oct. 1. Four finalists will be randomly selected from all entries to receive a trip for two to AAPEX in Las Vegas. The “Original,” Richard Petty, will be present when the finalists each select a key from The King’s signature Charlie One Horse hat –­ one of which will start the grand prize MAHLE Camaro RS from Petty’s Garage.

Petty’s Garage found the rare Camaro with Rally Sport option sitting in a field in Martinsville, Virginia, less than 100 miles from the company’s Level Cross, North Carolina, headquarters. They will replace the original 327-cubic-inch engine with a high-performance LS7 427-cubic-inch motor with all MAHLE components, including MAHLE pistons and rings, MAHLE Original gaskets and filters and Clevite bearings. The engine, expected to put out 625 horsepower, will be mated to a Tremec T5 5-speed transmission and deliver the power to the road through a narrowed rear axle housing with 12-bolt differential.

The chassis will ride on a Ridetech suspension, equipped with Forgeline 20-inch, three-piece forged wheels, shod with Continental ExtremeContact Sport Tires. Wilwood 6-piston front and 4-piston rear disc brakes will provide impressive stopping power.

Finishing off the package, the interior will feature Dakota Digital upgraded digital gauges that fit the original dash, complimented with black leather bucket seats with MAHLE blue stitching with the Petty’s Garage and MAHLE logos embroidered into the seatbacks and headrests.

The exterior of the Petty’s Garage MAHLE Camaro will feature custom bodywork, including flush-mounted windows with removed trim and drip rails; trimmed and fitted front and rear bumpers; and a custom carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler. The package will be finished off with custom BASF R-M Finish MAHLE blue paint with painted white graphics.

In addition to the grand prize, more than 1,000 additional instant prizes will be awarded, including Richard Petty Driving Experiences, autographed Richard Petty signature Charlie One Horse cowboy hats and autographed No. 43 die-cast model cars.

Information on entering the “Drive With The Original” Promotion is available on specially marked MAHLE Original gasket boxes. Complete information about the “Drive with the Original” promotion, including official rules, terms and conditions, can be found at drivewiththeoriginal.com.

For more information about MAHLE Aftermarket and its brands, visit mahle-aftermarket.com or contact a local sales representative.