Frame Off Built Chevy Resto Mod 572 Big Block V8 Tremec 6-speed A/C PS Wilwood

Over the past few years, many of the world's best tri-fives have graced the RK Motors Charlotte showroom. According to sales, '55-'57 resto-mods are often considered our best offerings. And it's certainly easy to see why when cars like this slick Chevy 150, which combines 572 cubic inches of brutal big block with a carefully planned restoration, are casting glares in our photo booth. It's pretty evident that the goal of this Chevy's build was to create one of the coolest cruisers on the planet. And, judging by initial reactions, that objective has been fully realized. Looking for a sizzling custom that mixes killer mechanicals with great aesthetics? You're looking at your next classic!

PORSCHE AND CORVETTE

The essential part of building a jaw dropping classic is knowing exactly when to hold back. And, with icons like Chevy's 150, 210 and Bel Air, even the most subtle touches go a long way. A solid original that was found in Raleigh, North Carolina roughly ten years ago, this sedan is the beneficiary of a ground-up, nut-and-bolt restoration that was completed to very high standards. That clean reboot was bathed in glossy Porsche Polar Silver two-stage, which is highlighted by racy Chevy Carbon Flash Metallic two-stage. And naturally, that rich pigment reflects a spectacular shine that'll equal any first-rate classic at any local show.

As a collector car enthusiast, you really can't go wrong with any 1950s Chevrolet. But for many folks, the division's '57 model essentially perfected the art. At the front of this five-seven, a monochromatic grille hangs a bright Chevrolet crest and polished parking lamps between stainless-trimmed headlights and a broad bumper. At the top of that grille, a domed hood centers polished Speer Bullet Spoons in front of tinted glass that's draped in polished frames. At the base of those frames, polished wipers, a factory driver's mirror and traditional door handles complement flashy Speed Spears and elegant “Chevrolet” fender scripts. And at the back of the car, a second broad bumper traces factory taillights and a second colorful crest.

BAD TO THE BONE

Gaze in to the car's clean engine bay and you'll find 572 cubic inches of rowdy GM Performance Parts big block that twists stout 9.6 to 1 compression into 620 horsepower and a massive 650 lb./ft. of torque! At the top of that monster mill, a big Holley carburetor syphons wind from a custom cold air intake system that's built with polished tubes, remote filter elements and a polished Spectre Ultra Low Plenum. Stainless lines rush high-octane fuel through a liquid-filled Aeromotive pressure gauge to flood a GM Performance Parts single-plane intake. That intake juices aluminum, rectangular-port cylinder heads, which plant stainless valves, dual springs and aluminum roller rockers under flashy Chevrolet valve covers and a polished Mr. Gasket breather. At the back of those heads, a GM HEI distributor sequences spark through loomed GM Performance Parts plug wires. Those wires fire a forged rotating assembly, which plants a 4340 crank beneath shot peened 4340 H-beams and lightweight aluminum pistons. Between those pistons, an aggressive roller cam feeds stainless shorty headers. At the front of those tubes, a polished serpentine drive spins a Stewart water pump behind a coated AC compressor, modern power steering and a chrome-trimmed alternator. And in front of those ancillaries, a beefy cross-flow radiator makes excellent use of two SPAL puller fans.

CUSTOM TO THE CORE

Fabricated by Hardcore Chassis of Chatsworth, Georgia, this striking 150's sturdy skeleton provides a comfortable, durable ride that's spiced by improved handling. That improved handling is no doubt a product of a much-improved suspension, which seats quality coil-over-shocks inside a tubular front-clip and a triangulated rear-clip. Behind the Chevy Orange big block, a proven Tremec 6-speed, wrapped in a steel scattershield, funnels torque through a stout Ford 9-inch that's finished with massive 4.30 gears. Power rack-and-pinion steering makes quick work of tight spots and sharp turns. A familiar Wilwood master cylinder charges trusty Wilwood calipers, which squeeze a quartet of drilled and slotted rotors. At the center of the car's Satin Black floors, spent gases float from the aforementioned headers into polished, Mandrel-bent pipes, which bark through polished mufflers. All that mechanical goodness rolls on Polar Silver steelies, which spin 235/60R16 Champiro GT Radials around timeless tri-five center caps. And everything, from the car's custom fuel tank and intricate driveshaft hoop to its braided fluid lines and deep-sump oil pan, unites to create one sharp and dependable cruiser.

OLD SCHOOL COOL

Featuring a stunning array of black and gray accents, this Chevy's carefully restored interior is both clean and impressive. At the center of the cockpit, firm bench seats wear a retro amalgamation of vinyl and cloth. In front of those seats, a two-tone dash hangs Dakota Digital VHX telemetry between a discreet Sunpro oil gauge, integrated Vintage Air climate control and a massive AutoMeter Sport-Comp tach. On the doors, two-tone panels found correct handles and small armrests under glossy, color-keyed frames. At the floor, fresh carpet floats fade-free mats around an American Powertrain shifter. And the driver navigates a stylish, chrome-trimmed steering wheel around a modern, tilting column.

With a detailed restoration that would easily take six figures to duplicate, this 150 rolls on the right side of impressive. It's a highly desirable tri-five that's been carefully fitted with all the right stuff to be one seriously cool cruiser. If you're dreaming of the perfect blend of choice '50s style and brutal big block performance, you've found your next classic!

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HIGHLIGHTS

* Epic Chevy 150 resto-mod that's the product of a ground-up, nut-and-bolt restoration
* 572 cubic inch GM Performance Parts V8 with custom cold air induction
* 620 horsepower and 660 lb./ft. of torque
* Tremec 6-speed manual transmission
* Ford 9-inch rear axle with 4.30 gears
* Modern air conditioning
* Power rack-and-pinion steering
* Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes
* Custom chassis by Hardcore Chassis
* Independent front suspension with coil-over-shocks
* Triangulated rear suspension with coil-over-shocks
* Traditional vinyl and fabric interior with upgraded telemetry
* Porsche Polar Silver and Chevrolet Carbon Flash Metallic paint
* 16-inch Porsche Polar Silver wheels
* Polished, true-dual exhaust with stainless headers and polished mufflers
* Build photos
* Build receipts
* All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
* We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world