The 1957 Chevrolet Custom ‘Imagine’ Hardtop is a one-of-a-kind classic that took more than 2 million dollars and 10 years to build. The winner of multiple awards including a SEMA Best in Show and 2018 Detroit Autorama Ridler Award, this car was custom-built almost completely by hand — with the small exception of its tires and dipstick.
While the exterior styling is the first thing to catch your eye, what’s under the hood will really get your blood racing. You’ll find an 8.44-liter V8 Nelson Racing Chevy engine that’s been outfitted with dual turbochargers. It’s paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. The horsepower thrumming under the hood clocks in at over 1,000 as is. Fill the gas tank with racing fuel and the output could jump as high as 1,800 hp.
Though the interior is inspired by that of the original 1957 Chevy, it’s all custom-made including the hand-built red-leather bucket seats, custom Evod steering wheel, and hand-made floor console.