CanadaNew ’57 Chevy blends iconic jet-age styling with Stroud’s latest suspension and a brutally powerful 800 horsepower big block to create an American hot rod that can rival the best sports cars from Germany and Italy.
The SEMA Show is the largest trade show in the world and showcases thousands of incredible sports cars, customs, and off-road vehicles from across the globe. Amongst all of the Porches, Ferraris, and BMWs, Southern California-based custom car builder Bodie Stroud will debut an iconic American dream car that has been completely re-engineered to do battle in the canyons with the best from Europe. The Bodie Stroud Industries (BSI) “GMonster” 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will be on display at the MagnaFlow booth #61369 outside in the Silver Lot, next to the Ford Racing booth and Ford Out Front exhibition. This particular Bel Air came to Bodie through a close friend who had always wanted a ’57 Chevy. He allowed Bodie to design and build the car however he liked, but was adamant about two things: the engine and the color scheme. The engine had to be a big block and the colors, chosen by his wife, had to be blue and silver. The goal of the build was to create a car that can be driven daily and has modern conveniences like air conditioning and power steering with the ability to cruise from the freeway, while sprinting 0-60 in under four seconds.
“It was fun working on this car because my friend let me design and build this car however I liked,” Bodie said. “It gave me the opportunity to be creative as well as use my R&D and engineering skills on the Bodie Stroud Industries suspension kit. I’m really happy and proud of how the car turned out and I can’t wait for people to see it at SEMA.”
While this Bel Air may look and feel like a classic hot rod, it has many modern touches hidden throughout. The car rides on a customized factory chassis updated with Bodie Stroud Industries’ all-new Tri-Five suspension package. This new kit includes BSI’s tubular control arms with patented EZ-Aline technology for fast and accurate alignment adjustments in front, and a BSI EZ-Aline four-link suspension system installed in back. Grip comes by way of 275/35/19 BFGoodrich G-Force Sport tires up font and 29x15R20 Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R in the rear. Six piston Wilwood disc brakes on all four corners bring this revitalized classic to a stop.
Instead of following the trend of installing an LS motor, Bodie followed his friend’s wish for an old-school powerplant and installed a traditional 509 Chevy Big Block engine built by QMP Racing that produces 800 horsepower. A Kinsler Dragon Claw fuel injection system was then installed to give the motor an old-school look while adding all the capabilities of EFI. Power from the massive big block is harnessed by a GM 4L80E overdrive transmission, while a Strange Engineering Ford nine-inch rear end works to put the power to the ground. Custom stainless steel headers by BSI and a MagnaFlow exhaust system give it a fearsome roar.
The interior is modern, stylish and simple with custom made and wrapped seats, gauges by Dakota Digital, a Kenwood in car entertainment system and Powerbass speakers. Modern styled Classic Industries, Inc. trim and accessories including the window cranks, door handles and pedals give the interior a fresh look. The steering wheel and steering column, made by Flaming River, are contemporary updates that make the Bel Air easy to navigate. The exterior is finished in a Matrix System Automotive Finishes custom color that is matched to a nail polish called “Blue My Mind,” per the customer’s wife’s instructions.
Bodie Stroud’s 1957 Bel Air will be on display from November 4-7, 2014 at the 2014 SEMA Show in front of MagnaFlow’s trailer in booth #61369 in the Silver Lot. After the show, it will also be on display at the SEMA Ignited Show on November 7th from 4pm-10pm at the LINQ. For more information on Bodie Stroud Industries, go to www.bodiestroud.com and follow BSI on Facebook.
