Two decades ago, the nastiest cars on the road were Pro-Street machines that combined drag-racing hardware with street-legal drivability. They were insanely fast, but like so many fads, it kind of went out of style as tastes and technology changed. Today, the emphasis is on a total package, a car that can not only accelerate like a bullet, but can handle and stop as well. As a result, Pro-Street cars have evolved into machines like this incredible 1957 Chevy, which definitely packs the hardware to pin your ears back, but provides a well-rounded package that can be driven anywhere with comfort and confidence. In that regard, it might even be regarded as a bit Pro-Touring, because it was definitely built to drive.

This project started with an ultra-clean 1957 Chevrolet 150 2-door sedan shell. That’s right, with little more than the body (and a rather unusual base 150 model, too), it was rebuilt from the ground up to create the amazing black hammer it is today. The steel was obviously totally rust-free, and every single part that went into the build was either new or an equally nice west coast component. After all, you can’t cut corners when your intention is to paint it jet black, and by that I mean every…square…inch. Not only is the laser-straight body draped in PPG paint, but all the Chevy’s famous trim has been blacked-out as well to give it a sinister look that’s almost as threatening as the blown small block sticking out of the hood. The 150 was chosen simply because it’s NOT a Bel Air and the simple quarter panel trim better suits its street fighter nature. And aside from the modified hood, it’s all original GM sheetmetal that’s simply been restored to show condition. Sure, it’s instantly recognizable as a ’57 Chevy—there’s really no way to hide that—but this is the kind of car that makes mothers gather up their young children when it rumbles past and grown men forget what they’re saying to the guy standing next to them.

The all-black theme continues inside with an expertly stitched interior that pays homage to the original. Factory bench seats wrapped in materials that look like the 1957 upholstery choices retain the essence of the great vintage models. Of course, everything is black, including the carpets and custom door panels, along with all the original hardware for a new twist on an old look. Original gauges were rebuilt and stuffed back into the dash, along with a monster tach up high on top and a complete set of auxiliary gauges underneath, neatly installed in a custom panel that also includes an air vent. The skull motif is echoed inside with a custom shifter knob and that wild billet steering wheel atop a polished tilt column, but if that’s not quite your cup of tea, a more conventional leather-wrapped wheel is included with the car. Alpine supplied one of their finest AM/FM/CD head units with an iPod interface, and it sounds great thanks to extensive use of insulation and sound-deadening materials throughout the interior. Like all hot rods, it has a few neat tricks, including the switch on the driver’s side kick panel that opens and closes the electronic exhaust cut-outs (wow, very cool!) and a toggle on the passenger’s side that shuts off the electric fan so you can listen to the stereo while you’re parked at a show.

Built about 4000 miles ago, the rumbling 406 cubic inch small block was grossly over-built for the rigors of supercharging and today cranks out 547 horsepower at the rear wheels. A lot of that muscle comes from the polished Weiand 6-71 blower up top, with fuel supplied by two brand new 500 CFM Edelbrock carbs. MSD supplied the ignition system, and despite its rather radical specifications, it starts quickly, idles happily at 900 RPM, and doesn’t get hot on slow cruises through the fairground. Of course, it was also built to show off, so every aluminum surface was polished to a high shine and most everything else was painted black to match the car. Finned valve covers offer a vintage look that seems most appropriate here, and you can see the attention to detail in things like the custom-bent stainless steel fuel lines feeding both carbs. Ceramic-coated full-length headers dump into a 3-inch stainless steel exhaust system with those aforementioned electronic cutouts, but that’s not even the exhaust’s most interesting feature: check out how neatly it has been integrated into the rear bumper, where it is seamlessly welded to give a truly custom look.

While you’re under there, have a look at the completely rust-free floors that have been painted to match the body. Sure, it’s been driven, but the quality shines through and thanks to a meticulous owner who cleans it after every outing, it’s still in remarkable show-ready condition. The frame is a seamless California piece that hasn’t been modified for the oversized tires, but the wheelwells have been widened to the frame rails to house them. The suspension is from Jim Meyer Racing, featuring QA1 coil-over shocks all around plus tubular front A-arms and rack-and-pinion steering. In back there’s a 4-link rear setup with a Panhard rod for stability. Big sway bars were added at both ends, and despite the 1957 looks, this Chevy moves like a new Camaro and can hustle as easily as any 2-seater. The transmission is a rare M22 “rock crusher” 4-speed feeding a custom Currie 9-inch Ford rear end with 3.25 gears on a Track-Lok limited slip, so you shouldn’t be afraid to lean on the loud pedal—it can take it. There’s also a disc brake at each corner, a stainless steel gas tank, and it goes without saying that every single component under the car is brand new. Polished American Racing Torque Thrusts are a vintage look, now wrapped in modern 225/45/17 front and gigantic 315/35/17 rear Goodyear Eagle performance radials.

There are plenty of stock ’57 Chevys out there, but very few that can run with this big black brute. Beautifully sorted, extremely streetable, and happy to run on pump gas while pulling down 15-20 MPG, it’s an incredible piece that laughs at the word compromise. Looking for your next Power Tour ride or a car that will consistently collect the big trophies at the local cruise-in, this killer Chevy is it. Truly spectacular in every way.