It seems strange to think that any kind of Chevrolet would be rare, but when you go to the next rod and custom show, count the number of ‘30s Fords versus ‘30s Chevrolets. Chances are, you’ll see about ten 1934 Ford 3-window coupes for every Chevy equivalent, making this handsome 1935 Chevy coupe stand out by virtue of being unusual. It’s an Outlaw body and chassis, but the shape is pure 1930s magic and given that virtually every component on the car is brand new and the result of modern manufacturing, it’s as close to a new old car as you’re going to get. Professionally built and full of comfort and convenience features, it’s a turn-key rod that demands zero compromises.

As a modern fiberglass reproduction, this car has none of the faults and foibles of an ancient steel car and they were able to do a few things right, including the sleek chopped top and shaved body sides. Other details that look great include the body moldings that run from nose to tail, a smooth-fitting windshield, and a notable lack of seams, all possible through the magic of modern technology. Finish quality is extremely good, with doors that fit well, a steel hood that tilts open, and numerous little details that make it unique. Check out the tiny turn signal lamps mounted in the front fenders, the cool body-colored side mirrors, and the recessed license plate frame in back with taillights just below. Then there are the 1935 Chevrolet styling cues that give it its character, including the painted radiator shell, skirted fenders, and the arched rear window that makes it stand out from the Ford competition at any angle. The two-stage urethane paint is professionally done with a high-quality cut and buff that makes it sparkle in the sunlight. The dark turquoise color is a challenge for digital cameras to photograph, so please note that the photos aren’t QUITE exact, but they are as close as we could get, and in my opinion, it looks even better in person than online. At any rate, workmanship is quite good and the car really stands out, and without any garish graphics or colors, it’ll look great for years to come without seeming dated.

The gray leather interior is as luxurious and functional as your daily driver. Custom low-back buckets are supportive and handsome, and even with the chopped top it’s easy for taller guys to get comfortable inside this rod. You will note that even the floors are finished in gray leather with matching carpeted floor mats installed over top. Sculpted door panels look right for the ‘30s shape and match the rigid headliner overhead and the package shelf behind the seats. Dakota digital gauges are mounted in the flat-panel dashboard, along with a pair of eyeball vents for the A/C system, which blows ice cold. Other features include a tilt column, power windows and remote door locks, and a powerful Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo system that sounds great in the well-insulated coupe. Everything works properly and you’ll find that it’s easy to get comfortable behind the wheel without a lot of familiarization, the mark of careful engineering. Hit the button and the trunk lid powers open automatically, revealing a fully-finished trunk area that’s spacious enough for a few overnight bags.

For power, few engines work better in a rod than the venerable Chevy L98 350 cubic inch V8. Famous for making the Corvette fast and the Camaro more than a match for the Mustang, it’s torquey and responsive, and perhaps more importantly, virtually indestructible. Thanks to the miracle of modern fuel injection, it starts instantly and idles properly without fussiness, and pulls down the road with the authority of a late-model muscle car. It isn’t radical, but few rods are ever driven at their limits anyway, and you’ll undoubtedly find that driving this one cross-country at supra-legal speeds is effortless and comfortable. The engine has been dressed for show with polished aluminum valve covers, a custom polished plenum, and intake runners painted to match the bodywork. Most of the ancillary components have been chromed, and thanks to years of development in hot rodding applications, service access is decent. For reliability, there’s a serpentine belt setup driving the accessories and a giant electric fan for the custom aluminum radiator, so it runs properly under all conditions.

While a lot of rods make due with an ancient-tech 3-speed automatic, this one uses a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive, so loafing along at 80 MPH is easy and it keeps the interior nice and quiet. Fuel economy is decent as well, which only makes it easier to enjoy your time on the road. You’ll note that the underside of the car is finished to the same standards as the rest, with painted frame rails and floors, polished stainless and chrome suspension components, and a set of powerful Wilwood disc brakes at all four corners. The front suspension is a Mustang II setup with power rack-and-pinion steering, while the 9-inch rear uses a 4-link with coil-overs and 3.50 gears inside. The exhaust system is 100% stainless and has been polished for show, along with a sizable custom-built gas tank out back, so it’s built to cruise. Staggered Billet Specialties wheels wear 205/40/17 front and 225/45/18 rear Toyo radials with less than 100 miles on them.

Professionally built and ready to enjoy, this fully-sorted rod delivers on all the promises its looks make. It’s fast, comfortable, and stands out in a crowd, which are all the things you hoped your next rod would be. Add in the smart upgrades like an overdrive transmission, A/C, and 4-wheel disc brakes, and it’s a state-of-the-art machine that’s both affordable and a pleasure to drive. Why settle for less?