1. The project began with a striking rendering by Eric Brockmeyer that established the car’s overall look and the major body modifications.

BY RON COVELL

he technology behind modern street machines continues to evolve, and this stunning custom-built 1956 Chevrolet, recently completed by ZRodz and Customs of Knox, Indiana, is a showcase of what’s possible at the cutting edge of the craft.

Zach Ingram, founder of ZRodz, has made sustained investments in 3-D scanning and printing, CAD design, CNC machining, and advanced carbon-fiber fabrication. In this first installment, we’ll explore the engine, chassis, drivetrain, and underhood panels of this award-winning build. Future articles will go deeper into the details.

The guiding philosophy from the start was to preserve the classic proportions of the 1956 Chevy, while refining its details for a more elegant presentation. The most dramatic changes were reserved for the engine compartment, the interior, and the undercarriage. Eric Brockmeyer produced a series of renderings early in the process that set the visual direction for the build.

The foundation is an Art Morrison Enterprises chassis, heavily modified for this application. ZRodz fabricated a unique rearend housing incorporating an Eaton 4.10 Truetrac differential, suspended by QA1 adjustable coilovers. The rear axle is located by a custom Panhard bar, bespoke control arms, and an elegantly trussed torque arm that pivots directly below the front driveshaft universal joint.

The engine is a 502ci Chevrolet big-block producing 630 hp, backed by a Bowler T-56 Magnum transmission. The ZRodz team fabricated a 3-inch all-stainless exhaust system that tucks neatly against the chassis rails to preserve ground clearance. Wilwood disc brakes are used on all four corners, along with the master cylinder.

Considerable effort went into the engine compartment. The entire space was 3-D scanned to enable CAD design of a suite of carbon-fiber components: sculpted inner fender panels, a front fascia panel, and a full inner hood panel with an integrated duct that channels cool air from the hood’s leading edge to the induction system. The engine was also relocated rearward from its stock position to improve weight distribution.

The centerlock wheels are a one-off design that gives the car a distinctive, performance-oriented presence. Numerous iterations were explored before the final design was settled.

Billet Specialties and ZRodz worked together on machining these wheels with Billet Specialties supplying the barrels and ZRodz machining the wheel center and components.

They wear a matte gray finish with polished highlights, with subtle graphics etched into the hubs.

The photos reveal a remarkable depth of craft and ingenuity throughout this build.

Next time, we’ll go even further into the details.

3. An Art Morrison chassis was extensively modified to suit this build.

5. An Eaton 4.10 Truetrac differential was paired with QA1 adjustable coilovers.

7. The exhaust runners follow closely along the chassis members for a clean, integrated look.

9. CAD design and computer modeling played a central role throughout the project. The entire engine compartment was 3-D scanned to inform the design of the carbon-fiber underhood panels.

11. The complex inner fender panels feature elegant sculpting, thoughtful venting, and flowing curved surfaces.

13. CAD modeling ensured precise, snug fitment across all panels.

15. Everything fits with precision, while still allowing adequate clearance for routine maintenance.

17. With the hood in place, the superb fit and finish of the inner panels is immediately apparent.

19. A custom badge was CAD-designed and CNC-machined to highlight the engine.

21. With final finishes applied, the engine compartment presents an exceptionally clean and refined appearance.

23. The custom wheels, featuring centerlock hubs, were designed exclusively for this car. They went through numerous revisions before reaching this near-final iteration.

25. ZRodz machined the wheels from billet aluminum: 19×10 up front and 20×12 at the rear.

27. A smooth matte-gray finish across the wheel face is offset by polished accents, creating a striking contrast.

29. A satin finish was applied to all underbody surfaces, while the exhaust system was neatly covered with titanium-colored heat tape.