The 1938 Chevrolet Custom 450 HP V-8 arrives at Glendale 2026 as a fully reworked steel-bodied build. Finished in Salsa Red, this prewar Chevrolet combines classic lines with a modern powertrain and chassis.
All-Steel Body With Intensive Refinish
Hotrod Alley of Peoria, Arizona led the build, focusing on precision and structural integrity. The all-steel body was stripped to bare metal before receiving a two-stage Salsa Red repaint.
Lucky Luciano Custom Paint handled the finish in Phoenix, Arizona. Hundreds of labor hours shaped the panels, while the hood was converted from a two-piece to a seamless one-piece design.
Exterior Details And Craftsmanship
A factory reproduction polished aluminum grille anchors the front fascia with period character. Billet accents and staggered American Racing five-spoke wheels sharpen the stance.
Continental Extreme Contact tires wrap the wheels, improving grip and road feel. New gaskets and seals were installed throughout to ensure tight assembly.
Modernized Cabin With Classic References
Inside, the factory dashboard remains but now houses Dakota Digital gauges. The layout respects the original design while introducing contemporary readability.
Bucket seats and a custom console redefine the cabin’s comfort. A leather-wrapped banjo steering wheel and Ididit column complete the tailored interior.
Additionally, Vintage Air brings climate control to this prewar platform. Stainless braided fuel lines and a relocated stainless tank enhance reliability and safety.
Chassis And Suspension Upgrades
Underneath, the car features new tubular control arms and a Heidts suspension system. An independent rear suspension replaces traditional setups for improved ride balance.
Power rack and pinion steering sharpens response at speed. Meanwhile, Wilwood four-wheel power disc brakes provide confident stopping performance.
450 HP V-8 And Overdrive Performance
Power comes from a new 450 HP V-8 paired with an automatic transmission with overdrive. This combination delivers strong acceleration and relaxed highway cruising.
A new radiator with dual electric fans manages cooling efficiently. Furthermore, a 304 stainless steel exhaust system channels output with durability and tone.
A steel driveshaft with color-coordinated paint connects power to the rear. As a result, the drivetrain blends show-quality presentation with real-world function.
Glendale 2026 Market Spotlight
Scheduled to cross the block on Friday, March 20th, this Chevrolet enters the Glendale 2026 auction. Its detailed build sheet reflects a comprehensive mechanical overhaul.
In summary, the 1938 Chevrolet Custom 450 HP V-8 merges steel-bodied heritage with modern engineering. It stands as a carefully executed custom rather than a lightly modified classic.
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Source: mecum.com
