For those enthusiasts that grew up in the ‘60s, this Chevy hot rod might transport them to the fun of the old high school days – at least that was the intention of the builder.
This 1956 Chevy hot rod was built by Dennis McCarthy. If the name looks familiar, it’s because McCarthy was responsible for building many of the cars featured in the Fast & Furious franchise. Although the movie series is best known for imports, McCarthy got his start in hot rods working at a local speed shop in high school, and he keeps the passion alive with vehicles like this for his own personal amusement.
Indeed, McCarthy builds a lot of cars, but this 1956 Chevy is one of his latest projects. The Chevy started as a fun side build, but, as it goes, one thing led to another, and now it’s a whole other animal. The donor car was actually a background vehicle in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. After the shoot was done, the Chevy was then rebuilt as a period-correct ‘60s-era hot rod.
Under the hood is a small block V8, featuring all the usual tricks, such as port work, 11:1 compression, a solid cam, and a few other bits and pieces. Up top is a modern Holley carburetor that was redone to make it look the part of an old school racer. Estimated output is around 400 to 450 horsepower.
“I do somewhat regret not putting a 427 or something along those lines [in it],” McCarthy says. “Maybe I’ll enjoy it for six months or a year then we’ll do phase two and put 600 horsepower in it.”
Sending output rearwards is a Muncie four-speed manual transmission, connecting to a 9-inch rear end. A disc brake conversion throws the anchor.
For McCarthy, this 1956 Chevy hot rod takes him back to his high school days, and a lot of that is the look, which combines street and strip in perfect balance. The car also rocks the original green interior.
All in all, this Chevy hot rod looks like it’s a lot of fun. Check out the full build by hitting play below:
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Comments
Nice Job. A real car with a mouse motor. Great job.
“56 Chevy 2door sedans, have been my ALL TIME favorite car, since I was 7 years old. That was 1956! Only thing that would make this car better, would be a Big Block, and paint it Black. Just Love these cars!
Brings back mems of going with Dad to Houston International Dragway back in the 60s and watching Hands in his white 56. Dad raced a ’56 Poncho with a Foyt-built 389.
Nicely done, best color you could put on a ’56 210. Can’t remember the last time I saw 90/10 shocks-cool. Solid lifters, manual gearbox/steering/brakes, original style upholstery and old gages! All done old school as it should be. Nearly perfect-the only two things I’d change if it were my car-add seat belts and I think the slicks are too wide.
I went to highschool in Santa Paula California in 1962 and a guy in my class (Tommy Hale) had the twin to this car Cept for the Halibrand mags. Dennis knocked it out of the park on this one. Makes me wanna get out to my garage and get after my 55 Chevy. Good job Denny!!🔧⚒🖌
Everyone has their own preference of how to build a tri-five. Mine would be like this but with a 409 and fender well exit headers.
I also grew up in Santa paula. My cousin had the same Belair in1967@1968 WHAT A COOL CAR.