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Video: This Could Be The Coolest 1957 Chevy Pickup In America – Simplicity Rules


Video: This Could Be The Coolest 1957 Chevy Pickup In America – Simplicity Rules

The guys at Holley titled this video, “No Modern Amenities” taking a line that owner/builder Kelly Hawthorn uses while describing the truck. We’re freaking ga-ga over this truck. Why? Because it is so simple and so lacking in elements that people seem to be glomming onto these days that it stands apart. It sounds awesome, has a pissed off sounding 327 backed by a Muncie four speed and doesn’t fall into any particular “bucket” of car/truck types. This could be the crowning glory of the thing. How do you classify it? It isn’t pro street, it isn’t pro touring, it isn’t a rat rod, it isn’t really a traditional rod, it is just pro freaking awesome. As you all know by now, I love old trucks and specifically old trucks that keep their old truck-ness. This one does that. Kelly has not added air conditioning, a banging stereo, a fancy pants seat, or anything to detract from the driving experience of being in a 1957 model year truck. He is truly a man after my own heart.

The paint color was another great choice by Hawthron, going with a late 1970s Porsche color instead of a modern metallic hue. The creamy nature of the blue looks like it belongs more on an old truck than on a Porsche. The seat is a bench grabbed from a Ford Ranger and modified by chopping down the back so it looks factory. The wheels are just simple steel wheels that Kelly sanded, primered, and painted. The black adds great contrast against the blue, which is exactly what he was trying to do with them.

The little small block sounds great stumbling and rumbling all over itself at idle and we can only imagine how good it sounds wound up to 6-7,000 RPM between gear changes. Oh, that reminds me about the shifter which Kelly made from a piece of flat stock. It looks like it could be used as a scythe in the event he has a field to hay later in the summer. Bad ass looking handle! We’re wondering what you have to say about this truck? You know what we’re thinking now….what say you?

PRESS PLAY BELOW TO SEE “NO MODERN AMENITIES”  A PROFILE OF A PERFECTLY SIMPLE AND SIMPLY PERFECT 1957 CHEVY TRUCK –


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13 thoughts on “Video: This Could Be The Coolest 1957 Chevy Pickup In America – Simplicity Rules

    1. OSC

      Does that make it a norma-rod? I have to say I like the return to basic equipment. Sometimes you just want to cruise. Everything else doesn’t matter. We don’t always have to push the envelope all the time. Great post.

  1. 10 SecGTX

    Love this truck …what exhaust and cam ? it sounds sooo perfect …two things it needs
    A bigger period correct white steering wheel and a white shift knob ..just my idea of perfect

    Well done ! A father with a family and a budget and he nailed it !!!

  2. Anonymous

    Perfect! Would like to see more vehicles like this featured in magazines, websites etc… hint-hint 😉

  3. Rob

    Totally Cool – He obviously gets it.

    Still amuses me the guys that don’t get it – they build nostalgia with some billet thrown in (probably bought it cheap at a swap meet ?)

    Less will always be more – Great pickup.

  4. grancuda

    This has been the way my ’72 C10 short stepper daily driver could be described as no modern amenities but it still has the radio block-off plate / cigarette lighter delete/plug.

    I like it but that stereo in the dash has to go as does the Fird Ranger seat, get an original in there.

  5. Turbo Regal

    Cool truck! I’d spend more time around a truck like this checking it out at a show than one of those billet, candy paint, leather, big rim customs any time.

  6. ratpatrol66

    Cool truck. I remember sitting in the back against the tail gate of my future brother inlaws 57 that had a V8 and 4spd with stacks. Great childhood memories.

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