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Money No Object: The Ridler Award-Winning “Imagine” 1957 Chevrolet


Money No Object: The Ridler Award-Winning “Imagine” 1957 Chevrolet

Let’s not beat around the bush: when the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air known as “Imagine” was announced as the 2018 Ridler Award winner, there was controversy. First off, because the car was almost disqualified from the award in the first place for violating the first rule of the Ridler Award: “You do not talk about your build.” Luckily, somehow they managed to not get banished to the crowd, but then there’s the second issue with the car, the one that you readers wasted exactly zero seconds on voicing your opinion on. Summing up the comments to a family-friendly level, it was basically “Who cares?” crossed with “They ruined a 1957 Chevy!” and a dash of “checkbook hot-rodding at it’s worst.” Tough crowd.

Yes, the Chevrolet has been worked over like maybe no other 1957 on the planet. Even Boyd Coddington didn’t go this far on his builds. Reportedly, the only purchased parts put onto this car are the four tires it sits on and a dipstick. So, let’s start looking at the positive sides to the car. There’s the 515ci Nelson Racing Engines mill with mirror-image turbochargers that’s cranking out Titanic-level power, backed by a Bowler-built TH400. A torque tube transfers that grunt to a rear IRS setup. And yes, everything underneath the car is as overbuilt and detailed as what you see on the outside. It might be the prettier side of the car. Inside, the design is simple: “Terra Cotta” upholstery and a simple dash design. It’s smooth beyond smooth, and those seats look like they’ll lull you to sleep within five seconds of resting your peasant backside into them.

Now, there’s a price tag to this beauty. If you have to ask it, you can’t afford it. I’m quoting DuPont here: “Over two million dollars invested. Whoever buys this masterpiece will also have the option to own the collection of display materials, awards, photos, and intellectual property related to this car. Finally, the enclosed trailer used to transport this beauty is also available. If you need a new centerpiece for your collection, click the link below and get ready to Imagine.”

So…who’s got the scratch to pick this beauty up and have it ready to go on the 2020 Rocky Mountain Race Week?

DuPont Registry Link: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air “Imagine”


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15 thoughts on “Money No Object: The Ridler Award-Winning “Imagine” 1957 Chevrolet

    1. Lon

      Weird, I keep seeing comments about how ugly it is and how they messed up a 57 BelAir. Google Chezoom, this car’s profile resembles that to me.

  1. HotRodPop

    Gotta agree with the haters… Follow the damn rules, people, or yer outta here! The car is actually so distorted, it’s ugly, and the fact that it was allowed in (no doubt because of the money involved) has reduced the Ridler Award to nothing more than a goddam participation trophy! Think I’ll go back and read about the Ala Kart (Google it, kids… you’ll be amazed!) winning AMBR TWICE and take a Valium or three…

  2. Derrell

    I kind of like it, but I appreciate all of the engineering and craftmanship that went into this. And of course I’m sure the owner(s) ? could care less what anyone else thinks. I personally think anyone who builds any of these cars, even from way back when should be commended for their idea of what looks good to them.
    Just my opinion.

  3. drivindadsdodge

    nope … dont know how this pile won …

    Foose’s Imposter … was a winner
    The Caddy wagon … this year ..Winner

  4. Dennis

    I don’t hate it. It’s interesting. I’ve never seen someone go at a 57 like that. The drive train holds no interest, though. After seeing so many overkill engines it’s all beige to me now.

    Just don’t see how you can get to $2 million invested. If it’s true that’s pretty damned inefficient.

  5. Michael

    WHAT A WASTED 57 CHEVY BELAIR ! that\’s not a true hot rod or a show car ! ( \” it\’s a concept car )!!

  6. David

    Being old as I am ,I\’ve seen, some really strange things from the best builders,past ,like Barris, Roth,Bill Hines. Newer folk like Boyd, Foose.,Kendig, and others.
    5his car is a total ABORTION, It\’s not a 57 anything anymore, It\’s a designers nightmare cme to fruition….
    A PIECE OF SH/%.

  7. Stu Lord

    This car proves there is something really wrong with the world of hotrodding, with the stupid amount of money being paid to builders for a trophy, to the whole concept of today’s shows. This is nothing new about rich guys trying to out spend other rich guys. These people have been spending these numbers for years at this show. That car will never be a street car. How about this. Any car entered into any car show, including Goodguys, NSRA to name but a couple, must have a documented/proven 25000 miles on the meter. These titles, America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod and a dozen other titles floating around are nothing but “Who Can Spend The Most” titles.

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