Images: Ben Smithson

When someone says they have a ’32 hot rod, chances are they’re referring to a Ford, but for Ben Smithson, that’s not the case. In all actuality, his ’32 is a finely built Chevy hot rod just recently finished for the National Street Rod Association’s (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals South Plus show in Knoxville, Tennessee. Check it out in the video above, compliments of ScottieDTV.

If you’re familiar with the work of ScottieDTV, you know that the man behind all the madness is known for showcasing some amazing vehicles from car shows all across the country. And this time around, he knocked it out of the ballpark.

On his recent trip to the Street Rod Nats South Plus show, Scottie came across this gorgeous ’32 Chevy hot rod.

Unconventional from its make and model, down to its frame and right back up to its overall design, this stout little Chevy features a 327ci engine with a solid camshaft, balanced rotating assembly, and dual 4-barrel carburetors. Strapped behind that, you’ll find a T56 6-speed transmission butted up to a 9-inch rearend with 4.56 gears.

Finished in Quaker State Green, an old 1950s fleet truck color, the hot rod really pops with its white frame. Following suit, the interior incorporates both the white and green color schemes for a classic finish.

Completely built by Smithson, this car is the prime example of what can be done in your own garage with enough skill and dedication. Granted, Smithson is a Product Engineer for Toyota by trade, but it’s very apparent that Smithson has quite the knack for creating custom automotive components, like the frame on this Chevy that he rendered and started fabbing up during a college internship.

Though the hot rod build was started back in 2008, it wasn’t until three days before the May 5th weekend show that the entire project finally came together. The trip to the Street Rod Nats South Plus show was the car’s first trek since its completion. Once there, it won a Classic Instruments Pros Choice Award. 

Not Smithson’s only vehicle (he also has a Model A and a ’62 Wagon), we’re sure to see more custom builds from the young engineer in the future.

After all, he’s got quite the talent for hot rod design that we just can’t get enough of!