SEMA-member companies CARS Inc. and the Roadster Shop teamed up with Super Chevy Magazine to build a one-of-a-kind vehicle to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation. The custom ’57 Chevy convertible will be sold on Friday, March 28, at the 6th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car auction in Palm Beach, Florida. All proceeds will go to the non-profit Armed Forces Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families of fallen or disabled veterans.
“Project American Heroes” began last summer when CARS Inc. of Rochester Hills, Michigan, and the Roadster Shop of Elgin, Illinois, united with the editors of Super Chevy to recreate a 50th anniversary version of the ’57 classic. The two companies provided a complete body, chassis and labor to build the car, while dozens of other SEMA companies donated parts and helped sponsor the project.
The convertible is powered by a 572ci, 717hp, custom-built Chevy big block engine with an automatic transmission. Select armed forces personnel were invited to choose the ultimate design specs for the custom Chevy, including the blue pearl color scheme, interior design and exterior trim. The entire construction process was covered by Super Chevy magazine and plans are now underway to build a '69 Camaro for “Project American Heroes II.”
The ’57 Chevy will go on the blocks sometime on March 28. You can watch the auction live on SPEED from 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. (EST). For additional information about the car and the foundation, visit: www.projectamericanheroes.net and www.armedforcesfoundation.org.