Home-Built Hero: Kyle Spena

Home-Built Hero: Kyle Spena’s ’57 Chevy Gasser Delivers The Goods

Feelings of nostalgia are a strong motivator when it comes to building a classic car or hot rod. We all have fond memories of that “a-ha” moment that got us hooked. Be it the experiences you had while on daily weekend rides with dad or those frequent trips to the local drag strip, the memories we retain are forever engrained in our minds.

But, some enthusiasts might not have a plethora of memories to use as an impetus for creating the perfect hot rod. Such is the case with this week’s Home-Built Hero owned by Kyle Spena of Jonesborough, Tennessee. While his memories are not filled with automotive experiences, It’s a love of vintage gassers that fuels his hot rod needs.

Chevy gasser

Simplistic is the best word to describe this interior. (Images courtesy of Mike Slade)

“I call it Midnight Hunter,” says Kyle. “It’s a one-of-a-kind ’57 Chevy gasser sedan delivery. Although it looks the part of a race car, it runs on pump gas. And with the overdrive automatic transmission, I can drive it anywhere.”

Kyle didn’t give a lot of details about the condition of the car when he purchased it or what needed to be fixed, but rest assured, the completed car nailed the vintage vibe.  The gold-leaf lettered side panels, re-arched rear wheelwells, fenderwell headers, and the stance simply scream period correct. And like many true-to-the-style rides, the front bumper is no longer weighing down the nose. However, the iconic “Dagmars” are still present.

Chevy gasser

What’s a classic gasser without a big-block under the hood.

But what’s a ’57 Chevy gasser without a big-block under the hood? According to Kyle, upon opening the engine cover, we find 454 cubic inches of Chevrolet’s behemoth taking up residence. Performance enhancements come from a COMP Cams roller stick with .622-inch lift, a Holley Street Avenger carburetor, and those gotta-have fenderwell headers. The added bling of the polished-aluminum valve covers and custom air cleaner definitely give it a vintage vibe. Behind the big mill is a 700R4 transmission with a TCI Automotive torque converter.

Chevy gasser

Inside is a true exercise in simplicity and detail. The red and black are a stark contrast to the exterior and make sure you take notice. Again, Kyle didn’t give us much information about the interior of his ’57 Chevy gasser other than it features power windows and Auto Meter gauges.

Although Kyle’s ride might not have been fueled by various memories of experiences he had as a youngster, there is no denying his passion for vintage hot rods. What’s more, he might very well be fueling the next generation’s future feelings of nostalgia every time he and Midnight Hauler hits the local streets.

Photo gallery

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Do you want to read about more Home-Built Heroes? All you need to do is click here. I want to see those reader’s rides. If you would like to share yours, I want to hear about it. Since I started this series, I have received more than a few candidates. However, I still want to see more — I can never get enough. If you want to see more cars built by you the readers, send a few pictures of your car showing the engine, interior, and exterior, along with all of the pertinent information, and I’ll make you internet famous. You can send your submissions to [email protected].

About the author

Randy Bolig

Randy Bolig has been working on cars and has been involved in the hobby ever since he bought his first car when he was only 14 years old. His passion for performance got him noticed by many locals, and he began helping them modify their vehicles.
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