DETROIT, MI  Few cars are as quintessentially American as the 1957 Chevy, so radically messing with its design can be met with consternation by many. It was a risk Greg and Judy Hrehovcsik were willing to take, and it paid off in a big, big way at this weekend’s Detroit Autorama.

The Hrehovcsiks and their radical 1957 Chevy 150 hardtop, built by Johnny’s Auto Trim & Rod Shop in Alamosa, CO, took home the 2018 Ridler Award.

[See all 2018 Ridler Award Great 8 Finalists here.]

Take a closer look at ‘the ’57 below to see what allowed it to outshine a fantastic field of Great 8 finalists for the Ridler Award.

2018 Ridler Award 1957 Chevy 150 Hardtop

(Image/Championship Autoshows)

The roof of the Chevy was recontoured and chopped three inches, and the hood was pancaked and sectioned. The body was channeled three inches and wedged and sectioned one inch in back and three in the front.

2018 Ridler Award 1957 Chevy 150 Hardtop

(Image/Championship Autoshows)

Even with all its modifications, the ’57 does maintain at least one of its distinctive features—the classic fins. Underneath the Chevy, you’ll find a Corvette rear-end and custom-fabricated coil-overs. The car is perched atop one-off 19- and 21-inch wheels.

2018 Ridler Award 1957 Chevy 150 Hardtop

(Image/Championship Autoshows)

No small block Chevy here…

The Hrehovcsik’s Ridler Award-winning 150 packs a twin-turbo 515 cubic-inch big block from Nelson Racing that puts out more than 1,000 horsepower.

2018 Ridler Award 1957 Chevy 150 Hardtop

(Image/Championship Autoshows)

Inside, the ’57 features handcrafted bucket seats, a custom console, and gauges from Classic Instruments.

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Author: David Fuller

David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.