From ’59 Chevy El Camino to 800-HP Rat Rod

1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019

We’re fairly sure alcohol was heavily involved in the ideation and creation of this wacked-out 1959 Chevrolet El Camino, which goes by the name “Hulk-Camino”…

1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at The SEMA Show 2019

Yep, what lays before you bears little dimensional and physical resemblance to a big-fin Elky, but that’s exactly what it was before cutoff wheels, welders, and a whole lot of imagination went to work.

1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at The SEMA Show 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at The SEMA Show 2019

It’s almost like a Hot Wheels die-cast model that was never quite finished, yet this ’59 has a surreal—and real—presence.

1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at The SEMA Show 2019

Underneath the half-finished welds and layers of patina—some real, some fake—lies an impressive stack of parts.

1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at The SEMA Show 2019

The engine is a 400 Dart small-block topped with a 6-71 BDS supercharger and fitted internally with a lightweight Callies crankshaft and the requisite forged pistons.

1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at The SEMA Show 2019

The result is an impressive stated output of 800 horsepower!

1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at The SEMA Show 2019

The small-block is mated to a Monster 700R4 transmission, which is then coupled to a Strand Dana 60 rear end. The entire project sits on a custom chassis, because obviously.

1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019

We spotted it at the 2019 SEMA show, and in a sea of über-polished rides, this ratty ’59 was a real eye-catcher.

1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019

The rolling stock consists of American Racing Wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson rubber, while stopping duties are handled by Wilwood brakes.

1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019
1959 Chevy El Camino 800-HP Rat Rod at SEMA 2019

From: AutomobileMag

Driving the 800 HP Blown Hulk Camino Rat Rod (1959 El Camino) by ITW Hot Rods

Join in the thrill of a lifetime as we’re driving the 800 HP blown Hulk Camino by ITW (In the Weeds) Hot Rods. The rumbling idle, revving engine, whine of the blower, and burning rubber make the experience mind-blowing