Tribute to a Classic NASCAR Icon: '57 Chevy 150 'Black Widow'
While the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro both had their iconic years in the racing scene, no classic Chevy is quite as unique to the vintage NASCAR circuit as the 1957 Chevrolet 150 Black Widow. Built to compete against Ford and Chrysler's successful racing teams of the time, this impressive and illusive beast has nearly disappeared over the last few decades — but with enthusiasts like Bob Ruby around, the Black Widow will never officially go extinct.
This beautiful '57 Chevy 150 “Black Widow” owned by Ruby is a modern take on the classic NASCAR icon.
Powering this arachnid is a beefy Pace Performance LS3 fueled by a new 25-gallon aluminum tank and cooled by a shiny Griffin aluminum radiator. Backing the LS is a Tremec five-speed matted to a Ram 10.5 hydraulic clutch. When all is said and done, this combination is good for 525 hp and 489 lb-ft of torque.
Giving the car its "Black Widow" air is a classic PPG Black and White Water paint scheme over new sheet metal, including new quarters, doors, fenders, hood and trunk lid. Inside, the car features new 150 Series upholstery, Dakota Digital gauges and custom Black Widow details.
This bad to the bone two-door is built atop an Art Morrison chassis featuring a Strange Engineering 9-inch positraction rearend with 3.70 gears and a four-link suspension system. Steering on the car is a Detroit Speed Engineering power rack and pinion, while the brakes are power discs on all four corners. Rolling attire for the car are 18-inch American Racing aluminum rally wheels wrapped in Nitto NT555s in 225/45/ZR18 and 275/40/ZR18.
This beautiful '57 Chevy may not be “the real deal” when it comes to the iconic Black Widow race cars, but it is certainly a well-built (and probably fun) tribute, with some significant racing history to think back on.
