Owner Revives Classic 1956 Chevrolet Hot Rod That Burned in California Wildfire
This gasser is burned, melted, and mean as hell.

California's seemingly endless wildfires of late have claimed many a classic car, but one such machine survived the flames and emerged with personality anew.
Steve Johnson of Santa Rosa, California is a red-blooded General Motors enthusiast, as outlined by Wheelwell. His collection once included a Chevy 210, Chevelle, Corvette, and a Hot Wheels collection, presumably made up of more Chevrolets. But Johnson's home of Santa Rosa wasn't the perfect place to live in October of 2017 when the Tubbs Fire swept through on its way to killing at least 34 people and dealing $1.3 billion in damages. Much of Johnson's property was destroyed in the fire, including most of his car collection, his home, his tools, and his shop.
But at least one of his vehicles survived in salvageable condition.
1956 Chevrolet 210
, WheelwellJohnson's 1956 Chevrolet 210 was parked in the center of his driveway when the Tubbs Fire swept through, Johnson betting that the car might be safer outside than in. The flames didn't ignore this classic 210; heat popped its windows, melted the turn signals and windshield seal, and ruined its tires and interior.
But the body and chassis remained intact and offered Johnson the opportunity to rebuild the car. He replaced its ruined fuel lines, swapped in a new engine, and strapped on its old supercharger and intake cowl, both of which survived the fire. The result is a car inimitable, one both fire-breathing and fire-charred.
1956 Chevrolet 210
, WheelwellIf anything that could add more to this car's story, it'd be a theft and recovery, not unlike a recent incident involving a Ferrari 288 GTO. Given that this car has more value to its owner than anyone else, however, the odds of that happening are about nil.
MORE TO READ
Related
Now Is Your Chance to Bid on a Ravishing 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Don’t have $1 million bucks in your account? Bid anyway, live dangerously.
Related
Listen to the Mid-Engined Chevrolet Corvette C8 Strut Its V8 Engine on the Highway
There’s a healthy-sounding V8 under the hood.
Related
New Porsche 935 Track Car Looks Mighty Fine in These Classic Racing Liveries
If you’re lucky enough to score one of only 77 new Porsche 935s, you’d have to be crazy not to order it in bright Vaillant turquoise.
Related
Punk Teens Caught Setting Fire to Mario Andretti’s Home Race Track Thanks to Snapchat
The two kids apparently used the flames to heat Jiffy Pop popcorn they had stolen from a local store.
Related