ot rodders recognize that under every amazing paintjob is a tremendous amount of bodywork, and then comes the meticulous paint application. An exceptional paintjob can be ruined by less-than-impressive bodywork. Rodders grasp this basic principle. But when we see a “finished” hot rod in its “full metal jacket” (so to speak), it is impressive, and we find ourselves going over the effort much more closely. Such is the case for Eugene Bothello of Bermuda (the country) and his 1959 Chevy Impala, which is currently being built via Troy Gudgel of BBT Fabrications.

We had the good luck to see this car several times, but the showstopper occurred at this past Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale when the ’59 Chevy Impala, clothed in its whole metal appearance, competed for the Barrett-Jackson Cup—and it made the Top 5. Sitting under the main tent where one and all could get their fingers close enough to touch (and you know some did), all the cars in the competition made you realize how well the design, sheetmetal, and creativity blended to yield such a hot rod. Several of us heard others remark, “To bring an unpainted car and compete, the builder sure must be confident in his work.” We thought the same thing and would have to say, “The builder’s proof is sitting right here in front of us.” We should point out that Gudgel’s work is no stranger to winning the Barrett-Jackson Cup as he has done so with a 1969 Firebird and has also taken home the Triple Crown of Rodding Best Street Machine award with the same Pontiac.

Much of what you see is the original 1959 Chevy factory skin, but everything underneath is freshly minted. Right now, the BBT executed modifications are visible for one and all: the extended rocker panels, new floorpans, widened wheeltubs, extended lower quarter-panels, rear valance, and custom-built and tucked front and rear bumpers. The front grille, headlight area, and taillight section are factory-made, but there are plenty of machined parts, as the rest of the Impala will testify.

As for the interior, there are “samples” of interior work in a Cognac-colored Moore and Giles leather from Catos Custom Upholstery. Note that the seatbelts are from Seat Belt Planet and are held inside their one-off housings. The custom bucket seats, a pair in front and the rear, the center console, and the shift boot show off the superb-appearing leather. The center console also has a pair of custom gauge pods located far forward. The pod closest to the firewall provides the stereo controls, while the one closest to the driver is the A/C controller. Resting within the center console is the shifter with a custom-machined knob. The shifter is a factory 8-10-speed transmission shifter with an InTek OTTO adapter. This adapter will accept any standard shift knob, allowing you to place a modern shifter in any early car and retain the classic look. (InTek OTTO also made the very cool looking side mirrors.)

This hot rod’s power is nothing short of outstanding. It is a Gen V LT1 with a BTR Stage 1 cam, ARP head studs, and Greening Auto Company valve covers. A GM computer with a Speartech wiring harness and MSD plug wires are also used. A Billet Specialties Tru Trac serpentine belt system is implemented, and it is comprised of a Powermaster 170-amp one-wire alternator, Sanden SD7 compressor, Tuff Stuff power steering pump, ARP fasteners, and Continental Poly-V serpentine belt.

Backed up to the V-8 is a GM eight-speed automatic and an Inland Empire aluminum driveshaft, which moves the power rearward to the Moser 9-inch, which has an Eaton Truetrac differential, 4.11 gears, and 31-spline axles. Beneath the BBT custom engine cover is a Frankenstein Engine Dynamics LT billet intake manifold (low profile). Ultimate Headers exhausts are made from 1-7/8-inch tubing, while 2-1/2-inch stainless steel tubes flow back to the stainless Borla Pro XS mufflers.