One thing is for certain at the 2016 Detroit Autoramayou will see things you haven't seen before. And such is the case with our latest mini-feature offering from the main floor. (Yes, there's more from the basement but that will come later).

All of us spent plenty of time during biology class with our notebooks open and tucked neatly between the pages was either the latest edition of our favorite car mag or other reading material! In Dennis Heapy's (Brainerd, MN) case he was always immensely impressed with the custom car builders from the bygone era. The likes of the Alexander Brothers, Barris Brothers, Joe Bailon, Dave Stuckey, Bill Cushenbery, Darryl Starbird and Gene Winfield. In paying homage to this era Dennis thought he would give it a shot by building his version of a custom car that would feature many of the signature moves from many of the greats.

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Dennis broke out the torch and cleared his backyard and let the "chips fly". The chassis is based on a 1956 Chevy that's been shortened 12 inches while stepped 3-1/2 inches in front, fitted with rack-and-pinion steering, disc brakes, 2-inch drop spindles, and a triangulated four-bar rear suspension with coilovers.

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The powertrain comes by way of more Chevy this time with a modified 355-inch small-block and a TH350 trans bolted to it. The chromeplated exhaust features Porter Mufflers. Other appointments are made up with an aluminum radiator and all stainless lines and AN fittings.

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The body is based on a 1956 Chevy cowl and doors all sectioned 6 inches. The quarter panels came by way of a 1958 Chevy while the decklid comes from a 1959 Chevy. The sheetmetal is painted in a PPG Toxic Orange, a Chrysler color. The hood is handmade as is the steering wheel with a 1956 DeSoto horn ring. The instrument cluster is another '59 item. The windshield is the rear window out of a 1951 Merc while all of the trim, mouldings, and detail work is credited to Dennis.