Robert Trujillo’s ’38 Chevy Sedan One Amazing Street Rod

Hot rods come in all shapes and sizes, with Ford leading the way with some of the most recognized models. But at this year’s Super Chevy Show at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado, Chevy hot rod enthusiasts came out in full force to show off what the famous Bowtie brand has to offer as far as rod-worthy sedans, coupes and convertibles go. Among the cars on display was Robert Trujillo’s gorgeous ‘38 2 door sedan. This amazing jet black sedan may be an eye catcher in the flesh but as we found out from Trujillo himself, this unique build goes much further than just skin deep.

Trujillo has been into cars since around the age of 14, thanks mostly to his dad Al who was a mechanic for a local Chrysler Dealership in Pueblo, Colorado as Trujillo was growing up. Learning a lot from his father and always having an eye for cool hot rods, it was inevitable that one day Trujillo would end up with a rod project of his own. In 1997, that fate rang true.

“I was looking for a Chevy Sedan so the family could fit,” Littleton, Colorado resident, Trujillo told us in an email conversation.

Lucky for him, he came across just what he was looking for by perusing none other than the want ads. Since then, Trujillo has been deeply immersed in hot rod culture.

“I just always wanted to build a hot rod (street rod) that was chopped, suicide doors and black with flames,” Trujillo said. With that in mind and inspiration from movies like American Graffiti and California Kid, Trujillo started work on his sedan. The result is this amazing rod you see here.

Upon first look at Trujillo’s sedan, you’re likely to notice the rod’s 5-inch chop and suicide doors, as well as the perfectly straight body panels all done by Trujillo himself.

The exterior of the sedan also boasts Hagen frenched headlights, Ron Francis park-turn signal lights and frenched taillights. These unique features tie beautifully into the exquisite Dupont Black paint scheme (the sedan had flames before) which was recently done by Mark and Johnny Martinez of Cool Cat Customs in Greeley, Colorado.

Not only is this ‘38 gorgeous but it’s also a bona fide performance machine. Under the hood of the sedan, you’ll find a Chevy 383ci stroker engine capable of producing 450hp and complete with a COMP Cams all roller drive train, World Products S/R Torquer heads, Powermaster alternator and starter, MSD ignition, and a Billet Specialties drive pulley system. The engine also features HPC headers that dump into a custom exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers and Megs exhaust tips.

Matted to the built Chevy small block is a Turbo 350 transmission with Transgo Quick Shift Kit and a 2500 stall converter.

This makes putting power to the pavement a breeze with the sedan’s beefy suspension system complete with a 10-bolt Chevy rearend, Auburn Gear Posi-traction, Moser axles and Heidts Superide coilovers in the rear and a Heidts Superide II frontend with stainless steel A-arms, 2-inch drop spindles and Superide coilovers in the front.

This setup is backed by Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes with polished calipers and polished-anodized rotors for potent stopping power, as well as newly added 17×7 and 18×8-inch Billet Specialties SLG20 wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich G-Force T/A 205/45Z R17 and 235/50Z R18 rubber respectably for a pavement gripping stance.

Inside the sedan’s custom vibrant red leather interior completed by Johnny Martin of Johnny’s Auto Trim in Alamosa, Colorado, you’ll find even more awe-inspiring features including custom door panels, headliner and trunk. The interior also features the original back seat and Corbeau Racing seats in the front to match, VDO gauges, Billet Specialties window cranks, steering column and wheel, a Lokar shifter and a Kenwood sound system with 1000 watt amp and Sirius Radio.

In total, the build took about two years to complete with most of the work done by Trujillo in his garage, which is pretty impressive considering the amazing caliber of this ride.

“At the time I started to build the car a new local A.M. oldies radio station just started which played some cool hot rod music,” Trujillo told us. “It helped to motivate me to put a lot of long hours and late nights in.”

All that work paid off and now Trujillo has an amazing hot rod to be very proud of. But he doesn’t take all the credit. In fact, he gave special thanks to Mark and Johnny Martinez, and Johnny Martin, as well as his wife Lita, his dad Al and his children Robbie and Angelica who helped along the way.

The best part of the whole project? “Having my family help with the car and getting to the point where I could take the car out for the first time,” Trujillo said.

Now the only thing left to do is cruise, drive to car shows, participate in Phantoms Rod & Custom club events, and have fun, as Trujillo told us. After all, he built it to be driven and that’s what he plans to continue to do in the future.

About the author

Lindsey Fisher

Lindsey is a freelance writer and lover of anything with a rumble. Hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles - she's owned and driven it all. When she's not busy writing about them, she's out in her garage wrenching away. Who doesn't love a tech-savy gal that knows her way around a garage?
Read My Articles

Hot Rods and Muscle Cars in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Street Muscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

We'll send you the most interesting Street Muscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


fordmuscle
Classic Ford Performance
dragzine
Drag Racing
chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • fordmuscle Classic Ford Performance
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading