Nearly 2,000 hp, mirror-like black paint, huge flares, and a panoramic roof—Gas Monkey Garage redefines what’s possible for the OBS platform with their latest project unveiled at the 2024 SEMA show.
Led by fabricator Josh Paris, this 1996 Chevy Silverado represents a wild blend of classic style, over-the-top power, and modern technology. “I’ve literally lived at the shop in a camper for two and a half weeks to finish this,” said Josh. “It was a 47-day build from start to finish, and for the last stretch, I just didn’t go home.” That dedication is reflected in the final product, which shined at the System X Ceramic Coatings booth.
Under the hood is equally impressive. The truck's powerplant is a twin-turbo 434 ci LS engine from Texas Speed, featuring Hellion turbos. All that power is channeled through a Turbo 400 transmission built by Cole's Transmissions and a carbon-fiber driveshaft from Dynamic Drivelines. Quick Performance provided a custom-built M9 9-inch rear axle with sled-pulling axles. “Dude, they’re like the size of a Coke can,” said Josh. The total width is identical to that of a stock dually but is paired with two massive 405-mm wide tires. They’ll need all the grip they can get.
The rear flares are modified stock dually fenders, while the fronts were designed from scratch. Gas Monkey utilized 3D scanning technology and worked with Impact Systems to create full carbon-fiber front fenders. The fenders are removable, as that’s the only way it’ll fit on a trailer. Gas Monkey’s Mike Cloyd did the bodywork and paint using Axalta black paint.
One of the truck's standout features is the full panoramic glass roof, crafted by Carmen at AM Hot Rod Glass. “We were sitting around the shop drinking … Richard said, how cool would it be to have an all-glass roof?” said Josh. It’s the idea that birthed the project. The result is nothing short of breathtaking, allowing natural light to flood the cabin and providing a unique view of the surroundings. This was a more challenging feat to achieve than you may think, as an OBS was never built to handle nearly 2,000 hp, and a roof can twist under intense chassis stress. “It’s made from airplane-rated glass for strength, and it took five fittings to get it right,” said Josh.
To add to its aggressive look, the truck features center-exit MagnaFlow exhaust tips resembling those on a Corvette. The exhaust setup, combined with pie-cut stainless tubing from Overkill Racing, gives the truck a menacing soundtrack that matches its performance capabilities.
Hidden C8 Corvette door handles keep the body lines clean, and the truck rides on a modified stock frame, boxed and braced with RideTech's wishbone OBS kit to handle the massive power output. The overall package is sleek, modern, and undeniably mean—a truck that pays homage to the OBS heritage while pushing it into new territory.
The interior has an upgraded 1994-style square dash, complete with modern amenities such as a 12.3-inch Holley screen and a 10-inch Pioneer display. The Corbeau racing bucket seats and harnesses, Sparco steering wheel, and keyless entry system make the truck's cabin feel like the perfect fusion of race car and luxury vehicle.
This is a truck that makes no compromises, blending style, performance, and innovative design elements into one of the most incredible OBS builds we’ve seen.
