SEMA 2022: 1948 Chevrolet pickup turned to 1,000 HP super truck

Who says old-school trucks can't learn new tricks? Famous custom car builder Ringbrothers arrived at this year's SEMA Show with the goal to show what could be their most extreme build yet.

Say hello to the ENYO 1948, a Chevrolet pickup truck that has been transformed into a super truck that's powered by a tall-deck racing engine and benefits from a wide array of carbon fiber components. For Mike Ring, co-owner of Ringbrothers, the ENYO 1948 serves as the company's most outrageous build yet and has gone through over 10,000 build hours.

“Ringbrothers is in new territory with four vehicle debuts at this year’s SEMA Show. But we are especially excited to share ENYO with the world as our most outrageous build yet. This long-term project really showcases our ability to explore new means of design, engineering, and performance within an entirely new realm of challenges and production with our partners. The outcome speaks for itself,” said Ring.

Using a 1948 Chevrolet pickup as a base, the Ringbrothers kept the classic lines of the pickup but chopped, channeled, and sectioned parts of it to give it a sleeker look. They then combined it with a state-of-the-art chassis and suspension system. For extra flair (and aerodynamics), it even gets carbon fiber parts and aero management thanks to wings and splitters. The result is the mating of a big box truck cab and massive drivetrain on a low-slung, open-wheeled car-style chassis.

“We have been quietly planning this build for years, imagining and re-imagining how it would ultimately take shape. The end result is truly a super truck that brings together two vehicles that should never have met to deliver immense character combined with the power and performance usually reserved for today’s most advanced racecars. We’re thrilled to finally be able to share ENYO with the world,” said Jim Ring, co-owner of Ringbrothers.

Under the hood of this truck is a 510-cubic inch (or 8.3-liter) tall-deck race engine built by Todd Goodwin. Ringbrothers claim it makes 1,000 horsepower and comes with a Holley fuel management system, and Bowler Corvette torque-tube 4L80 automatic transaxle.

Ensuring power is sent to the ground for maximum grip comes courtesy of a cantilever-independent suspension system at all four corners complete with Ohlins shock absorbers. Meanwhile, the open-wheeled truck sits on custom Porsche 911 pin-drive wheels by HRE, along with huge Brembo GTS M6 brakes with six-piston calipers.

While the auto industry is heading towards an electric future, custom shops like Ringbrothers keep the spirit of internal combustion alive with their unique builds and retro-inspired design that are paired with modern engineering. We certainly cannot wait what other build the Ringbrothers have in store in the not-so-distant future.