Take a look at this Beast 2000hp Twin Turbo 540ci Bubble Top Impala!
In the world of elite custom car building, few creations come close to the stunning craftsmanship and raw power of the 2000HP Twin Turbo 1961 Bubble Top Impala, a car that not only turned heads but earned a coveted Great 8 finalist spot at the Detroit Autorama. Built in honor of the late Gil Losi, a legendary innovator in both the skateboarding and hot rod worlds, this Impala is more than just a showpiece—it’s a rolling tribute to passion, precision, and pure performance.
A Tribute to Gil Losi’s Legacy
Gil Losi was known for revolutionizing action sports with Veriflex products and for his unrelenting pursuit of automotive perfection. Known for his love of slammed cars, Gil’s last major project was this Impala—a car he intended not just to show but to win the prestigious Ridler Award. While he sadly passed before seeing it fully realized, his vision lives on through every detail of this masterpiece.
Custom Art Morrison Chassis and RideTech Suspension
Starting from a stock roller with no glass and barely any bodywork, the build took a radical turn under the hands of Steve Cook Creations. The car sits on a one-off Art Morrison chassis, detailed to perfection with pinstriping and full polish. RideTech air suspension gives it that low, aggressive stance Gil loved, while providing Cadillac-like comfort on the road.
The rear end is a 9-inch four-link setup, and the entire underbody is a piece of art on its own. With Bear electric brakes and high-end components throughout, the chassis ensures this beast handles as well as it looks.
540ci Big Block Twin Turbo with 2000 Horsepower
Under the hood is where this Impala truly becomes monstrous. A 540 cubic inch big block V8, paired with twin 80mm turbochargers, was dynoed at over 2,000 rear-wheel horsepower. To make it streetable, it was later detuned to 1,800 HP, running on a 50/50 mix of C16 and 91 octane fuel. The engine bay is an engineering marvel, showcasing polished components, hand-built piping, and meticulous layout.
Hand-Fabricated Brass Trim and Iconic Styling
Every inch of this car screams custom. The entire trim, from the Impala badges to the grille and bumpers, was handmade from solid brass by artisan fabricator “Little Lou.” No aftermarket parts here—everything is one-off, contributing to the build’s near $1 million value.
Even the three-piece Billet Specialties wheels were designed by Gil himself, sized at 18×9 front and 20×12.5 rear, wrapped in beefy 315/45 tires for a powerful stance.
Ferrari Red Leather Interior with CTS-V Console
Inside, the Impala surprises with a full Ferrari red leather interior, custom cage, CTS-V center console, and Dakota Digital gauges. The headliner and Porsche-style carpet add luxury, while a backup camera and hidden audio system bring modern convenience. Every detail was carefully thought out—even the custom steering wheel was hand-sketched by Gil and CNC’d into reality.
Built to Drive and Dominate
Despite being a show car, this Impala was built to drive. A fully built 4L80E transmission with a Reid case handles the brutal torque. The car rides smoothly on air suspension, spools up fast even at 8 psi, and cruises quietly—until you put your foot down. Then, it transforms into a roaring monster.
A Million-Dollar Build That’s Now For Sale
Now maintained by Brandon at Overdriven Performance, the car is up for sale along with Gil’s other builds. With an estimated value close to $1 million, the Impala is a collector’s dream. From concept to completion, it embodies the ultimate in automotive artistry, performance, and personal legacy.
Why This Build Matters in the Custom Car World
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Riddler contender with elite-level craftsmanship
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2,000HP twin turbo V8 in a streetable platform
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Hand-fabricated brass trim and interior details
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A true tribute to Gil Losi’s genius and vision
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Available now—a once-in-a-lifetime collector car
If you’re a fan of high-end custom builds, twin turbo muscle cars, or award-winning hot rods, this 1961 Bubble Top Impala should be at the top of your must-see list.
