It’s not every day a hot rod rolls into the Detroit Autorama and walks away with six major awards. But then again, it’s not every day a car like Chromezilla appears. Commissioned by Steve and Sheri Tracy of Tennessee’s renowned Advance Plating, and built by the exceptional team at Greening Automotive in Alabama, this 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster was never going to be your average Deuce. Overseen by Jesse Greening, every inch of this custom build was executed with a level of detail that bordered on obsessive—and the results speak for themselves. From the chromed nuts and bolts to the masterfully laid paintwork, Chromezilla was conceived to be more than just a showpiece—it was crafted to set a new standard in hot rod building. This car isn’t just a build, it’s a statement of intent, a declaration that perfection isn’t a goal, it’s the baseline.

Built to Rule: Chromezilla's Show-Stopping Debut

Two Thousand Five Hundred Reasons Why It’s Called Chromezilla

The name isn’t just a clever nickname. Chromezilla earned its title thanks to a jaw-dropping 2,500 individually chromed components. From the frame to the fasteners, every piece gleams with show-stopping precision.

Flames, Fabric, and Flawless Finish

Brookville supplied the steel body, but it was the Greening Automotive crew who took it to the next level. Jeff Greening laid down the deep black basecoat, over which sculpted green flames were outlined and filled by pinstripe legends Josh and Wade Hughes. The clear coat was then meticulously applied and buffed to a mirror-like gloss, creating a depth and brilliance that few paint jobs can match. Every line of the flame work was executed with surgical precision, making the car look like it was dipped in liquid fire.

Performance Meets Perfection

Beneath the polished skin lies serious performance. Chromezilla is powered by a 454-cubic inch Chevrolet V-8 topped with a rare Inglese induction system featuring four Weber twin-choke carbs. Mated to a GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed auto, the powertrain is both brutally effective and immaculately finished. A tubular front axle with a five-inch drop and a coil-over rear suspension built around a Tiger quick-change rear ensure the stance is as mean as it is refined. Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes handle stopping duties, while custom chromed wheels wrapped in low-profile radials keep it grounded.

Award-Winning Legacy

Chromezilla didn’t just make waves—it caused a tsunami. At the 2005 Detroit Autorama, it took home awards for Best Altered Rod, Best Chassis, Best Detail, Best Engine, Best Engineering, Best Upholstery, and the Yosemite Sam Radoff Sculptural Excellence Award. And it didn’t stop there. In 2006, it was crowned the ISCA Millwinders Award Winner, securing its place among the all-time greats of the custom rod world. Magazine features followed in American Rodder, Street Rodder, Street Rod Builder, and ISCA’s own Showstopper, solidifying its status as a legend.

The boxed and reinforced Deuce-style frame features custom tubular cross-members and a flawless finish ready for plating. Over 900 custom bolts and fasteners were hand-fabricated, each serving as a tiny badge of craftsmanship. Even the logos and nameplates were bespoke, extending to the steering wheel, instrument faces, and brake calipers.

Inside, Paul Atkins stitched up a vibrant green interior that complements the car’s exterior drama with flair and sophistication. The upholstery isn't just a match—it's an echo of the flame motif, flowing through the cabin with confidence and charisma.

Preserved to Perfection

Since its glory days on the show circuit, Chromezilla has been preserved in exceptional condition, still wearing its accolades and chrome like a crown. Whether displayed under the bright lights or revving up for its next outing, this ’32 Ford Roadster remains a symbol of what happens when ambition, craftsmanship, and chrome collide.

Image and background Credit: RM Sotheby's

Custom details abound, from the green stitching to the hand-formed panels that seamlessly blend form and function. Together, the paint and interior create a visual harmony that feels bold, cohesive, and unmistakably custom, underscoring the roadster’s reputation as a rolling piece of automotive art.

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