Without question, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has reached the status of American automotive icon. With its classic lines, massive tail fins, rumbling V8 small block, and yards of chrome, it instantly connects the onlooker with an exciting time in the history of American automobiles. In 2007, the world celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, and in 2008, GM Performance Parts is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the big-block Chevy. Motivated by those two special events, we decided to build something truly extraordinary.

For decades, hot rodders of all ages have followed the seemingly endless technical and buildup stories of a very special '57 Bel Air named Project-X. Owned by PriMedia Publishing since 1962, Project-X is quite simply the most well-known '57 Chevy on the face of the planet. Project-X has been featured in hundreds of magazine articles and even starred in the cult-classic movie Hollywood Knights. And when we decided that we wanted a '57 Chevy to show off our new crate engine, Project-X was the only choice.

Collaborating with Al Oppenheiser's team at GM Performance Division, we've brought Project-X back home – back to General Motors where it all started 50 years ago. Following the vision of renowned GM Design Center standout David Ross, the GM Performance Division team has updated Project-X with a modern interpretation of the Pro Street chassis. Monster rims wearing fat tires fill out the rear, while the car remains quite stable at speed thanks to a custom, computer-designed suspension package from GMPD. Project-X is rounded out with a modern interior, a Tremec 6-speed transmission, and – of course – a fresh coat of GM yellow paint.

The 2008 version of Project-X also features the first-ever GM Performance Parts 50th Anniversary 427 Big Block crate engine. This limited-edition engine has been specially assembled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GM big block, and it is special indeed – only 427 of them will be made, naturally.

Project-X gets the first pre-production version of these monster big blocks, based on the restored, original tooling for the legendary ZL1 aluminum 427 block. Measuring 427 cubic inches, the Anniversary 427 Big Block also features oval-port aluminum GM Performance Parts heads; an oval-port dual-plane aluminum intake; and the same aggressive camshaft that you'll find in our ZZ502 crate engine. All told, the aluminum big block makes over 460 horsepower. Best of all, thanks to a streetable 9.6:1 compression ratio, this 427-inch big block only requires pump gas. Wrapped in anniversary valve covers that are individually serial numbered up to 427, it's the ultimate way to celebrate 50 great years of big-block power from GM.

To learn more about Project-X, the GM Performance Parts 50th Anniversary 427 Big Block crate engine, and how GM rebuilt this iconic, classic Chevy, make sure to read the series of stories in Popular Hot Rodding magazine. We also have plans to drive Project-X on the 2008 HOT ROD Power Tour – see you there.