The Matte Black Unicorn is a fully blacked-out 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air built by Matt Jenkins, a classic American icon reborn as a sinister, LS3-powered restomod. What started as a 2009 barn-find project became a one-of-a-kind matte black custom that keeps the Tri-Five Chevy's heritage lines while hiding modern power and comfort beneath the surface.
This unique project started back in 2009 when Matt first purchased the car. Fast forward to today, and the Matte Black Unicorn is born.
How was the Matte Black Unicorn built?
On the surface, it might look simple: make everything black and matte. But the process involved making every single part fit Matt's meticulous idea of the build. With every step of the way, it became an increasing challenge to maintain the heritage look of the classic American Chevrolet. On the outside, the colour has the same two-tone break as the original 1956 version, with a bird ornament on the hood that is beautifully complemented by the five-spoke rims. As autoevolution put it, this Bel Air is fully murdered out.
What does the interior look like?
The interior maintains the vertical pleats while upgrading them with leather and Alcantara Cayenne GTS seats. It even features a bench seat in the front and a LATCH system in the back for Matt's daughter to cruise in. Many modern amenities inside, such as automatic window controls, speaker equipment, and an air compressor, are hidden to maintain the classic feel of the car.
How much power does the Matte Black Unicorn make?
However, the appearance was not the only focus for the Matte Black Unicorn, as it received substantial performance upgrades. The engine was replaced with a 525hp LS3 bolted to a Tiptronic paddle-shift transmission mated to a Borla exhaust. It rides on top of a 4-link Air Ride Technology suspension for a comfortable ride, with massive CPP big piston brakes for all the necessary stopping power. As GM Authority noted, this LS-powered Bel Air looks and sounds absolutely sinister, while custom specialist Roadkill Customs calls it a true matte black beast.
Discover classic and custom cars at TheArsenale
If the Matte Black Unicorn fuels your love of bold custom builds, TheArsenale curates a collection of dream machines. Discover the classic Charge electric Mustang, the Equus Bass 770 modern muscle car, the Equus Throwback and the iconic 1981 DeLorean DMC 12, or browse the full TheArsenale cars collection.
Ready to own a piece of automotive art? Explore the complete TheArsenale cars collection.
