Metal magician Aaron Gregory is on a mission to transform his award-winning ’51 Chev pick-up, known as ‘Memphis Hell,’ into a formidable pro tourer for the Australian racing circuit. The ambitious rebuild aims to position the Elite-level truck as a contender in events like Optima Ultimate Street Car Australia.
Since its debut at MotorEx in 2012, Memphis Hell has garnered accolades, including a prestigious Street Machine of the Year title in 2020. Aaron’s journey with the Chev has seen him explore motorsport-inspired modifications, weight reduction, aerodynamic enhancements, and tire upgrades. The truck’s evolution was showcased at Summernats 37, where enthusiasts marveled at the modifications in the Rare Spares Pavilion.
Aaron’s dedication to Memphis Hell spans years of meticulous tinkering and last-minute adjustments, with the ultimate goal of marking the car’s 10-year milestone. Influenced by notable builds like John Dennis’s Escort and Gary Reid’s C10, the Chev’s latest makeover involves shedding its airbag suspension in favor of a custom front end equipped with coil-overs and a precision rack.
The rear of Memphis Hell boasts a unique setup, featuring a WRX STI rear cradle housing a Toyota 86 independent rear end. Aaron’s decision to switch to an LS engine was motivated by the efficiency and power of his peers’ LS-powered vehicles, leading to a turbocharged LS conversion. The turbo selection prioritizes responsiveness and complements the six-speed manual transmission.
Carbon fiber components, inspired by GT3 aesthetics and Aaron’s boat building expertise, add a touch of sophistication to the truck. The ongoing build has attracted attention from leading aftermarket brands, with Haltech, Car Builders, Rotiform wheels, Falken Tyres, and Oxytech Powder Coatings among the supporters of this iconic street machine’s latest iteration.
Aaron’s vision for Memphis Hell includes composite materials to reduce weight, along with a planned tub design pending engineering approval. The build’s progress signifies a blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and performance-driven modifications that aim to elevate the Chev’s racing capabilities in the Australian pro touring scene.
As the Chev pick-up undergoes its racing transformation, Aaron’s dedication to pushing boundaries and redefining street machine aesthetics underscores a passion for automotive excellence and a commitment to showcasing the evolution of custom builds in the Australian automotive landscape.