Modern-Vintage Chevy Suburban

Roseville Rod and Custom Builds a One-of-a-Kind 1940 Chevrolet Carryall

By Rob Fortier   –   Photography by Tim Sutton

While General Motors/Chevrolet did not originally coin the model name, the Chevrolet Suburban just happens to be the longest-running vehicle model in American history. Since 1934 Chevrolet has produced some form or another of its famous and most-profitable model, originally dubbed the Suburban Carryall, which is now in its 12th generation since its inception just shy of a century ago.

- Advertisement -

03 drip rails giving the Suburban Carryall a much sleeker profile

Read More: Behind the Scenes At L&S Customs

It takes a special kind of person to be a true Suburban lover, especially with the earlier models. For one, there’s that parts-non-interchangeability aspect (from the cowl back at least), but mostly it’s the fact that the first half-dozen generations of Suburbans are extremely rare in comparison to their model brethren light-duty pickups.

- Advertisement -

05 The chrome accent compliment the Ghost gray on the Chevy Carryall

Though he’s gained some acclaim in the recent past with a few rather noteworthy mid-’30s Ford and Chevy passenger cars (one of which, his ’36 Ford, picked up Goodguys Hot Rod of the Year honors back in 2019), Montana’s Amedeo Angelo claims he’s also been about that Suburban life for, well, as long as he’s been able to drive.

06 The Chevy Suburban has a nice lowered stance

“Chevrolet Suburbans have been my preferred family vehicle throughout my entire adult life. As originally constructed they were a very utilitarian vehicle that began a gradual evolution into the very luxurious family transport of today. My personal attachment to the brand led me to envision a very early model of the mark, and the equipment, technology, and level of detail I would want in one built especially for me. I was able to achieve that by collaborating with Roseville Rod and Custom to combine modern technology with an 80-year-old look and feel; my father’s Suburban experience combined with my own.

- Advertisement -

08 Classic Instruments Custom Shop was commissioned to give new modern internal life to the stock gauge cluster

Read More: A 1957 Chevy Cameo Built With Style, Grace, and a Supercharged LS3

“The practical development of my vision began with discussions between myself and Ben York, the owner of Roseville Rod and Custom. York had previously helped me with the construction of a ’36 Ford coupe that became the 2019 Goodguys Hot Rod of the Year. He and his talented staff devoted the same skills toward the build of my ’40 Suburban. It started after a three-year search produced a rusty example in Colorado in 2015; actual construction began in 2016 when a Roadster Shop chassis was ordered … at that point I began to envision the equipment, technology, and details I wanted to include.”

19 chrome plated tail lights

That technology and equipment Amedeo refers to includes a rather stout 6.2L Chevy LT crate engine equipped with the most unique Autotrend EFI atop a custom intake by Roseville and Foundry Works (Roseville also custom-fabbed the individual oil bath reminiscent air cleaners) flanked by a pair of EVOD one-off valve covers (the 18-inch billet wheels are machined by EVOD Industries as well). On the inside, Roseville again took design elements to the next level, incorporating African zebrawood into the flooring and headliner with wool, chrome, and leather accents (upholstery was done in-house by Mel Silva—you’d be hard pressed to find a late-model Suburban with stitching so nice!). Classic Instruments’ Custom Shop was commissioned to give new “modern-internal” life to the stock gauge cluster, while a vintage Frigette under dash AC unit was recommissioned for use.

20 a custom intake by Roseville and Foundry Works sits on top of the LT engine

While the exterior may appear “factory as-was” to some, there’s actually a considerable amount of work done beneath that PPG ’40 Nash Ghost Gray. First and definitely foremost, the high-crown roof was pancaked an inch above the (now-custom-made) drip rails, giving the Suburban Carryall a much sleeker profile, while the body line around the rear windows was given a new shape. Additionally, custom roll pans and gravel pans were fabricated, as was a “three”-piece hood. Stripping by Dillon Proctor (Cline’s Lines) ties in the EVOD milk truck–flavored wheels shod with caps reminiscent of the ‘41 Chevy Special Deluxe steering wheel used inside.

12 The African zebrawood covers the roof as well

Read More: 2023 GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW

Since Roseville completed the Suburban, Amedeo has been anything but shy with showing it off: so far, following its debut at the 2022 Grand National Roadster Show (where it competed proudly in the Slonaker Award building), the Chevy’s made appearances at Goodguys Lone Star Nationals in Texas, as well as their events in Scottsdale and Pleasanton!

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

Search Our Site

More Classic Truck Performance

C10 SLO Down 2022 Truck Show

CALIFORNIA’S Classic C10 Scene By Fuelish Media As the C10 scene...

31st Annual Cruisin’ Ocean City 2022

Classic Trucks Take Over Roland E Powell Convention Center By...

THE 73RD GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW, PART 2

Keep On Truckin’: 50 Years of Classic Haulers Is...

2023 GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW

LMC Truck Keep On Truckin’: 50 Years of Classic...

Timeless Truck: LS Swapped 1968 Chevy C10

Building New Memories for the Next Generation of Classic...

22nd Annual NAPA Auto Parts’ Syracuse Nationals 2022

Classic Truck Takeover at New York State Fairgrounds By Chuck...
More Classic Truck Performance

A 1955 Chevy Cameo That’s Sweeter Than Candy!

 “Cotton Candy” from Farm Truck to Showtruck! Daryle’s  Sweet...

Everything You Need To Know About Radiator Fans

Radiator Fans Keeping Your Classic Truck Cool By Ron Ceridono ...

A Family Affair–1948 Chevy 3100

Rocket’s Hot Rod Garage Restores Grandpa's Old 1948 Chevy...

Is It Better To Repair Or Replace A Fender?

2nd series 1955 Chevy Truck Part 1: A Time-is-Money...

Once a Daily-Driven Longbed Truck, This Shortbed 1966 C10 Has a New Life!

Affectionately known as “Buford,” This 1966 C10 owned by...

Stylish Styleside

This F100 is a Prize—in More Ways Than One By...