Brutal 1966 Chevy C-10 ‘Nosferatu’ Is Up for Auction at Bonhams Cars

This one-of-a-kind beast started life as a humble 1966 Chevy C-10 pickup before undergoing a radical transformation that turned it into a fire-breathing monster. Over the years, it passed through the hands of some of the most skilled custom builders in the industry, culminating in a creation that looks straight out of a post-apocalyptic nightmare. Now, this heavily modified machine, famously known as ‘Nosferatu’ is up for auction at Bonhams Cars.

A Journey Through Customization

The metamorphosis began when Jim Hall of Iron Customs in Indiana took the original Chevy C-10 and began reshaping it into something far more aggressive. He chopped the body and laid the groundwork for its extreme new look before passing it on to the next builder.

Brian Davis, a renowned LA-based hot rod specialist. Davis brought the project to around 80% completion, adding performance enhancements and refining its monstrous aesthetic. But the final touches fell into the hands of none other than Bodie Stroud of BS Industries, a legend in the custom car world whose work has been featured on Jay Leno’s Garage and has attracted celebrity clients like Johnny Depp. Stroud and his team completed the build, fine-tuning the steering, brakes, and fuel system, along with countless other crucial details.

When finished, the vehicle took on its menacing alter ego: ‘Nosferatu.’

In early 2016, this monstrous machine caught the attention of Patrick Buckland, co-founder and CEO of Stainless Games Ltd. Buckland, best known as the mastermind behind Carmageddon, saw ‘Nosferatu’ as the perfect promotional tool for the 2016 launch of Carmageddon: Max Damage.

Wrapped in an aggressive livery inspired by the infamous video game, the car became an instant attention-grabber. It made its rounds at major video game expos in the U.S. before making its way to the UK, where it turned heads at promotional events, including an appearance at Goodwood. Astonishingly, despite its extreme looks, the car was fully road legal in the U.S., with documented proof of Buckland’s wife navigating it through LA traffic—a feat that surely deserves some sort of automotive bravery award.

Beneath its sinister exterior, ‘Nosferatu’ is powered by a mammoth 7.4-liter 454 Chevy Big Block engine. With an Edelbrock Performer RPM camshaft, intake manifold, and 750cfm carburetor, this beast is built for unrelenting power. A Turbo 350 transmission sends that monstrous torque to the rear wheels, while a Pontiac 12-bolt rear end from a 1979 Grand Am helps put the power down.

And then there’s the exhaust. The upturned ‘Glasspack Zoomies’ create an absolutely deafening symphony of roars, pops, and explosions, capable of sending small animals scattering. Legend has it, a stray sausage was launched from the exhaust at Goodwood and may still be orbiting Jupiter.

Exterior & Interior – A Purpose-Built Beast

The bodywork is entirely custom, with an all-over Carmageddon wrap that can be removed or replaced if desired. The front-mounted blades are easily detachable with a few screws, should you want to tone down the Mad Max aesthetic. The massive rear tires provide an imposing stance, and the fuel tank and battery are accessed through a roof hatch, adding to its unconventional design.

Inside, the cockpit is raw and functional, featuring a removable steering wheel for easier access. The bucket seats are snug but comfortable, and the heavy-duty Hurst gear lever and switchgear give off an industrial, race-ready vibe. The dashboard is equipped with a full set of gauges, and the startup process is straightforward just remember to use full choke, or you’ll be cranking it for a while.

A Unique Opportunity at Bonhams Cars

This incredible machine has been in storage for several years and was purchased by Buckland in 2021 with the intention of making it road legal in the UK. However, that plan never materialized, and now, due to its sheer size and presence, it’s being offered for sale.

Currently up for auction at Bonhams Cars, ‘Nosferatu’ presents an exceptional opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether you want to keep it as a showpiece, take it to events, or explore ways to make it street-legal, this is a one-of-a-kind vehicle that guarantees attention wherever it goes.

With an estimated auction range between £10,000 - £50,000, this could be your chance to own one of the wildest custom builds ever created.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a vehicle that stands out in any crowd whether it’s a car show, a video game convention, or just parked at your local supermarket this is it. ‘Nosferatu’ isn’t just a car; it’s an experience, a statement, and a legend in its own right.

The question is, are you brave enough to take the wheel? Let us know in the comments down below.