Big and burly, we were surprised to see this beauty skid around the autocross with such grace. Posted on Engine Swap Depot, we stumbled across this speedy 1953 Buick Special that is full of raw attitude when the pedal hits the metal.

Owned by Todd Holdren, this 1953 Buick Special rests on an Art Morrison chassis and a RideTech suspension system that enables the Special to be so graceful. Under the hood sits a powerful General Motors L99 6.2 liter V8 motor.

Power meets the pavement with its GM 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission. To remind you, the 6L80 transmission was introduced by GM in 2005, with the 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission being its successor in 2014.

As for the engine, the L99 V8 under the hood of Holdren’s Special is rated at 400 horsepower and 410 lb./ft. torque. Not including other modifications and upgrades Holdren has included, that’s plenty of power for a 50s classic car.

Looking quite capable, we are sure this Special can accomplish both being fast and loud as well as low and slow. This Buick Special truly accentuates the Special in its name in that this is truly a unique build that shouldn’t go unnoticed.

It’s tucked wheel setup, untarnished chrome, and immaculate two-tone paint scheme make this baby so very classy. However, to be classy and fast puts this Buick Special in a league of its own.

What are your thoughts on this track-ready Buick Special? Would you go about this project any different if this car was yours?