Richard Rawlings Collaborates on Custom Build with System X

System X, a leading innovator in automotive protection technology, partnered with Richard Rawlings, founder of the iconic Gas Monkey Garage, on the 1970 Synister Chevelle that was unveiled at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This is the first year they’ve partnered on a full custom build for SEMA.

Built by Rawlings and his team at Gas Monkey Garage in Dallas, Texas, the 1970 Chevelle was completely stripped down and customized using SpeedTech Performance chassis and QA1 suspension, Magnuson Superchargers, HRE Wheels and Wildwood Disc Brakes.  On the exterior is a one-off custom Titans of CNC grill and headlight bezels in the front, and one-off CNC MagnaFlow rear exhaust tips.  Fesler Flush Mount Glass was used with the widebody as a brand new rear quarter was supplied by Auto Metal Direct.

Inside the Chevelle is a fully custom DTS Interior with Sparco limited edition, carbon fiber seats, a full Audison Thesis audio system and System X LVP and Textile coating. For power under the hood, Wizard Cooling keeps the 1,200 horsepower LME 427 LT4 with 2.7 Magnuson Supercharger going into the Ultimate Headers and 3” MagnaFlow stainless exhaust.

Lastly, Axalta Coating Systems and Cromax XP was applied for the deep black finish, along with System X Max G Plus, Wheel Plus and Glass Plus. The vehicle was also paint corrected using the new correction system, System X Correct Heavy Cut and then Fine Polish.

The Synister Chevelle is on display in the System X booth (#52211) at SEMA this week. A short YouTube series chronicles the entire build process. Currently posted are the first three episodes, with the series finale dropping Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. CT. It will highlight the finishing touches to the car and live action from SEMA. See them all on the Gas Monkey Garage YouTube Channel.

About System X

System X coatings are liquid nano-ceramic formulas that bond to a surface – most commonly paint, metal, glass, gelcoat, plastic, and fabric – creating a durable, semi-permanent protective layer. Once cured, they offer long-term surface protection, extreme chemical resistance, high gloss, UV protection, corrosion resistance and hydrophobic (water-repelling) performance. Think of it like adding a thin, invisible shield that protects surfaces far better than wax or sealant. System X is managed and packaged 100% in the USA.

About Richard Rawlings

Richard Rawlings founded Gas Monkey Garage in Dallas, Texas in 2004. In 2012, he starred in the Discovery Channel’s reality television series Fast N' Loud.  With his swagger and charisma backed by years of experience and passion for restoring and customizing classic and hot-rod cars, Rawlings and Gas Monkey Garage became a global sensation. Based on that success, he was named creative director and executive producer of additional television series including Misfit Garage, Garage Rehab, Demolition Theatre, and Shop Class. Even though he left the Discovery Channel in 2020 to pursue independent projects that afforded more creative freedom, Fast N’ Loud remains on air and is still one of the channel’s most popular shows.

Over the years, Gas Monkey Garage has partnered with many brands, including Dodge, Garage Beer, Dickies, Gorilla Pro, as well as NASCAR, and several NHRA drag racing teams. Gas Monkey Garage regularly produces episodes featuring automotive projects, on-the-road adventures, and new business endeavors each week on its YouTube channel and social media platforms. Additionally, Rawlings owns a global apparel brand, a line of food and beverages and two restaurants – Gas Monkey Sturgis in South Dakota and Gas Monkey Icehouse in Dallas. Everything Rawlings pursues is a testament to his bold personality and passion.