The Cheetah Evolution Coupe by Ruth Engineering takes the best elements of the original Bill Thomas design and further refines them with the use of modern technology and components. The essence of the original Cheetah Coupe is still very much intact - the long hood and impossibly short rear deck, dictated by the big Chevrolet V-8 engine sitting almost squarely in the middle of the chassis, with the driver sitting nearly between the rear wheel wells. There's hardly been a car like it before or since.

Ruth Engineering, a well-respected name in the component car industry, has taken the Cheetah concept and evolved it in to this awesome machine. The 1.5-inch tubular steel chassis features an integrated rollcage. It is placed in a jig and squared before being MIG/TIG welded to make a strong, lightweight chassis. Once welded, chassis #0006, was been professionally prepped and painted satin black to prevent corrosion and provide a hard-wearing and good-looking surface.

As you look around #0006, you clearly see it has been meticulously built by an experienced fabricator to a very high standard. Perhaps the most striking aspect of this Cheetah is the outstanding finish quality. This car was professionally prepared and painted to a concours standard. The paint is mirror smooth, with no signs of body work or orange peel. The color is 2008 GMC Victory Red and suits the wild Cheetah lines perfectly. Staggered 17- and 18-inch wheels from a Corvette bring the classic design into the 21st century. It is breathtaking car to see in person.

Suspension components from a 1996 Corvette have been polished and carefully fitted to provide the best handling. Front upper and lower control arms support Corvette hubs and brakes and feature adjustable QA1 coil-over shocks. The rear suspension features a full Corvette arrangement with a 3.73:1 Posi-traction differential, QA1 coil-overs and Corvette brakes. Under the big clamshell hood lies a 290-hp GM Performance four-bolt main small-block. A stout Muncie four-speed gearbox backs it up. With only 2,200 pounds to move around, performance is thrilling to say the least.

Thanks to the light weight, the car can run a mild cam and modern distributor, making for excellent drivability and easy running at low speeds. It runs cool and starts easily so you can truly get out and enjoy this car in all sorts of conditions. Out on the road the Cheetah has excellent manners. The handling is balanced with a great ride control. Noise levels are comfortable, but you still get plenty of V-8 roar when you want it. Visibility is excellent and it is fully equipped and road-legal, with all necessary lights, signals and wipers.

This impressive spec sheet adds up to a truly unique and outrageous car that is far greater than the sum of its parts. It will be sold on a title with a Pennsylvania assigned component-VIN number. It has covered only a handful of miles for shakedown and testing purposes, and is now ready to be fully enjoyed.