Building a hot rod takes a long time. This one, for example, took over 5,000 man-hours of work over the course of a staggering nine and a half years. But if you don't have that kind of time or patience, you can buy it at auction next month at the Arizona Biltmore. What you're looking at is a 1938 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe that has been extensively modified, to say the least, both aesthetically and mechanically to transform an Art Deco-era classic into a 400-horsepower super-rod.

Starting under the hood, this Zephyr has been fitted with the 405hp 5.7-liter LS6 V8 from a Corvette Z06, mated to a four-speed automatic (also from a Vette) controlled via pushbuttons - sacrilege to fit a GM engine to a Ford product, we know, but the results speak for themselves. The engine has been further enhanced with new pulleys, alternator, exhaust and fuel tank and chrome-plated cam covers that bare the Zephyr name (so you can't really tell it's packing Chevy power). The chassis has also been thoroughly upgraded with a computerized air-ride suspension and cross-drilled and ventilated disc brakes with Wilwood four-piston calipers at each corner.

The bodywork is what sets this car apart, though. Rather than the fiberglass bodies fitted to many hot rods, this one is all steel. It's been sprayed in color-shifting holographic paint that changes from purple to cinnamon to gold and burgundy according to the angle and light. The roof has also been chopped by eight inches and fitted with suicide doors. The cabin was completely redone by Paul Atkins Custom Interiors with beige leather, cast aluminum and chrome trim and a six-speaker Alpine stereo with a removable iPad. As a result of all these extensive modifications, RM Auctions anticipates it will sell for upwards of $200,000. Photos by Erik Fuller courtesy of RM Auctions.