Rat Fink’s Zombie Nightmare: The Volvo Hemizon

In the world of automotive enthusiasts, gasser cars hold a special place. They exude a unique style and power that captivates the hearts of many. However, the Volvo Hemizon, featured in Rat Fink’s Zombie Nightmare, challenges conventional expectations. While not a true gasser, it embraces the spirit and style of these iconic vehicles, creating a jaw-dropping spectacle that demands attention.

At first glance, the Volvo Hemizon is a bewildering sight. With its jacked-up front end, wide rear tires, and imposing front intake, it exudes a hunger for the road. It’s an intimidating contraption that blurs the line between a Volvo and a Chrysler Hemi-powered beast. But what exactly is it?

Dubbed the Hemizon, this extraordinary creation was born out of a desire to go wild. Its massive Hoosier stock car slicks leave no doubt about its purpose—burnouts. Function takes precedence over form in Scandinavian builds, and the Hemizon’s wheel fitment is a testament to this philosophy. In fact, the bodyshell almost seems secondary to the rolling chassis, but appearances can be deceiving.

Every aspect of the Hemizon was an afterthought to its engine. The heart and soul of this car deserve special attention. However, before diving into the engine, let’s explore the origins of this stunning shell.

Henrik Larsson, the owner and builder of this remarkable car, has always been fascinated by all things metal. As the owner of Larsson Customizing, he has an affinity for Pro Street Cars and hot rods. However, his open-mindedness led him to embrace gasser cars in collaboration with Emanuel Sandél, a member of his team. The result is a hybrid creation that pushes the boundaries of tuning styles.

The Hemizon is not just crazy—it’s also breathtaking. It almost didn’t exist because it was salvaged from a junkyard, moments away from being crushed. “There was no trunk, no fenders, seats, windows, or any of the parts that made it a car. Just a shell,” Henrik recalls. But the shell was revived, resurrecting the Hemizon as a zombie among gassers.

Weight reduction is a key element in gasser cars for achieving fast quarter-mile times. Fiberglass body panels and plexiglass windows contribute to shedding unnecessary weight. Henrik humorously admits that the green hue of the lightweight glass can induce nausea and disorientation after spending prolonged periods in the interior. The Hemizon’s innards are as radical as its exterior, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

The exterior of the Hemizon is as imposing as its performance. Four exhaust pipes protrude from the wings, hinting at the serious bark of its engine. Taking a step back and surveying the vehicle reveals the sheer magnitude of its power plant—a sight that commands respect

Enter the centerpiece of the Hemizon: a 331 cubic inch Chrysler V8 Hemi motor from 1954. While considered small in size, its impact is anything but diminutive. Henrik acquired the engine from a customer who was removing it from a race car. At the time, he had no idea what vehicle it would find its home in, but the captivating sound it produced compelled him to make it a part of the Hemizon. And who could argue with such a perfect reason?

For a while, the 331 Hemi sat on a stand, waiting patiently in the corner of Larsson Customizing. However, it was destined for greatness. Finally, the Hemizon provided the perfect canvas for this beastly engine to roar to life and create a symphony of power and speed.

Rat Fink’s Zombie Nightmare introduced us to the extraordinary world of the Volvo Hemizon. A fusion of gasser influences and Scandinavian innovation, this car defies expectations and leaves an indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to witness its raw power and striking aesthetics. Whether you’re a lover or a hater, the Hemizon is impossible to ignore—it embodies the spirit of automotive artistry and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of custom builds.