News clip, Syracuse Post Standard, Sunday Automobile section

With all the hoopla surrounding NASCAR these days, is it any wonder that somebody is building NASCAR look-alike cars?

Before dismissing the idea, know that Jeff Lyman's DuPont Chevrolet is not a replica. It began life as a 2000 Busch series race car . It was raced for one year and retired.

Lyman, owner of Jeffrey's Auto Body, in North Syracuse, was able to get his hands on it through his business relationship with a race team. Lyman uses DuPont products exclusively in his shop.

And because of the Dupont relationship, it was normal for Lyman to build a replica of Jeff Gordon's car. DuPont is the title sponsor of Gordon's Chevy.

Lyman bought the car as a rolling chassis, meaning it was stripped of the race engine and drive line. It also didn't have opening doors. Those were added by Lyman's crew.

Today, the car has been driven on the road over 1,000 miles logged.

To get it to that point, Lyman's shop installed a GM ZZ4 small block, and beafed it up to 500 horsepower , The GMZZ4 comes with a 12,000 mile warranty. His shop warranties the body and chassis.

The doors were converted so they open and close, plus they're remote operated.

The car has a glass windshield, and a complete gauge set was installed. The exhaust system is electronic, meaning the driver can choose to have it quiet or NASCAR noisy with the flip of a switch.

Lyman bought a decal kit from a NASCAR supplier so the Monte Carlo is lettered similar to Duponts 24 car as it appears on the race track.

To get the paint job right, including Gordon's signature flame job on the hood, took the people in Lyman's body shop 38 hours of prep and painting.

Lyman said the DuPont Chevy has generated a lot of interest at shows and charity events, so much so that he's decided to build more NASCAR style streetable racers.

Lyman knows that not every NASCAR fan supports Jeff Gordon, so he's prepared to build other's.

Lyman said he believes there are companies in the area that would like to have a NASCAR racer to help promote business, and he knows there are many well-heeled individuals who won't flinch at the opening price.

Oh yeah, it's around $96,000, but like they say, with options the price can get as high as $120,000.

No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet

Owner: Jeff Lyman
Business: Jeffrey's Auto Body, North Syracuse & Jeffreys Custom Conversions
Cost: $96,000 to $120,000
Engine: GM ZZ4 small block, 350-cubic-inch., 355 to 500 hp V-8

ON PHOTO