This 1955 Chevy Bel Air is a textbook example of how to do it right. Preserving all that's great about the original design, but upgrading it with a smart-running small block, a 5-speed gearbox, a whole bunch of comfort and convenience options, and a traditional interior that blends it all together seamlessly. For guys who like to drive their cars, few are better than this.
The 1955 Chevy was such a game-changing machine, and is so beloved by enthusiasts today that radical modifications are almost never a good idea. The car just stands on its own as an icon, and the smart thing to do, as in this case, is to simply make it as clean as possible add your own custom touches under the skin. Basic black is both elegant and a little intimidating on the '55 Bel Air, and it's quite nicely done with two-stage urethane paint that really highlights all the Bel Air's details. They resisted the urge to shave or modify anything, so the basic shape and OEM trim speaks for itself. The workmanship is excellent, with good panel gaps and a ton of work that went into getting everything laser-straight before the paint went on. There are a few signs of use, sure, but this car has the right look. All the chrome and stainless trim remains in excellent shape and the car wears California-style 1-piece bumpers that make it look extra clean. Is it any wonder that fans consider the '55s the cleanest of the tri-five Chevys?
The interior sticks to the factory recipe as well, using patterned cloth and vinyl on the original bench seats to create a bright, airy passenger compartment. Experts will quickly spot the small upgrades like the smaller-diameter steering wheel, tilt steering column, and A/C system tucked under the dash, but they obviously worked to keep it low-key. Original gauges are joined by a trio of auxiliary dials under the dash and a modern AM/FM/cassette head unit slots neatly into the original radio's place. And yes, that's a Hurst shifter on the floor, connected to a 5-speed manual transmission that makes driving a genuine pleasure. Finish quality is quite good, although the car has obviously been driven so there's a bit of wear in the driver's seat. On the other hand, you have a back seat for your friends and a giant trunk that'll carry everything you need for a nice, long road trip.
Tons of chrome on a 350 cubic inch crate motor means that you'll never hesitate to open the hood at shows. Built to run and finished to a very high level, everything under the hood has been either plated or polished and the detailing is quite well done. Extra attention was paid to the routing of plumbing and wiring, so it's very tidy in there and the gloss black inner fenders make a great background for all that sparkling metal. Given how awesome it looks, it would be easy to overlook how well it runs, which comes complements of an Edelbrock intake and carburetor, center-bolt heads, MSD ignition, and a set of long-tube headers dumping into mellow-sounding mufflers. That Tremec 5-speed means this Chevy is entertaining to drive just about anywhere, and the suspension is augmented with fat sway bars to keep it nailed down in the corners. Traditional Torque Thrust wheels look great and carry 235/55/17 Pirelli radials.
A beautiful Chevy that has been fully sorted and detailed into the ultimate show and go machine. Call today!