Vehicle Description
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!