Vehicle Description
Like fashion, the collector car market is cyclical. But, like
fashion staples, there are some cars that never go out of style.
For instance, you just can't go wrong with a comfortable pair of
jeans. And likewise, you'll always be admired when you pull up in a
slick tri-five Chevy. Back in 1955, at a division that was
struggling to make its car relevant to American youth, no one would
have guessed that 63 years later we'd be regarding clean Bel Air
resto-mods in the same way we admire timeless stalwarts like V8
Mercs and '32 Fords. But alas, great design endures. And when great
design is mixed with modern technology, it's a sure-fire bet for
success! Featuring an impressive roster of components, a custom
2-tone interior and a massaged Chevrolet small block, this
spectacular Bel Air was built to provide a lifetime of memories.
And if you've been searching for a striking Chevy showpiece, but
want something that's a heck of a lot more fun than a stuffy
restored-to-original car, it's a do-anything cruiser that simply
can't be beat!
APPEARANCE/BUILD
Taken off its native North Carolina roads sometime in the
mid-1980s, this slick Chevy spent the next 20 years passing through
the hands of hopeful restorers who just couldn't get the project
funded. Circa 2007, the car met its current owner: an enthusiast
who runs his own shop. And in 2014, it rolled out of a body-off,
rotisserie restoration that mixed classic MoTown aesthetics with
modern mechanical prowess. During that extensive reboot, every
piece of this Chevy's mostly-original body was scrutinized and
adjusted until it was as close to perfect as it could get. Once
those panels were solid and properly fitted, glossy Harbor Blue
2-stage was complemented with creamy Nassau Blue 2-stage. And the
result is one striking Bel Air that displays better-than-factory
fit under a spectacular, head-turning finish!
As a collector car enthusiast, you really can't go wrong with any
'50s Chevy. But many folks cherish the streamlined swagger of the
division's '56 model. At the front of this five-six, a polished
grille hangs crystal clear parking lamps between chrome-trimmed
headlights and a polished and guarded bumper. At the top of that
grille, a rolled hood centers a polished Jetbird between an ornate
crest, a requisite "V" and tinted glass that's draped in polished
frames. At the base of those frames, polished wipers and a factory
mirror reflect traditional door handles, flashy trim spears and
traditional Bel Air emblems. And at the back of the car, a second
polished and guarded bumper frames crisp taillights, a second "V"
and an ornate trunk crest.
POWER
Check this Chevrolet's Satin Black engine bay and you'll find 350
cubic inches of hot small block that mixes great sounds with clean
aesthetics. At the top of that 4-bolt mill, a finned air cleaner
funnels breeze through a coated Holley carburetor that's wired to
polished fuel lines and a small pressure gauge. Beneath that carb,
a lightweight Edelbrock intake plants a GM distributor behind
finned valve covers and a polished breather. That distributor
sequences spark between spry MSD 6ALN ignition, a chrome Pertronix
Flame-Thrower coil and premium Belden plug wires. Those wires fire
a .030 overbore, which cages forged TRW pistons that push a
balanced rotating assembly. That assembly, complemented by a
hydraulic cam and hydraulic lifters, fills coated long-tube
headers. In front of those tubes, fresh V-belts spin a billet fan
pulley between a polished alternator and a polished AC compressor.
In front of those ancillaries, a stainless-trimmed radiator fills a
Trend expansion tank while being monitored by a small temperature
gauge. And best of all, the reliable, fully rebuilt engine delivers
roughly 350 horsepower!
POWER MANAGEMENT
Under the car, a straight chassis reflects clean, Satin Black
paint. The trusty 350 powers a strengthened 700R4 4-speed that's
finished with high performance servos. Behind that proven
transmission, a 9-inch Ford axle spins a posi-traction differential
around stout, 3.25 gears. That drivetrain rides a factory
suspension, which is led by CPP quick-ratio power steering.
Power-assisted stops are provided by GM calipers, which clamp a
combination of vented, drilled and slotted rotors. A Mandrel-bent
exhaust system cages an X-shaped crossover, polished Magnaflow
mufflers and polished stainless tips. Power meets the pavement
through U.S Mags Ramblers, which spin 225/55R17 Falken Ziex in
front of 245/45R20 Falken Ziex. And everything, from this Chevy's
stainless fuel tank to its polished transmission pan, appears free
of significant weathering.
COMFORT
Not to be outdone by the car's striking paint, this Bel Air's
custom interior is a soothing study in shades of blue. At the front
of the cockpit, an ornate dash frames factory telemetry above
Vintage Air conditioning, Custom Autosound audio and Auto Meter
Sport-Comp accessory gauges. Under that dash, a sea of blue carpet
floats Chevy themed floor mats between metal foot pedals and plush
bench seats. At the sides of those seats, body-matched window
frames bridge the gap between 2-tone door panels and a tight
headliner. The driver traces the road through a familiar Corvette
steering wheel, which laps modern Cruise Control. And the
passengers store essentials in a carpeted trunk.
VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
A photo of the car taken prior to its restoration
Component literature
The car's NSRA Vehicle Safety Inspection sheets
The Bel Air is an American icon, and this crisp Chevy puts a highly
unique spin on familiar lust. What's better: the car's workmanship
is outstanding, providing an active enthusiast with a cool cruiser
for much cheaper than any ground-up build. If you're looking for a
fully-sorted classic that's comfortable, fulfilling and
aesthetically exhilarating, this polished tri-five is your hot
ticket!
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a body-off, rotisserie restoration
350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
Modern air conditioning
Custom vinyl interior / Cruise Control / Modern audio
CPP quick-ratio power steering
4-wheel power disc brakes
Ford 9-inch rear axle / Posi-traction differential / 3.25 gears
Mostly-original sheetmetal / Era-correct Harbor Blue and Nassau
Blue paint
17 and 20-inch U.S. Mags Rambler wheels
