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 proven technology, it's a sure-fire bet for
success! Mixing timeless aesthetics with a spry Chevrolet small
block and a massaged 700R4 4-speed, 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!
CLASSIC GOOD LOOKS
The subject of detailed, high quality restoration, this awesome
double nickel is definitely built for keeps! From casual glances to
long looks, the car exudes a sense of quality that comes from
countless hours of work and serious credit card bills. With
straight panels and impressive panel fitment, its body uses a
classic combination Gypsy Red and Shoreline Beige 2-stage to set
the standard for what to expect from the rest of the build. And
overall, this slick resto-mod is right at home turning heads on the
road OR logging points at a show. Details begin with a polished
bumper, which props a polished guard in front of a polished grille,
clear parking lamps and bright halogen headlights. At the top of
that grille, a Chevrolet-branded hood centers a correct Jetbird in
front of tinted glass, polished wipers and polished frames. At the
base of that glass, a silky profile centers stainless speed spears
and classy Bel Air emblems between polished mirrors, polished
rocker guards, guarded door handles and a guarded fuel filler. And
at the back of that profile, a second guarded bumper splits the
difference between Pilot exhaust tips, a requisite trunk crest and
LED taillights that shade small Chevrolet emblems.
CHEVROLET POWER
Pop the hood and you'll find 350 cubic inches of reliable Chevrolet
small block. Revs are created when a polished air cleaner floats
wind in to an Edelbrock Performer EPS intake, by way of a coated
Edelbrock carburetor. At the perimeter of that intake, polished
Chevrolet valve covers hang a polished breather over Comp roller
lifters and a Comp roller cam. That cam breathes through coated
shorty headers. Behind those tubes, Delco-Remy HEI fires loomed
Taylor plug wires. At the front of those looms, chrome pulleys spin
a polished water pump behind a polished AC compressor and a
polished alternator. At the front of those ancillaries, a beefy
Griffin radiator plays well with two electric puller fans. And,
despite being a thoroughly massaged piece, the Chevy Orange mill
looks right at home in the car's spotless, Satin Black engine
compartment.
A CLASSIC YOU CAN CRUISE
Under the car, a straight chassis reflects clean, Satin Black
paint. The trusty 350 powers a smooth 700R4 4-speed that's built
with a swift Shift Kit. That gearbox leads a proven 12-bolt axle,
which spins a posi-traction differential around stout, 3.30 gears.
That sorted drivetrain rides an upgraded suspension, which follows
tubular control arms with Monroe Monro-Matic shocks. Turns come
courtesy of a power-assisted CPP gearbox. Stops are provided by two
power-assisted discs and two power-assisted drums. Aluminumized
exhaust cages an H-shaped crossover in front of throaty turbo
mufflers. And power meets the pavement through traditional
Chevrolet Rally Wheels, which spin 215/65R15 BF Goodrich Touring
T/As around polished spinners.
CRUISE IN COMFORT
Not to be outdone by the car's head-turning paint, this Bel Air's
convertible-spec interior is a soothing study in shades of
contrast. At the front of the cockpit, a dual-cowl dash stretches
bowtie-stamped stainless around modern audio and factory telemetry.
Below those vitals, Vintage Air sliders migrate toward Auto Meter
accessory gauges and an XM satellite receiver. All passengers enjoy
plush bench seating while front passengers enjoy 3-point safety
harnesses. And the driver cuts the boulevard through an undersized
steering wheel and a modern, tilting column.
The Bel Air is an American icon, and this crisp Chevy puts a fresh
spin on familiar lust. What's better: the car's workmanship is
excellent, 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 striking, this cool tri-five is your hot ticket!
HIGHLIGHTS
The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
700R4 4-speed automatic transmission / Shift Kit
12-bolt posi / 3.30 gears
Modern air conditioning
Power steering
Power front disc and rear drum brakes
Upgraded suspension
Convertible-spec interior / Modern audio
Chevrolet Rally Wheels
Gypsy Red and Shoreline Beige paint
