Vehicle Description
We sell a whole lot of Tri-Five Chevys like this gorgeous 1955
Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop. Why? Because their classic looks never
go out of style, they're easy to modify, and typically run and
drive like modern cars, just like this one does. Plus, there's the
fact that a lot of folks grew up with fond memories of cars from
the '50s. In fact, if we had to name the perfect hobby car, it
might be something just like this white-over-turquoise hardtop.
Chevy's familiar two-tone paint schemes never go out of style,
especially timeless combinations like the India Ivory over Regal
Turquoise finish that adorns this beautiful hardtop, which is a
testament to the quality of Chevy's Tri-5 design. This car was
treated to some high-quality work during its rejuvenation, but it
respected the original design, so nothing radical happened to it
other than the color change from the factory beige over green. That
means no chopping, no cutting, no shaving, but plenty of attention
paid to things like gaps and finish quality. Perfect it is not, but
it is borderline show car worthy save a few very minor
imperfections, and when you look at other hardtops at this price
point, you'll quickly appreciate how fantastic this car really is.
The doors fit great, the line around the trunk lid is even, and the
brightly polished stainless side trim between the doors and quarter
panels fits so exactly that it looks like one single piece. Getting
a car to look like this also requires a sizable commitment to the
chrome shop, and all the brightwork is in exceptional shape,
particularly the big bright bumpers found fore and aft, further
punctuated by shiny bumper guards at each end.
The interior was given a freshening at the time of restoration as
well, working hard to look period-correct with a few custom
touches, and it is so much the better for it. Comfortable and
matching white and turquoise upholstery is right at home in the
totally revamped '55 Bel Air interior, and the leather bench seats
are firm yet comfortable, even after several hours of cruising. The
expert handiwork shows in the matching door panels, taut headliner,
and neatly trimmed carpets which have the correct loop pile for a
stylish Bel Air. Original gauges are still in place, augmented by
several auxiliary units below the dash, and the original bezel is
framed by a beautiful wood-rimmed Grant steering wheel set atop a
chrome Ididit tilt steering column, adding a touch of further class
to the already sophisticated interior. There's a T-handle Hurst
shifter that manages the TH400 automatic transmission below, the
entire dash has been wrapped in turquoise upholstery, and a
retro-style AM/FM radio provides the entertainment. Out back, the
neatly finished trunk offers a finished look, including a carpeted
mat and plenty of room for all your car show goodies.
The engine powering this Bel Air is a built 350 cubic inch Chevy V8
(Crane hydraulic cam and roller rockers inside) with an Edelbrock
4-barrel carburetor and Edelbrock intake feeding it, all neatly
detailed and polished and ready to show-off. Get your sunglasses,
because this engine bay really sparkles! The alternator, brake
system are all chromed and polished, while the K&N air cleaner,
bright valve covers, and Chevy Orange engine block really pop when
flanked by the blacked-out inner fenders and firewall. But the real
story is a little deeper, because you also get power steering (CPP
power steering box and a billet pump), power front disc brakes, and
a very contemporary feeling driving experience thanks to an HEI
unit, a serpentine system, and a big BeCool aluminum radiator up
front. The small block is backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic
transmission with a B&M shift kit, so it cruises effortlessly
and the 10-bolt rear end with 3.70 posi-traction gears inside is
rugged enough to eliminate breakage fears. Built for the road, the
chassis is mostly satin black paint for easy maintenance and
Sanderson custom headers feed a custom Flowmaster dual exhaust
system with chrome tips just under the rear bumper. Chrome American
Racing Torque Thrust wheels with Bowtie spinners look right wearing
beefy 215/65/15 front and 245/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials all
around, which give the car a bit of a muscle car look to go with
all that '50s style.
Just like all the others, this Bel Air won't last long. Someone
will quickly realize that this is as good as vintage motoring gets;
a no-compromises cruiser that does everything well. If that someone
is you, call today!