Vehicle Description
Honestly, can you really do better than a red 1955 Chevy Bel Air
convertible? You can't beat the look, which has been further
punctuated with that awesome lower stance and upgraded under the
hood with a crate 350 Chevy V8 that offers plenty of performance.
There are a lot fewer of these around than you'd expect, let alone
finished to such a dialed-in level. If you like the '50s, there
aren't many that are more iconic than this.
Gypsy Red is a quintessential color on a Bel Air convertible, and
if you're looking for attention, you won't be able to escape it
whenever you're behind the wheel of this beautiful droptop. The
paint and bodywork were done not long ago (11,213 miles since the
build) and it's simply stunning from any angle; this car will make
grown men stop and stare as you motor past. Obviously the work was
well done, and it has a great shine that you'll love polishing up
on a Saturday afternoon and good panel gaps that suggest that this
car has led a good life and there was a lot of time invested in the
restoration. It's not a perfect showcar and I'm sure the snooty
'expert' at every car show will be able to find an imperfection or
two, but you really can't beat a Tri-5 droptop when it comes to
curb appeal, and this is one of the finer examples you'll find at
this price range. And if it's trophies that you're after, a
professional detail with a good cut/buff/polish puts this beauty
right back into contention. By the looks of all that great shine,
the chrome bumpers were obviously refinished during the restoration
and all the stainless was either replaced or removed, straightened,
and polished before being reinstalled and aligned. It is about as
far from subtle as you'll find, but that's really the point, isn't
it? If you want gorgeous, this Chevrolet delivers in a very big
way.
The interior is equally flashy and just as beautifully restored.
Wide bench seats will accommodate six in a pinch, and the pure
1950s look of the two-tone red and white upholstery will make
everyone want a ride. Correct red carpets, matching floor mats, and
ornate door panels complement the original dash and steering wheel,
which are as also in great condition and showing only minor sign of
use. The original gauge pod was swapped in favor of a modern Dakota
Digital unit that is much more accurate, and everything works like
it should, the hallmark of a top-quality restoration, showing just
11,213 miles since the restoration was completed, so it's still
very fresh. The only other notable deviation from stock specs
inside is a Sony AM/FM/Cassette stereo radio, but it was neatly
installed inside the glove compartment so few people will actually
notice. A beige convertible top with a crystal clear rear window
fits well, but we all know that it's for emergencies only anyway.
Out back, the spacious trunk is beautifully finished with a correct
rubber mat and a matching spare tire and wheel assembly.
Power comes from a great-running 350 V8 Crate motor hooked to a
TH350 3-speed automatic transmission that shifts through gears
effortlessly. And while there's nothing more traditional than a
small block Chevy in a 1955 Bel Air, a couple choice upgrades under
the hood make this car safer and more reliable than any stock '55
ever was. From the Holley 4-barrel carb and an aluminum intake, the
aluminum radiator up front, to the power front disc brakes and
power steering, this is a car that can be driven daily, and taken
on cross-country trips at the drop of a hat. It also looks great,
with aluminum Chevrolet valve covers and an open-element air
cleaner, all atop the Chevy Orange block and neatly nestled inside
the clean engine bay. Underneath, it's solid and tidy, but not so
over-detailed that you're afraid to drive it, and you'll never get
tired of the dual exhaust and Borla muffler soundtrack. Newer
shocks and springs adjust the attitude and lower the stance, and
this Tri-5 rolls on IROC style American Racing Special Edition
chrome wheels with 225/55/16 radials at each corner that complete
the killer look.
A beautiful, high-quality car that neatly preserves the original
look and feel while adding a few upgrades that make it a pleasure
to drive. This is a fantastic restored Chevy that's ready to drive
and enjoy. Call today!