Vehicle Description
One of the advantages of the Tri-Five Chevys like this drop-dead
gorgeous 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop is that the engine bay is
big enough to handle pretty much anything you can imagine. This
beauty, for example, carries a hulking 502 V8 big block, which is
also backed by a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission, an upgrade
suspension and power 4-wheel disc brakes, making it more of a
modern muscle car than just your usual good-looking '50s cruiser.
Finished just over 5,000 miles ago and built to the 9's, this
upgrade hardtop is quite a bargain even at this price once you
consider the entire spoke of the top-end build, meaning you better
read quickly or risk missing your shot at an absolute stunner.
But before we get into the big block and all the matching hardcore
hardware, let's talk about the gorgeous Creme Beige over Gypsy Red
paint job. Finished a mere 5,402 miles ago, this top-of-the-line
2-door hardtop was restored to be an attention-grabber first and
foremost, and the builders have succeeded brilliantly across the
board. Starting with a hardtop was the right choice of course, and
by the looks of the laser-straight metal underneath, this Bel Air
has always been an impeccably cared-for car. The colors aren't
original to this particular vehicle but certainly period-correct
and use modern urethane paints that provide a shine unmatched by
original enamels, with a deep, lustrous shine that simply pops
under our studio lights. Despite the upgraded materials used on the
top-end paint job, the finish still looks quite appropriate on the
vintage sheetmetal, and with hardly any imperfections to speak of,
short of a couple very minor imperfections in the hood that took us
quite a long time to even notice, this top driver-quality
presentation would likely be considered 'show' by most contemporary
standards. Great gaps, sharp, laser-straight panel alignment, and a
miles deep luster on both colors - the curb appeal is simply
through the roof and it's difficult to argue with the final result.
There's considerable chrome and trim on any '50s car, but none
better than the shiny livery found on the Bel Air, and it's all
been professionally restored/refinished to match the quality of the
paint. The shiny stuff includes all that iconic Bel Air profile
trim, the stainless around the crystal-clear glass, and the bold
chrome bumpers fore and aft, all of which are matched by the
near-blinding bling from the front grille, hood ornament, and
correct badging found throughout the body.
Given the extensive upgrade to the entire car, the interior is also
remarkably well-integrated and restored using modern materials with
an aim toward maintaining the overall stock Tri-5 look. Fresh Gypsy
Red and Creme Beige vinyl upholstery matches the exterior and is in
fantastic condition, as are the matching red carpets below, the
ornate door panels at the flanks, and a taut headliner with chrome
slats above that all work together to give the cabin an upgraded
yet factory look. On the other hand, the polished Flaming River
tilt column, billet chrome steering wheel, and discreetly installed
under-dash A/C system are all strictly modern pieces but have been
integrated seamlessly into the design of the interior. There's also
a Lokar shifter atop the transmission tunnel that manages the 700R4
automatic below, a retro-style AM/FM/Cassette radio in the factory
slot, and a complete set of SunPro modern digital/analog gauges
inside the original cluster. With so few miles on the build, it's
as nice as you'd expect inside, with nary a sign of use on all the
high-traffic areas. The rear bench seat is darn clean it's likely
never been sat-in, and out back the trunk was finished completely
back-to-stock, including a correct replacement vinyl mat and
bias-ply spare tire and jack set mounted in the factory
position.
Thanks to a smoothed and finished firewall, the 502 cubic inch V8
under the hood fits just fine in the original '55 engine bay. Born
a 454 block and then bored and stroked to the current 502
cubic-inch displacement, the massive motor powers this Bel Air with
great ease, aided by a full Aeromotive fuel system and Stealth 340
fuel pump, an Edelbrock intake, and big Holley 750CFM 4-barrel
carburetor that all feed it. The list of further upgrades is
extensive, including a big aluminum radiator with dual electric
fans, chrome accessories with a serpentine belt drive, and braided
stainless hoses for the HVAC and fuel systems. There's Chevy Orange
on the block itself, but it too has been punctuated with chrome
valve covers and a matching open-element air cleaner, and it all
pops out from the shin black inner fenders and red firewall. Looks
super-clean, doesn't it? Underneath the upgrades continue with
Viking coilvers all around, tubular control arms with 1 � inch
dropped spindles, a big sway bar, and power steering up front, CPP
power 4-wheel power disc brakes, and a 4-link set-up with a another
rear swaybar in the back. Ceramic-coated long-tube headers are like
modern sculpture all by themselves, and they feed into the
killer-sounding, throaty Flowmaster dual exhaust below. The
undercarriage was finished to show off, with painted and shined
components throughout, so if you're showing this beauty be sure to
bring the mirrors. The 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission with
its tall overdrive gear means that the rather stout 3.90 gears in
the rear end can do their thing without the engine getting too busy
on the highway. Staggered Billet Specialties polished aluminum
wheels complete the vintage hot rod look and wear off-set 245/45/17
front and 255/45/18 rear Michelin radials.
Big power, a sporty suspension, a slick-shifting transmission, and
agile handling all sound like modern muscle car, but the look still
says "1955" all over again. Truly the best of both worlds, this Bel
Air is a no-compromises stunner that does it all. Call today!
