Back in the 50's the automobile world was thriving but nobody had a
clue of what was about to come in 1955. Chevrolet had already
introduced the Bel Air trim level but was about to hit the
"tri-five" era as we reference it today. Manufacturers back in the
day weren't thinking their vehicles would some day become
collectors items and in the case of tri-fives not only would they
become collector cars but would be viewed as an icon of the 50's.
Like jukeboxes and poodle skirts, the Bel Air would eventually
become an immediate visual representation of the decade. This cool
'55 hardtop has been completely redone in a restomod style and
looks great. It is being sold due to health reasons as the owner is
no longer able to complete the minor items needed to tweak it out.
The project started with a solid shell which still retains its
original hood. That being said the doors/hardware, fenders and
trunk lid are all new. It has been painted in a nice Tuxedo Black
and Silver two tone under glamour clear that is a great color combo
that really stands out. The stainless has all been replaced with
new and it now wears smooth slim California bumpers. The glass is
all good and it has darkened side windows with new regulators on
all 4. The car has a nice stance and rides on a set of brand new
Blacked out wheels with new Nitto tires that have less than a mile
on them.
The drivetrain has all been redone and under the hood is fitted a
350ci/400hp motor that has less than 2,000 miles on it. It starts
right up and produces plenty of power. It has been built up with
Edelbrock heads, a Holley 750 double pumper carburetor, billet
valve covers, billet air cleaner, billet belt system, a mild cam,
MSD ignition system and more. Under the hood it looks very clean
with a nicely painted firewall and all new inner fender wells that
were powder coated. The motor is kept cool by a Griffin radiator
with dual electric fans and polished overflow tank. Paired with it
is a 4 speed Muncie transmission that shifts smoothly and gives it
that "Hot Rod" feel. During the build, the frame was fully
inspected and the car got a new crossover transmission mount, all
new body mounts, new welded motor mounts, new floors, and new
hardware (nuts/bolts/washers/etc) throughout. The brakes have all
been redone as well as the wheel bearings and it now has front
discs with a chrome power brake booster. The same goes for the
steering which features a new power steering box, aluminum power
steering reservoir and all braided stainless steel hoses. The car
rides smoothly down the road with all new shocks, new springs and
new upper/lower control arms and bushings. The fuel system has all
been cleaned up with all new lines, a Holley fuel pump and filter.
It is a fun cruiser!
Before the new carpet was installed the floors were dynomatted and
undercoated for insulation. It then received aftermarket adjustable
bucket seats done in a Gray vinyl upholstery. Those sit to each
side of the custom center console that houses the HURST shifter and
Sunpro/Autometer gauges for the tach, oil pressure, temperature,
and amp gauges. The dash is all nicely painted and wears its
original bowtie trim along with some of the original controls but
Vintage Air vents have been added and an aftermarket stereo. The
chrome steering column is adjustable and topped off with a Spider
leather wrapped steering wheel. The trunk is all upholstered nicely
and is where you will find the relocated battery with new power box
and cable.
This great looking classic has had a ton of work put into it and
runs great. It is one of those cars that needs a few adjustments
but is 90% there so you can drive, show, and enjoy it while making
it your own.
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