INTRODUCTION: This is one really cool '55 Chevy! It has that
unmistakable old-school hot rod look with the wheels, fat rear
tires and enlarged rear wheel openings. Then you pop the hood and
find a 331 Hemi topped with a Hilborn fuel injection system! Best
of all, the vintage look is backed up with modern upgrades
including air conditioning, power rack-and-pinion steering, an
upgraded chassis, 4-wheel disc brakes and even power windows. It
received a body off frame, rotisserie restoration just 860 miles
ago and comes with a tall stack of documentation along with
restoration photos.
EXTERIOR: The body was completely removed from the frame, stripped
down and sandblasted, revealing what is claimed to be completely
rust-free metal. The body fits exceptionally well and the doors
shut like a new car. There's no rust or damage showing anywhere. An
old school hot rod modification is the use of '55 Nomad rear wheel
openings, a popular trick back in the day to make room for those
big rear tires. It was refinished in an original Regal Turquoise
and India Ivory combination, and the actual paint formulas are
included with the car. The finish is smooth and glossy, while the
chrome, stainless and trim present very nicely throughout. The
glass was replaced with smoked glass, the weatherstrips were
replaced, and it has upgraded LED taillights. Finishing off the
old-school hot rod look are 15-inch Torque Thrust wheels, extra
wide in the rear and stuffed with some seriously fat tires.
INTERIOR: Everything inside is fresh and beautifully restored! When
the interior was gutted, it was lined with Dynamat sound deadener
and rewired with an American Autowire harness. The electrical
connections were soldered and shrink wrapped for a quality
installation. It has the correct tight loop carpet with matching
floor mats, while the metal dash is painted beautifully and the
window frames were chromed. It features factory style reproduction
upholstery, door panels, armrests and headliner, along with all new
interior chrome and moldings. Upgrades include Dakota Digital
gauges with matching clock and GPS speedometer, a retro stereo in
the factory location, and Old Air air conditioning with controls
and vents that blend right into the factory dash. It also has a
RainGear electric under dash wiper system, a tilt column and billet
pedals. The reproduction steering wheel is slightly smaller than
stock, making it easier to get in and out. Even the power windows
were cleverly done- the original looking window cranks actually
operate the power window switches. The tell stem 5-speed shifter
sticking out of the floor is my favorite feature.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Old school hot rod meets modern technology! At
the heart of it is a highly desirable and hard to find 1955 331
Hemi topped with a Hilborn fuel injection system. The engine was
completely remachined and built with custom made pistons and 426
Hemi adjustable rocker arm assemblies. Modern performance comes
from MSD ignition and a Holley standalone ECU controlling the fuel
injection, along with an Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator, fuel
rails, pump and braided lines. It features a smooth firewall with a
custom shelf neatly mounting the brake and clutch master cylinders.
A polished March FrontRunner system includes the brackets, pulleys,
chrome Powermaster alternator, power steering with remote reservoir
and A/C compressor. Billet hood hinges, coated long-tube headers
and stainless hardware add to the function and presentation. It
runs cool with an aluminum radiator, overflow bottle, pusher and
puller electric fans. The wiring and plumbing have been carefully
tucked and hidden, giving the entire compartment an exceptionally
clean, finished appearance.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: The entire trunk compartment is pristine! Under
the trunk lid, the jamb and the complete interior are all clean
metal finished in a beautiful gloss white. The spare tire well has
been neatly modified to accommodate the relocated battery, along
with a battery disconnect switch and a master fuel disconnect
switch.
UNDERSIDE: It is just as impressive as the rest of the car! The
floors are all clean, rust free metal painted body color, while the
chassis is finished in light gray powder coat. Up front is a custom
clip with tubular control arms, QA1 adjustable coilover gas shocks,
a sway bar and rack-and-pinion steering. The rear suspension is a
triangulated 4-link setup with tubular control arms, sway bar and
QA1 adjustable coilovers. Stopping power comes from 4-wheel disc
brakes with cross drilled and slotted rotors, stainless brake lines
and an electric parking brake. A custom stainless exhaust system
includes electric cutouts for when you really want to hear it! The
fuel system was upgraded to be compatible with the fuel injection
system. Looking up at the motor, everything is clean and includes a
high torque starter. The Tremec 5-speed manual uses a Centerforce
pressure plate and hydraulic throwout bearing, with a new
driveshaft sending power to a narrowed 9-inch rear end with 3.73
gears and Moser 31-spline axles. This is a thoroughly upgraded
chassis built to handle, stop and perform.
SERVICE: We take pride in our cars and our reputation. Every
vehicle goes through our service department where it is inspected,
test driven, and we address the essentials before offering it for
sale.
CONCLUSION: This is a beautiful car that will stand proud anywhere
you take it, although it's not perfect. Where this car really
shines, though, is beyond its appearance. It was built to be
driven! The Hemi, 5-speed, upgraded chassis, power rack-and-pinion
steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning and power
accessories all come together to make this a very functional hot
rod. It looks great sitting still, but getting behind the wheel is
where you'll really appreciate what this car has to offer.
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies
without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a
one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
Hilborn injection
Air conditioning
Power steering
Rack and pinion
4 wheel disc brakes
9" rear 3.73 posi
Exhaust dumps
Power windows
Tilt wheel
Custom gauges
Retro stereo
Electric wipers
Smoked glass
LED taillights
Torque Thrust wheels
