Vehicle Description
Straight bodywork in great colors, a traditional interior, and a strong V8 powerplant make this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air this year's hottest ride. You've seen them at the shows, you've ridden in your buddy's Bel Air, now it's time for you to own one that will get you into the game.
Black and white always looks great, and when you add all that wonderful bright trim, it creates a car that will always be in style. This car truly stands out without being radical, as it retains all the as-designed sheetmetal curves and angles, along with the upscale Bel Air trim that looks so right on these cars. The finish was restored a few years ago so it's been used and enjoyed, but a professional cut and buff would elevate it a few notches; even as it is the sucker looks pretty darned good. Not many designs are cleaner and thanks to tasteful chrome and stainless trim, which was the industry norm at the time, the Bel Air has a look that will always be in demand. The chrome that is on the car, however, is in very good shape with 1-piece California-style bumpers and lots of polished stainless. Nothing's been shaved or deleted, and even the taillights are original pieces that are in great shape. It's not like anyone won't know what this is, but it also wears correct 'Chevrolet' and 'Bel Air' script emblems.
You can't go wrong with a matching two-tone interior in a car like this, and by using original-style materials and patterns, they crafted an interior that looks period-correct and still managed to add some upgrades. The original bench seat is supported by gorgeous reproduction door panels and black carpets, although the cloth material on the seats is a little plusher and softer than the original stuff. The white areas show some age and wear, but the overall look is quite good. A great-sounding AM/FM stereo system with speakers in the kick panels seems to be the most notable modification, but that's one that's easy to live with. The original dash was nicely restored, with the instrument pod filled with factory gauges and yes, you're seeing that right, there are three pedals on the floor, because this car has a three-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. The trunk area was correctly finished with a rubber mat and full-sized spare, with the amplifier for the stereo system tucked up front and safely out of the way.
Reliability was the objective when the 350 cubic inch Chevy V8 went in, and this car runs stronger now than it did when it was new thanks to the extra cubes. A few dress-up items help the engine compartment, including chrome valve covers and a matching air cleaner, but the primary goal was functionality. It's not too different than the original engine beyond considerably more power, as it's still got a factory radiator up front, the original suspension and brakes, and stock manifolds. A 4-barrel carb lives under that chrome air cleaner, and a great-sounding dual exhaust system uses glasspack-style mufflers to great effect, plus a set of cut-outs in the front fenders. It's not shiny or detailed for show underneath, but it's in good order with no questionable mods aside from a slight rake to the suspension. Shiny chrome Cragar mags and staggered 225/70/15 front and 235/70/15 rear Firestone radials give it a perfect stance.
Amazing how just a few subtle tweaks can transform a car, and this is far more than just a nice driver; with a bit of elbow grease, this car will knock 'em dead anywhere. Call today!
