1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

Here at Streetside Classics, our favorite cars are the ones that neatly straddle the line between show car and vehicles you can actually drive. The best cars are those that are fully sorted mechanically, yet look so spectacular that it's hard to believe they've been driven. This 1955 Chevy Bel Air coupe is such a vehicle, with heart-stopping good looks and a totally streetable attitude.

There are a lot of 1955 Chevys out there, that's true. It's a popular car, both then and now, and the reasons folks fall in love with them are obvious. But to rise to the top, to have a car that can be driven and enjoyed, while delivering the kind of looks that makes kids and grown men stop in their tracks as it drives by, well, that's not as easy as it sounds. So you'll definitely appreciate this car's beautiful burgundy and white paint scheme, which is a bit modern, but sticks to the factory's break points for the colors, and keeps all the original trim intact. A sizeable chunk of change was invested in getting the chrome refinished, but the results were definitely worth it, as it sparkles like jewelry on this Bel Air and the overall look definitely delivers in a big way.

The interior is definitely not subtle, but the outstanding execution and neat details make it an excellent place to spend some time. The original seats have been reupholstered in burgundy fabric that duplicates the factory patterns, but is vastly more comfortable than sticky 1950s vinyl. The dash was fully restored, including the gauge pod with auxiliary gauges and speedometer, and the band of bright metal that stretches from end to end is exceptional. A custom center console was fabbed up and fitted with a trio of Auto Meter gauges and a pair of cupholders, making this car daily driver comfortable inside. There's also power steering, power brakes, A/C, an AM/FM/cassette stereo radio, and a polished aluminum tilt column topped by a custom billet wheel that emulates the original piece and adds a leather wrapper. Everything remains in excellent condition, again confusing the line between show car and driver, simply because it's so darned nice.

Small block V8s were available in 1955, and this one continues the tradition, although there are some very big differences, foremost among them being the supercharger sitting up top. This B&M Force Induction supercharger pushes a 9 lb boost, and combined with the oversized Holley carb, and Mallory HEI ignition with high-spark wires, this car is ready to run in a mean way. Breathing has been enhanced with high-flow headers and things will stay cool thanks to an aluminum radiator out front. Pop the hood and all the chrome and polished aluminum glitters like a show piece. The billet pulley brackets not only look great, but you'll find them to be a practical upgrade too. The real fun begins once you turn the key and hear the rumble of the dual exhaust and the whine of the blower, it'll be easy to understand why this car is so roadworthy. A TH350 is the transmission of choice, spinning the stock rear end, which hangs on a set of adjustable air shocks. Four-wheel disc brakes are a very welcome upgrade on a car with an ability to accelerate like this one, and the 17-inch performance radials give it a handling edge that doesn't compromise the ride.

Drive or show, it's up to you, and this Bel Air excels at both. Call today!