1955 Chevrolet 150

Description

Amazing what a heart transplant can do to an old car. This 1955 Chevrolet 150 2-door sedan was just your average resto-mod back when it was built in 2004. Clean, but just like every other shoebox at the cruise night. Recently, however, it has been given the heart of a Corvette in the form of a 6.0-liter LS2 V8, and with it, the car's personality has changed dramatically.

Torch Red bodywork always commands attention, and the simple lines and lack of brightwork on the 150 body style make it even more dramatic. The restoration efforts on the body were well-executed when the car was built, and the results still look great today. The body panels are straight, everything lines up nicely, and the final finish was rubbed and buffed to a very impressive shine. It shows only very few signs of use, and showing up in this car definitely makes you the center of attention. A simple white pinstripe highlights the simplicity of the 1955 shape and breaks up the red just enough so that it doesn't overload your retinas, and with the remaining chrome looking so good, the balance is just right. California-style 1-piece bumpers, a subtle de-badging, and tinted windows reinforce that this isn't a restored car, but rather something unique that deserves closer inspection.

The spectacular bright red leather interior was built for cruising and loaded with goodies that make it a pleasure. Anchored by a pair of power bucket seats from a late-model, it's a skillful blend of old and new that really works well. A custom center console houses the shifter for the 4L80E automatic overdrive transmission, as well as a side-mounted cup holder and vents for the A/C system. A polished tilt column and matching red leather steering wheel give it a modern feel, while the original dash was essentially restored to preserve the twin cockpit feel that was so popular at Chevrolet in the 1950s. Dakota Digital gauges in the original panel are a cool upgrade, and there's an AM/FM/iPod stereo head unit in the original radio's slot in the dash. Custom floor mats, a powerful A/C system that uses the original controls, and a custom upholstered back seat all add polish to this well-engineered rod. The big trunk is nicely finished in black, complete with carpets and a remote-mounted battery.

The LS2 transplant works on a number of levels. One, it has 400 horsepower and OEM drivability, so it starts instantly and pulls down 25 MPG on the highway. And two, it draws a crowd every time you open the hood, because most folks don't expect state-of-the-art horsepower in a car like this. The engine is stock, but the upgrades around it only make this car better, from the modern brake system to the electronic overdrive transmission powering 2.73 gears out back. A big aluminum radiator, very neatly organized A/C lines, and careful craftsmanship make this a standout. Underneath it shows signs of being driven, but the hardware is rock-solid and ready to rumble with a soundtrack to match complements of Flowmaster. Polished Torque Thrust wheels fit the '55 like they were born there and carry right-sized Bridgestone radials that fill the wheel wells yet ride comfortably.

Civilized horsepower combines with high style in this fantastic shoebox Chevy, making it a car that anyone would love to own. Call today!