1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

Straight bodywork in great colors, a semi-custom interior, and a strong V8 powerplant make this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air this summer's hottest ride. You've seen them at the shows, you've ridden in your buddy's, now it's time for you to own one that will get you into the game.

Black and white always looks great, but when they added that slash of red paint on the side trim, they completely transformed the look. 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 and today a professional cut and buff would elevate it to eyeball-popping, but even as it is the sucker looks awesome. Not many designs are cleaner and thanks to a restrained use of chrome and stainless trim, which wasn't 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. Crystal clear headlight lenses give it a slight resto-mod look, and the shaved deck lid flanked by blue-dot taillights looks great on its way out of the show.

You can't go wrong with red 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, plus a custom-built center console with a trick horseshoe shifter. Under-dash A/C, a great-sounding AM/FM/CD stereo system with speakers throughout the interior, and a tilt steering column with late-model wheel make it a pleasure to drive today. The original dash was nicely restored, with the instrument pod filled with Dakota Digital instruments that light up the moment you turn the key. And you will notice that the detent on the shifter quadrant offers four forward gears, thanks to a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission. The trunk area was fully upholstered in red carpet with a neat matching binding, and they kept the spare tire well accessible for future use.

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 red valve covers and a chrome air cleaner, but the primary goal was functionality. In that regard, it's a smashing success, as it includes power front disc brakes with a dual reservoir master cylinder, power steering, and the A/C system was upgrade to R134a refrigerant. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carb lives under that chrome air cleaner, and a great-sounding dual exhaust system uses glasspack-style mufflers to great effect. 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 Torque Thrust-style wheels and 215/70/15 radials sit right and ride beautifully.

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!