1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Restomod

Description

This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible blurs a lot of lines. It's beautifully restored, but obviously it's got some modifications. The wheels suggest a pro-touring bent, but the truth is, this is a car built to cruise. And we understand if the rolling stock isn't your thing, but the rest of the car deserves your attention, because it's really quite nice.

The two-tone paint is right off the 1955 color charts, with Shoreline Beige over Gypsy Red making it seem like a restored stocker. The work was done a few years ago, so it's not a show car anymore, but nobody will really notice, not when you're cruising by with a giant grin on your face. It's still quite lovely, however, with vivid colors that look right with no added metallics or pearls in the mix to get everyone all confused. Someone obviously spent a ton of money getting it to look this good, because the gaps are very good, the hood fits right, and all the trim lines up well from panel to panel. Nothing has been shaved or deleted, so all that wonderful Bel Air trim remains, including the side spears which have cool Shoreline Beige inserts for some added sparkle. 1-piece California-style bumpers look great and as a Bel Air with a V8, it has rightfully earned the V-shaped insignias under the taillights. And speaking of the taillights, they're about the only pieces that have been modified, wearing blue-dot lenses that are a period-perfect touch.

The two-tone red and white interior is likewise fully restored with some thoughtful upgrades invisibly blended in. The upholstery mimics the original stuff very well, as do the dramatic door panels, all of which is in great shape. Red carpets are protected by heavy-duty mats and seat belts were added for safety. Look a little closer and you'll see a modern tilt steering column and a custom wheel that looks stock but is a little smaller in diameter and a little thicker around the rim. Cream-faced gauges from Classic Instruments slot neatly into the original hooded instrument panel and the secondary controls all remain genuine 1955 Chevrolet. A/C has been added using a clever central register that looks like a period Chevy accessory and for cruising entertainment, there's an AM/FM/iPod stereo with speakers in the kick panels. A white power convertible top fits well and looks correct and the trunk is perhaps the most customized part of the entire car, with beautiful stitch-work that's worth showing off.

A Chevy small block V8 slots neatly under the hood because, after all, that's what was here originally. This one displaces 350 cubic inches and carries a host of upgrades designed to make it reliable and comfortable, as well as speedy. There's a 4-barrel Holley carburetor on an aluminum intake, a beautiful aluminum serpentine belt drive system for the accessories, and a '50s Cadillac-style air cleaner that gives it a slightly custom look. It starts easily and idles well, as you'd expect from a small block Chevy, and there's plenty of power to make this car a joy to drive. Underneath, there's an upgraded front suspension with a fat sway bar, a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, and a custom exhaust system with long-tube headers and Flowmaster mufflers that sounds just about right. The rear suspension is a 4-link setup with coil-overs, and there's a disc brake at all four corners. The gigantic Forgiato wheels are flashy crazy expensive, but fear not, because if they're not your thing, a more modest set will bolt right on.

A six-figure professional build, this is a very impressive car. With only 10,000 miles since it was completed, it's sorted, comfortable, and ready to enjoy. Call now!