Miles Deep Paint/Mirror Like Chrome/LT-1 V8 700R4 Trans/Resto-Mod

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

Over the past few years, many of the world's finest Tri-Fives have graced our Classic Auto Mall hallowed halls. According to sales, '55-'57 resto-mods are often considered our best offerings. This was a highlight of years where the bow tie was really on top of their game, and sales show this time and time again, and even today the popularity is unmatched. We just cannot keep these in our showroom.

And it's easy to see why when something like this incredible Bel Air, a car that backs proven LT-1 power with an upgraded drivetrain and custom white vinyl upholstery, is shouting out for attention in our halls amongst all the others. It's pretty evident that the goal of this Chevy's build was to create one of the coolest cruisers on the strip. Judging by initial reaction, that mission was certainly accomplished! If you're searching for a sizzling custom that mixes fully sorted mechanicals with great aesthetics, you've found your next classic. All in first year Tri-Five glory.

Exterior
Sealed in a superb coat of Brandywine Red, this slick Bel Air is the beneficiary of an extensive restoration. Naturally, the pros who massaged this sedan's timeless body, paid plenty of attention to the fundamentals, but their primary focus was creating the most perfect surfacing possible. That surfacing is founded on solid panels that are impressively flat. As expected, those straight pieces ensure fit and finish that's significantly above '50s factory fodder. Not surprisingly, this sedan's sophisticated pigment creates a fabulous foundation for a select array of mirrored bolt-ons. At the front of the car, a guarded bumper traces a polished grille, pristine parking lamps and chrome-trimmed headlights. At the top of that grille, a sculpted hood centers a polished 'jetbird' between a bright crest and lightly tinted glass that's seated behind polished frames and polished windshield wipers. At the base of that glass, factory door handles float small nail guards above classy "Bel Air" scripts, ornate 'speed spears' and polished rocker shields. And at the back of the car, a second guarded bumper frames factory tail lamps and a second bright crest. 15-inch custom wheels are all around and up front are wrapped in 205/65R15's, and on back some biggies in 255/60/R15's form.

Interior
Between the doors, a custom white vinyl interior creates the perfect contrast for Brandywine Red paint that's been sprayed across the car's dash and window frames. Front and center, a French-stitched bench seat mixes modern lap belts with power adjustment for the car front passengers. In front of those seats, a stylish dual fan dash wraps bowtie-stamped stainless around fully restored buttons and levers. Blue glowing Dakota Digital gauges cluster in front of the restored original wheel and shout out the essentials to the driver. Below Vintage Air hangs to keep everything "cool" as if it's not "cool" enough on the looks front. On the passenger's "fan" now perches a digital clock in a circle which is the base for the second "fan" which sports gold Bel Air badging written in your grandmother's handwriting. Floating in the middle of the beautifully black carpeted floors and hump in the center of the front bench, is a long shiny shift lever topped with a clear red flamed marble. Floating above is a pristine whitey tightey headliner.

Drivetrain
A lift of the jet bird adorned hood, and what to our wondering eyes do we behold, but none other than a 350ci LT1 EFI V8 right out of Corvette Lore. This sits nicely into the restored engine bay, has a 700R4 4-speed automatic with overdrive on back. The rear is a 3.73 version, and Hedman headers evacuate spent fossils and dirty air efficiently.

Undercarriage
Like new, factory showroom could all be used under here as it has to be one of the cleanest least used looking undersides I've seen. It's just unbelievably well kept, with solid floorpans, frame and rockers. Independent, coil springs for the front along with power disc brakes and attached to the back are leaf springs with power drums. 3-inch Flowmasters work with the Hedmans very efficiently and are makin' some noise.

Drive-Ability
A foot race ensued between this writer and his de-codehort to see who would drive. Well needless to say being 20 years my younger I lost so firmly planted myself into the passenger's seat. Here we both enjoyed cold Vintage Air wafting over our overheated summer sun bodies, and experienced snappy acceleration, bias free braking, smooth shifting, and a comfortable cruise. A good time was had by all, and all was found to be in working order as to the functions of this '55'er.

Wrapped in a detailed, major restoration that would probably take a second mortgage to duplicate, this Chevy rolls on the right side of impressive. It's a highly desirable Tri-Five that's been carefully fitted with all the right stuff to be one seriously cool cruiser. If you're dreaming of the perfect blend of lavish '50s style and modern, reliable performance, you've found the ultimate classic! Go LT-1... (and it does!!)

VIN DECODE
C55B093238
C-2400 Series BelAir
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
093238-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.