The true measure of a great design is whether it ages well. In the case of this 1955 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, the answer is unquestionably that it is one of the greatest automotive designs of all time. Nicely restored with a few subtle upgrades, this shoebox Chevy is a high-quality, vintage driver that is equally at home on the local show field or the highway. Finished in what closely resembles Shoreline Beige over Gypsy Red, there's... no mistaking a 1955 Chevy for anything else. The design was game-changing when it was new, and even today it remains a benchmark for all car guys. Sooner or later, we all want to own a Tri-Five Chevy, don't we? The classic lines and restrained use of chrome and brightwork make it difficult to improve on the original, so the builder of this 2-door sport coupe wisely chose to simply restore it to a high standard. Paint and bodywork are well done, with a finish that could be taken up a notch or two with just a light cut-and-buff. Gaps are good all around, and the entire car fits together in a way that modern cars just can't seem to duplicate-pull the door closed and you'll know what I'm talking about. The chrome has been nicely polished, especially the bumpers, and the car proudly wears its trim like jewelry. Even the red, white, and blue Chevy emblem on the nose is a wonderful piece that offers crisp details and bright colors. Inside, this slick coupe may very well still be equipped with its original upholstery, highlighted by cloth and vinyl bench seats, stitched into very 1950s-looking patterns. Matching door panels and color-matched carpets that are almost exactly the same color complete a very tasteful and honest passenger compartment that's easy to love. The original gauges have been joined by a set of modern dials in the center of the dash that monitor all the vitals, and the big, original steering wheel still commands the cockpit. There's also an upgraded R134a A/C unit installed neatly under the dash, which is a very welcomed upgrade inside the original cabin, especially on long cruises. Out back there's plenty of room in the trunk for all your gear plus a full-sized spare tire and jack set. Power comes from a great-running GM Goodwrench 350 V8 Crate motor hooked to a 700R4 automatic transmission with overdrive. And while there's nothing more traditional than a small block Chevy in a 1955 Bel Air, a couple upgrades under the hood make this car safer and more reliable than any stock '55 ever was. From the Edelbrock 4-barrel carb and intake, the aluminum radiator replete with dual electric fans, to the power front disc brakes, this is a car that can be driven daily, and taken on cross-country trips at the drop of a hat. It also looks great, with chrome Chevrolet valve covers and an open-element air cleaner, all nicely nestled inside the clean engine bay. Underneath, it's solid and tidy, but not so over-detailed that you're afraid to drive it, and you'll never get tired of the dual exhaust and Dynomax muffler soundtrack. Newer shocks adjust the attitude out back and it rolls on classic five-star chrome wheels with 215/70/15 front and 225/70/15 rear Cooper Cobra white-letter radials for a super traditional look. No, it's not radical, but there's no question this 1955 Bel Air Sport Coupe is timeless. Put it in your garage and I guarantee you'll never run out of reasons to take it for a spin. Call today!
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