Frame Off Built Bel Air EFI LT4 V8 700R4 4 Speed Automatic PS A/C Leather Discs

Chevrolet Bel Air/150/210 1955 Description

SUMMARY

Professional, ground-up restoration completed in 2002
Street & Performance LT4 V8 / Street & Performance Tuned Port Fuel Injection
GM 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
Custom leather interior / Air conditioning / Modern audio
All-original sheetmetal
15-inch American Racing Torq Thrust II wheels
Classic Performance Products 605 power steering
4-wheel power disc brakes
Upgraded suspension
Sale includes restoration photos and a receipt for the car's engine

The classic car hobby hosts many awesome tri-fives that have been painstakingly restored to better-than-new condition. But, as cool as those cars are, their neurotic detailing and rabid adherence to proven but outdated technology can almost become a selling handicap. After all, when it comes to cars like Chevy's Bel Air, which carry a timeless style that will forever be associated with one of the greatest designs in automotive history - and one of the greatest eras in American history, people expect something that lives up to the hype, despite its age. That's why classics like this stunning '55 sedan will ALWAYS be in demand. And given the car's smooth V8, timeless color combination and comfortable leather interior, it's hard to see why anyone would buy anything less. If you're a fan of '50s Chevrolet design, but would rather sport a competent cruiser than a chrome-laden period piece, this razor-sharp Bel Air is your next classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Infusing curvaceous lines with glossy 2-stage pigment, this fantastic tri-five is the recent beneficiary of a professional, ground-up restoration that was conducted by Carolina Rod Shop of Piedmont, South Carolina. The car's clean, black skin is stretched over 100% original sheetmetal that's just as solid as it is straight. Judging by appearances, that metal likely made its permanent residence in 100% weatherproof storage once its clearcoat was cut and buffed. And today, this Bel Air is the kind of awesome classic that we all stare at, many of us fondly remember, and few of us have the opportunity to actually own!

The '55 model is certainly the cleanest of the tri-five Chevys, with its minimal trim and crisp, retro styling devoid of the massive chrome and exaggerated proportions that typically characterize '50s-era steel. At the front of this post, a guarded bumper anchors a polished grille between chrome-trimmed, factory-spec headlights and bowtie-branded parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a fresh Chevrolet header is shaded by a classic 'jetbird' hood ornament. At the back of that hood, electric RainGear wipers lead the eye to lightly tinted glass, highly polished frames and correct chrome mirrors. At the base of that glass, white-detailed trim compliments optional nail guards, traditional door handles, an optional gas door guard and classy Bel Air badging. And at the back of that trim, dual mode tail lamps illuminate a second Chevrolet header, chrome Chevrolet emblems, a second guarded bumper and polished stainless exhaust tips.

ENGINE

This sweet looking Chevy is powered by $8K worth of LT4 V8 that was sourced directly from Street & Performance of Mena, Arkansas. Built to tear up the street and wow show goers alike, the smoothed and painted mill, which complements a sturdy iron block with polished aluminum heads and a full outfit of Street & Performance chrome, combines OEM reliability with razor-sharp performance. At the front of the Jet Black block, a chromed accessory drive spins a chrome-tinged alternator and polished water pump assembly beneath a chrome, Chevrolet-branded air cleaner. Once air enters that filter, it flows through a factory-spec throttle body to a factory-spec intake that's bolted down over factory-spec internals. Distilled fossils are provided by polished Street & Performance Tuned Port Injection. Sparks are sequenced from a GM computer to proven Taylor plug wires. Spent gases swirl through slick, ceramic-coated block hugger headers. And cooling comes courtesy of a large radiator that's fitted with a polished expansion tank, electronic puller fans and Inglese Cool-Flex hoses. On the visual end of the spectrum, polished valve covers, polished caps and polished breathers perfectly complement trick dipsticks and hydraulic Eddie Motorsports hood supports. The over-restored engine compartment, which includes a smoothed firewall and polished support cowl, has been completely finished to match the car's stunning exterior. And niceties such as a polished water neck, chrome freeze plug covers and a VDO fuel pressure gauge add the kind of fully-sorted details that'll push enthusiasts right over the edge!

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The '55 Chevrolet is an extremely solid platform that's still being enjoyed to this day. And one look under this Bel Air reveals a fully restored, 61-year-old chassis that's stood the test of time exceptionally well. During rehabilitation, the car's straight frame and solid floors were undercoated, accented with Gloss Black 2-stage and finished with stainless hardware. Behind the stout small block, a fluid GM 700R4 4-speed spins a familiar GM axle. That drivetrain hangs in a fully restored suspension, which is supplemented by subtle traction bars and Classic Performance Products 605 power steering. Braking comes courtesy of four power assisted discs. 2.5-inch, coated exhaust pipes frame coated Flowmaster mufflers. And everything rolls on chrome American Racing Torq Thrust IIs, which spin 225/70R15 Michelin X Ones around bowtie-branded center caps.

INTERIOR

Open this sedan's doors and you're flooded by a sea of first class aesthetics that were installed by Bobby Griffey of Knoxville, Tennessee. The car's fixed bench and power operated buckets feature pillowy leather surfacing. In front of those seats, a color-keyed dash hangs bowtie-stamped stainless around a modern clock, Custom Rod telemetry, modern air conditioning and a Chevrolet-branded tape deck. Overhead, a leather headliner splits the difference between a polished mirror and a leather package tray. On the floors, plush carpet anchors color-keyed, bowtie-branded mats beneath billet foot pedals. In the middle of that carpet, a custom console centers small power window switches in front of large speakers. In front of the driver, a leather-wrapped, Banjo-style steering wheel laps a polished, tilting column. At the sides of the passengers, sculpted panels hang billet handles between integrated kick speakers, redundant window switches and body-matched door frames. And behind the cockpit, a custom trunk ensures your luggage rolls just as stylish as you do.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

Photos taken prior to the car's restoration
Photos taken during the car's restoration
A receipt for the car's LT4 V8
A billet tag frame

Are you sick of the stuffy, old school tri-fives that dominate today's classic car culture? Then this carefully upgraded Bel Air is exactly what you need to restore your interest in boss '50s style! Wrapping a smooth GM small block and fully sorted mechanicals in timeless aesthetics and a professional, ground-up restoration, this is a car that simply cannot be duplicated for our asking price. If you've been dreaming of the perfect blend of bold '50s design and modern Chevrolet swagger, wake up! It's time to claim your classic.