1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

SUMMARY

• Winner of multiple national awards
• 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 / Bored .030 over
• 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
• Ford 9-inch rear axle / 3.50 gears
• Classic Auto air conditioning / Modern audio
• Power steering
• 4-wheel power disc brakes
• Upgraded suspension
• Delray interior
• 15-inch chrome Rally Wheels

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Four years ago, when this awesome Bel Air first traversed our 250-car showroom, it was a 992-point national award winner. This time, offering literal proof that cultural icons only get better with age, it's a 999-point national award winner. So, how do you make an already hot car even more desirable? You start with great maintenance and then flesh out an increasingly appealing roster of top-notch hardware. If you like your classic to be fun to show AND fun to drive, take a close look at this trophy worthy tri-five!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The great thing about '55-'57 Chevys is that you can customize them any way you want. On the other hand, the terrible thing about '55-'57 Chevys is that you can customize them any way you want. Truly spectacular tri-fives are much less common than their vast production numbers would suggest, but when they're as well done as this double nickel, they tend to stand out from the pack. Sure, the car's flashy Gypsy Red paint certainly helps in achieving that effect, but it is a very traditional color. And when combined with flowing sheetmetal, 50s-era trim and Shoreline Beige uppers, it goes from flashy to classically elegant.

ENGINE

Pop the hood and you'll find a reliable, 350 cubic inch small block that's been bored .030 over, fitted with a hot Crane cam and equipped with traditional flattop pistons. Revs are created when a chrome, bowtie-topped air cleaner floats wind in to a coated Edelbrock carburetor and aluminum Edelbrock intake. At the perimeter of that intake, 76cc heads hang hardened valve seats under chrome Edelbrock rocker covers and a bowtie-branded breather. Behind that breather, a modern HEI distributor shoots spark through loomed Moroso Super Stock plug wires. Below those wires, trick manifolds take care of spent gases while traditional V-belts spin an upgraded alternator between modern air conditioning and modern power steering. And in front of those ancillaries, a beefy Be Cool radiator fronts a giant SPAL puller fan. Despite being a thoroughly modernized piece, the Chevy Orange mill looks right at home in the car's Satin Black engine compartment. And details like a polished brake booster, a coated fuel pump and a quality CVR starter mix first-rate looks with first-rate functionality.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Like its clean engine bay and classy exterior panels, the bottom of this road ready sedan continues the theme of pairing proven hardware with enhanced technology. Predictably, the smooth small block transfers power to a reliable 700R4 4-speed. That tweaked transmission torques a tough JWC driveshaft, which spins a familiar Ford 9-inch around 3.50 gears and 31-spline Moser axles. Naturally the car's suspension has been thoroughly upgraded, with 2-inch drop blocks and relocated leaf springs following tubular control arms, 2-inch drop spindles and a sturdy front sway bar. Turns come courtesy of modern power steering. Power-assisted discs provide quick stops. Exhaust exits through welded turbo mufflers and polished stainless tips. And all that reliable hardware rides on a sweet set of chrome Rally Wheels, which spin 215/65R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As in front of 255/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As.

INTERIOR

Featuring sharp Delray upholstery, this tri-five's carefully restored interior is both clean and impressive. Broad bench seats are color matched to the car's Gypsy and Shoreline paint. In front of those seats, a glossy dash hangs Custom Autosound audio, Classic Auto air conditioning and Dakota Digital telemetry behind bowtie-stamped stainless. At the floor, clean California Carpet floats a small console and “Bel Air” branded floor mats beneath big Pioneer kick speakers and bowtie-branded foot pedals. On the doors, 2-tone panels hang small armrests and traditional hardware beneath mirrored window frames and cool bowtie lock knobs. At the roof, a tight headliner flows to a straight package tray and large Pioneer deck speakers. The driver stays connected to the road through a stylish, 15-inch steering wheel, which laps a billet shifter and modern, tilting column. And the passengers stow their essentials beside the car's battery in a fully restored trunk.

AWARDS

• Chevy Classics Club Platinum Certificate
• -- 999 out of 1,000 points
• -- February of 2015

• Chevy Classics Club Platinum Certificate and First Place award
• -- 992 out of 1,000 points
• -- July of 2005

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

• A "Guide to your Chevrolet" Booklet
• Chevy Classics Club Platinum Certificate
• Chevy Classics Club Scoring Sheet
• Service Records
• Component manuals

Cars like this award-winning Bel Air represent incredible value to buyers. With its hot drivetrain, high quality restoration and tasteful color combination, THIS is the kind of build you simply can't touch for our asking price. Just imagine heading out in this old school classic on a warm summer evening; the burble of the 350 as a chorus, the smooth, open road as a canvas, and nothing between you and miles of happiness!