1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Resto-Mod

When the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air arrived, Chevrolet enjoyed an all-new image practically overnight. Rather than a car driven mainly by dads and aunts, the sensationally redesigned "Motoramic" models quickly gained a reputation as "The Hot Ones." In this landmark year, Chevy finally had a bold response to Ford in the performance battle: a lively 265 cubic inch V-8 that would nurture a whole generation of muscular engines. Better yet, that V-8 was slipped into a fresh, contemporary body sporting a rakish beltline dip and a Ferrari-inspired grille. Chief engineer Edward N. Cole earned credit for Chevrolet's first V-8 in 35 years. Simple in construction and economical to build, the 265 cubic inch Turbo-Fire was a model of efficiency.

For consignment, the first year of the Tri-Five craze coming to life in our South Hall, (subject to change!), of the Classic Auto Mall. Here we have a consignor stated complete brand new car using all new parts, and an all steel body from Woody's Hot Rods, put together by Borneman's Restorations, and has plenty of modern goodies within its skin. The 9,200 miles were clocked on trips back and forth from Florida.

Exterior
Starting up front with its simple egg crate grille with shiny mirror like bumper on bottom, and single chrome bezel headlight on either side with an oval turn signal below, the beginnings remain simple on the embellishment front. Screaming 1950's Gypsy Red covers the front around this chrome, the hood, front quarters, doors and lower half of the rear quarter. This paint is very deep, and one can become mesmerized with its quality. A chrome trim spear mid-section of the front quarter runs rearward through the door, where it comes to an abrupt halt. With its starting point on the total surround of the passenger compartment, a chrome trim piece works its way past the door sills, then heads downward towards the mid rear quarter, where it is met with another mid spear which takes us to the back of the car. This part is bathed in India Ivory which is also in very nice condition. This spear combo is the delineation between the red, and ivory, which covers the roof, and trunk deck as well as the back of this car. A side view will give you a hint of the design that created the craze with these car's introductions, showing curved front and rear glass, all surrounded by chrome trimmings. On back, are simple lamplighter style taillights, a large cloisonné badge, and another beautiful bumper with dual pipes hedging a look out of the bottom of this beautiful new creation. On all corners are shiny pointed dog dish wheel covers with red wheels and a chrome trim ring at the edges are all wrapped up in wide white wall 215/70R15's.

Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the hits just keep on coming!! Using white stitched red vinyl and more ivory colored vinyl which all mixes together with more swoop spear-esque styling trim, the door panels emulate the exterior design. Tuck and roll stitched panels for the mid sections, and a thin strip of red vinyl below. On these doors are power window toggles and shiny crank for the wing window and door actuator. Slipping on to the 50's styled bench, also in red vinyl bolsters with ivory vinyl smooth inserts, this split bench stretches from door to door and is sporting power movements. A rear bench presenting in the same fashion is in back and there is plenty of romper room back there. Fronting this is a dual fan dash with the gauge cluster on the driver's side, and badged speaker and round clock below on the passenger's side. This dash has been completely built from new parts and shines in red metal with a nifty shiny band of punched pattern bow tie logos running through the center. The instrument cluster is vintage looking but completely new and has a more modern layout including a tachometer. More red below and shiny knobs, ignition and temp sliders are seen here. Below is a thick pile, clean, deep red carpet which is pristine, and it is flooding all the floors. In the central glovebox now sits a small screen that displays the backup camera. Bluetooth connectivity is also available in this car. Above is a tight white vinyl headliner complete with chromed ribbing between the ceiling panels. Also a big shout out to the trunk, which is not to be outdone by the customized interior, it sports black rubber covering straight as arrows panels, and an original spare tire.

Drivetrain
Within the engine bay which gleams with red pride is an LS327 V8 that is rated at 325hp. It has EFI and on back a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission. The engine has a custom metal engine covering and all is just beautifully buttoned up under this hood.

Undercarriage
Let's stick to the theme of stunner underneath, with no rust solid Revo frame from The Roadster Shop, body hangers, and floor pans. Throw in some pristine dual exhaust, a new fuel tank, and a drip free bottom end of the engine, and we are in show car heaven. Independent coil springs for the front and a 4 link with coil overs are on back. Power Wilwood disc brakes are on all 4s. A turbo muffler system is now on as well.

Drive-Ability
A turn of the keyed ignition and all 8 are fired up and ready for the test track. This car is a screamer with plenty of power, good braking, excellent handling, and a smooth cruise. All the controls were working like a charm. I'm ready for my drive-in experience. Throw 6 people in the trunk and let's get through the gate and pop open the case of beer we brought too.

We have several examples of the Tri-Five cars here at Classic Auto Mall, and this one certainly should be on your must see list, if indeed you fancy these bow tie years. Well done on every aspect, a visual piece of eye candy, and mechanically a turn key car ready to go and show. Talk about attracting attention, and it will not even have to leave your driveway. All in a 1955 paint scheme, and plenty of added on trimmings and modern amenities, it could also rest in the center of your holiday table. It is that juicy (but you've better have that approved by your other half first..).

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.