1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

Honestly, can you really do better than a red and white 1955 Chevy Bel Air convertible? You can't beat the look, the first-year small block Chevy V8 offers plenty of performance, and there are a lot fewer of these around than you'd expect. If you like the '50s, there are few cars more iconic than this.

Gypsy Red and India Ivory are quintessential colors on a Bel Air convertible, and if you're looking for attention, you won't be able to escape it whenever you're behind the wheel of this car. The paint and bodywork were done a few years ago, so it's not perfect, but for a cruiser this car will make grown men stop and stare as you motor past. Obviously the work was well done, and it has a great shine that you'll love polishing up on a Saturday afternoon and good panel gaps that suggest that this car has led a good life. An accessory continental kit is a very desirable period addition that's practical as well as stylish, opening up a lot of space in the trunk. The bumpers were re-chromed during the restoration and all the stainless was removed, straightened, and polished before being reinstalled and aligned. It is about as far from subtle as you'll find, but that's really the point, isn't it?

The interior is equally flashy and just as well restored. Wide bench seats will accommodate six in a pinch, and the pure 1950s look of the two-tone red and white upholstery will make everyone want a ride. Correct red carpets and new door panels complement the original dash and steering wheel, which are in truly excellent condition for their age. A modern gauge cluster from Classic Instruments fits into the original instrument panel and offers a more comprehensive view of the engine without disrupting the OEM look. The car also received seat belts for safety, although the original AM radio is still in the center of the dash and no need for any changes there. A white convertible top with a clear rear window fits well, but we all know that it's for emergencies only anyway. And as I said, the trunk is nicely finished and has plenty of room thanks to moving the spare to the rear bumper.

Nice to see a correct 265 cubic inch V8 under the hood, although it's been dressed up and slightly augmented to add a few horsepower. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and polished intake manifold are surely responsible for a nice bounce in performance and all the chrome and billet aluminum dress up makes the engine bay sparkle at car shows. Of note, there's a modern 12-volt alternator in place of the original generator and a great-sounding dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers for a 1950s sound. An automatic transmission means that this car is always ready to go and the suspension and brakes are pretty stock, so service is easy and it rides and handles with a vintage feel that's a big part of the experience. Painted steel wheels with beautiful factory hubcaps are wearing 205/75/15 American Classic wide whitewall radials that ride and handle great.

Complete with a set of stock valve covers, just in case you want a bit more of a factory look, this is a beautifully restored Chevy that's ready to drive and enjoy. Call today!