1955 Chevrolet 210 Replicates Racer From American Graffiti: Readers Rides
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In the pantheon of great American cinema, American Graffiti is surely a standout for gearheads. That’s undoubtedly the case for Colorado resident Robert Pavlik, owner of this black 1955 Chevrolet 210, which was built to replicate the ’55 Chevy driven by Harrison Ford’s character in the classic film.
Indeed, Bob loves his classic Bow Ties. He’s owned seven different ’55 and ’56 Chevy models throughout his life, including 150s, Nomads, Convertibles, and Bel Aires. However, this particular model is his first Chevrolet 210.
Bob first laid eyes on this black beauty at a John Force Car Show, and was immediately compelled to talk to the owner. The two chatted at length, and Bob ended up asking the owner if he was interested in selling it. The owner was reluctant at first. However, as a huge fan of American Graffiti and Two-Lane Blacktop, Bob persisted. “I essentially saw the car and said it was built just as I would have built it,” Bob tells GM Authority.
The two ended up parting ways, but Bob handed the owner his phone number, just in case. Fast forward five months, and Bob finally bought the Chevrolet 210 as his own.
After acquiring the car, Bob did a few minor things to clean it up, including the wiring, trunk, and engine compartment. He also added a new stereo.
This 1955 Chevrolet 210 is equipped with the rear quarters from a 1955 Chevrolet Nomad, and has chrome trim replacements through Danchuck.
Moving it down the road is a 383 stroker with Comp Cams, Dart Heads, an Edelbrock intake, and a Holley 750 carburetor. Bob also added an MSD 6AL ignition and distributor, plus an aluminum radiator and dual electric fans. Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers provide a raucous soundtrack.
The 383 feeds a Tremec five-speed transmission and 9-inch differential. There are upgraded ladder bars and Chevelle disc brakes at all four corners, while the battery and fuel filler are in the trunk. The 1955 Chevrolet 210 also has two-inch lowered spindles. “I believe I achieved the perfect stance,” Bob writes.
True to the movie car upon which it’s based, Bob used to enjoy drag racing his Chevrolet 210. In fact it used to have a license plate that read RUQUIK2, but the state police protested, saying it was inciting a “street contest.”
Regardless, those days are in the past, and the ’55 Chevrolet 210 now rocks a license plate that reads BLKOPS. “I am a disabled veteran and cannot afford to blow anything up,” Bob writes.
Nevertheless, Bob still takes his 1955 Chevrolet 210 to car shows, where it gets lots of love from enthusiasts. Future plans include a new engine, either with a 427 cubic-inch crate motor, or alternatively, the 472 LS crate motor.
Either way, this ain’t no field car, that’s for sure.
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Thank you so much for showing my 55 Chev in GM Authority. The article was written
Clearly and accurately. Hats off to the writer.
Bob Pavlik
A great looking car for sure that has some similar attributes to the original American Graffiti 55 car but it’s not knocking it out of the park if that’s what you’re trying to do. The original 55 was not lowered, had a big block and had a one piece flip front end. Still a great car though.
Nice-looking car. Are those rear quarters/wheelwells from a Nomad?
Bill I never intended to build an Identical 55 to the one from American Graffiti. I could add three paragraphs of different items,however my goal was accomplished. At All car shows
It is recognized as a Tribute to the car. Then the comrade starts about the differences ,
Bob
Please understand I’m not knocking your car it’s a fantastic car with a Amer Graff theme. I also have a 55 and I’m trying to figure out which way I want to go with it, Amer Graff or Two Lane. Thank you for taking the time to explain your car to me.
Nice addition, with the Nomad rear quarters. Give the wheel wells, the drag look, without cutting up the stock quarters. Gotta like that look tho. I prefer the stock wheel wells. Chevy always seems to get the looks just right on the Shoe boxes. Still, this is a very great looking ride. Black, is always hot. Keep up the great work on this machine!
Very nice 55. The article heading is misleading in saying that the car replicates Bob Falfa’s 55 from the movie. They’re both black, that’s about it
Nice car but wrong wheels and interior too nice.
Very nice car! Not sure about the quarter panels should have put narrower tires on it. I’m OLD SKOOL no hecking is BEST. But keep up the good work on the car with the BIG BLOCK it will be FUN. Had a (56) 210 model 4spd. 4:56’s. It was a GREAT EXPERIENCE in my life.So you’ll really enjoy it an have a blast!
Super nice. I’d rather reference the graffiti car, as you did very well, than replicate it. It’s mean looking and I’m sure it’s sounds awesome. Well done.
Bob,
Do you still own this 55?