The 1955-1957 Chevy Bel Air is among the most iconic of American cars. They have served as the basis for hot rods for decades, and for good reason. This 1955 Chevy Bel Air is an exceptionally well done example, and is headed to the auction block next month.
A full body-off rotisserie restoration was the first step in the build. After all the bodywork and prep had been completed to a high standard, the body was treated to a custom Cherry Red and Pearl White paint job. The finish shows all the time and care invested. Chrome bumpers appear as new. All stainless trim has been well polished or replaced with new. Glass appears to be in good condition, with dark window tint on rear and side windows. Chrome custom alloy wheels, 18-inchers in the front and 19-inch in back, wear low-profile rubber. The rear wheels are quite wide, and add to the aggressive forward cant of the Chevy Bel Air. Through those wheels, Wilwood disc brake calipers can be seen. The suspension features Heidts chrome tubular A-arms and Flaming River rack-and-pinion steering
The interior features front bucket seats slathered in custom tan upholstery with red piping. Red and tan sculpted door panels continue the color theme, with tan windlace covering the inner door trim. The dash has been painted the same shade of red, and red carpet covers the floors. A polished billet tilt steering column has been fitted, and is topped by a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The face of the dash is a grooved polished billet panel housing white-faced Auto Meter gauges. Grooved billet gas and brake pedals complement the dash. A B&M floor shifter resides between the front buckets, with a chrome shifter controlling the Art Carr Turbo 400 automatic trans.
Inside the Chevy Bel Air’s spotless engine bay is a 383 cubic-inch stroker. The full roller engine was professionally built with AFR ported aluminum heads, an Eagle crank, H-beam rods, Ross pistons, and Jet Hot coated headers producing 530 horsepower. A March serpentine belt drive has been fitted, as well as Vintage Air A/C. A Be Cool polished aluminum radiator with twin electric fans keeps temperatures moderated. The stroker motor is backed by the aforementioned Art Carr 400 Turbo trans that sends power to a Winters 3.42 quick change rear end. The firewall has been smoothed, with the firewall and inner fenders painted the same bright, glossy red as the exterior.
This slick 1955 Chevy Bel Air will be up for grabs at the Mecum Glendale, AZ auction March 18th-20th.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Bel Air news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Nice car. I was a bit surprised—and pleased—to see a Gen 1 small block under the hood instead of the far-too-common-these-days LS. No doubt this vehicle will bring top $$$ at auction.
The “ghetto fork lift” wheels & tires with the 2 tone paint scheme ruin it.
Solid red with 15″ Keystones would be the look many would like to see.
SBC beats the hell out of the LS, my opinion.
Old car should look old school.
I agree. Pay homage to the original design. Not this “upscaled to up the price” crap.
I don’t know what the guy above me is talking about but 90 % of 55,56 and 57 belairs are 2 tone and always have been…my dad has a 57 same color just about the same wheels and looks damn good…this car will definitely sell for top dollar it’s a beauty
Liz. Grant you, many were two toned.
But…………..I was stating my opinion & that triggered you to “butthurt” status.
Obviously you do not agree with my opinion, as I do not agree with yours.!
Would bet your savings that the car would garner a HIGHER price without the ghetto wheels & bucket seats.
Bottom line………To each their own.