1955 Chevrolet Bel Air for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina

$59,995

Hard to tell whether this is a '55 Bel Air with the heart of a Corvette, or whether it's a Corvette that merely looks like a '55 Bel Air. Beautifully built and with extraordinary performance, this spectacular cruiser is beyond the run-of-the-mill hot rod, using modern technology in a vintage package. The body was restored from the frame up, and the only panels replaced were the floors. Otherwise, the vintage steel was massaged and straightened, and we have restoration photos showing much of the transformation. The paint is called Boyd Coddington Red, and it's a bit darker than your usual bright red, but not quite burgundy, so the effect is quite remarkable. It's two-stage urethane, so the finish is deep and lustrous, with signs of careful maintenance despite the 12,000 miles or so that the car has covered since it was completed. The door handles were shaved, and some of the trim modified to give this '55 a unique look that gives a nod to the original designers, but creates something entirely new. The grille is a stainless piece, and both the front and rear bumpers are new, with the rear being a Nomad piece with Nomad bumper guards that are a subtle change that will leave people wondering what exactly is different about it. Smoked taillights and new glass throughout give it a finished look. Inside, there's a tan ultraleather cockpit that feels as opulent as a modern high-end luxury car. Custom low-back buckets are incredibly comfortable, and a custom-built center console houses the shifter for the 6-speed manual transmission, as well as an array of classically-designed auxiliary gauges, power window switches, and a powerful Pioneer stereo system with XM capabilities. The original dash has been painted to match the body, and all the stainless brightwork has been professionally restored, so it glitters like jewelry. The original speedometer has been replaced with a retro-styled speedometer and tach, and a polished tilt steering column holds a leather-wrapped billet wheel. Frankly, the finish quality of this interior is professional grade, and there are no details that were overlooked. Carpets fit beautifully with matching floor mats that have been bound with ultraleather, the headliner is elegant with exposed chrome bows, and the door panels look like they came directly from the '50s. In back, the trunk has been upholstered to match using more tan ultraleather and even the relocated battery gets its own upholstered enclosure. Power comes from a 2002 Corvette LS1 engine, transplanted intact into the '55's engine bay and making a stout 350 horsepower. A billet accessory drive handles things like the power steering and A/C (which is fully functional, by the way), and the coil covers have been painted to match the body. There's a custom aluminum radiator cooled by a pair of big electric fans, and custom headers dump into a beautifully fabricated dual exhaust system with an X-pipe, Flowmasters, and electric cut-outs. While you're under there, take the time to admire the stock independent front suspension that uses coil-overs, and out back there's a fully independent unit from a C4 Corvette-a very impressive installation. Brakes are 4-wheel discs living behind polished 17-inch American Racing wearing 215/45/17 front and 245/40/17 rear Hankook performance radials. If you haven't guessed by now, this is an extremely impressive, capable, comfortable machine. It drives like a heavy Corvette, with handling that even race cars in 1955 couldn't match. With reliable OEM-grade components throughout and professional levels of craftsmanship, it's a car that will thrill onlookers as much as the driver. Fully sorted, it has been driven more than 12,000 miles since it was completed two years ago, and while it's not perfect, it's awfully nice. Imagine rolling up to your next local show and shine in this cruiser-only pro-built cars will generate more interest. There's so much more to this car than we can cover here, so we recommend that you give us a call for the whole story. It's worth it!

Year:  1980 or older
Miles:  0 - 4 999

Similar categories
Nearby Cities
Popular searches
Copyright © 2024 Americanlisted.com, All Rights Reserved.
Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.