Frame Off Restored Bel Air LT1 350 V8 4L60E with A/C

The tri-five Chevrolets feature a timeless look and are wildly popular for a variety of different builds. Still as popular today as when they rolled away from the factory, many use these tri-five Chevys for resto-mod builds. That style of build, like the one performed on this 1955 Chevy Bel Air, combine the legendary look of the early Chevys with modern touches throughout that make it an excellent combination of beauty, brawn, and convenience.

From time to time, here at RK Motors Charlotte we warn you that cars won't last long. And this '55 Bel Air is a prime example. This '55 Chevy didn't even make it through our production schedule before someone saw it sitting in our photo booth and had to have it. When you look at this '55 Bel Air it's easy to see why it sold so quickly. The vibrant Candy Red paint that covers the body absolutely sparkles under our showroom lights and not to mention has a near bulletproof powerplant under the hood.

The '55 model is certainly the cleanest of the tri-five Chevys with its minimal trim and crisp, retro styling devoid of the massive chrome and exaggerated proportions which typically characterize 50s era steel. At the front of this hardtop, a trademark chrome bumper rides below a pristine stainless grille and below the parking lamps and modern headlights that are lined in traditional chrome trim. At the top of that grille, a factory-fresh Chevrolet crest is centered below a new 'jetbird' hood ornament which looks fantastic against the car's mirror-like red paint. At the back of that hood, the glass rides inside fresh stainless trim, bright stainless wipers and a small billet mirror. At the base of that mirror, razor-straight fenders are accented by factory-optioned trim spears, and traditional GM door handles. And at the back of those fenders, small tail lights illuminate a second body-width bumper.

Raise the straight, glossy hood to you'll see that this Bel Air has performance to back up its good looks. The smoothed engine bay houses the legendary 350 cubic inch LT1 V8. This LT1 Corvette motor utilizes a cast iron block, aluminum heads, 4 bolt mains, batch-fire fuel injection and speed density fuel management. All of that power comes with excellent road manners, guaranteed starts, immediate parts availability and serviceability at your local Chevrolet dealer. At the top of the motor you'll find Corvette branded manifold cover with bowtie emblems. In front of the engine, an aluminum radiator includes an electric fan and sends water through fresh hoses that frame a body matched Corvette air cleaner. The engine bay in this Bel Air is completely spotless and looks tough, is well done and is certain to be a star at any show you attend.

Crawl underneath the Bel Air and you'll get a real sense of just how thorough this resto mod build really was. The first thing you'll notice is the aftermarket chassis that contains a late model Corvette front and rear suspension both equipped with an anti-roll bar. You'll also see how spent gasses exit out the stainless steel headers and travel through dual exhausts before exiting out the rear of the car to create an amazing sound. Also under here you'll see that bolted to the LT1 is a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission. At the corners power disc brakes are responsible for slowing the vehicle. In front of those brakes a brand new set of 18” and 20” Coys wheels that have been wrapped with Z-rated Nexen rubber help give the Bel Air a great stance.

The gorgeous candy red exterior is accented beautifully by a completely renovated silver interior. Open the doors and you'll reveal front and rear bench seats that have been wrapped in a gray ultraleather material. Below the seats, brand new silver carpet looks incredible, while above the passengers a silver headliner is taught. In front of the driver is a three-spoke steering wheel and beyond that a Dakota Digital Chevy digital instrumentation system gives digital readouts for mph, fuel, voltage, water temp, oil pressure, RPM, and odometer. In the center of the dash you'll also find the RetroSound AM/FM digital stereo system that incorporates a vintage look. The interior is luxurious, and with a durable drivetrain like the LT1 and a Vintage Air setup, it's an excellent place to log miles to and from car shows.

Included in the sale of this immaculate '55 Chevy is a stack full of component manuals, the original trim tag, and a multitude of receipts from the extensive resto-mod build.

It's hard not to instantly fall in love with a very well done resto-mod. It combines the unique factory look of cars of yesteryear and slams it with modern internals and niceties that we all have grown to love. This '55 Chevy Bel Air is a near perfect example why these style builds are so popular. This '55 didn't last long but when you take a close look at it you understand why. Congrats to the new owner, this road-worthy '55 will make for a great addition to your collection.