GoodGuys Builder's Choice Bel Air Pro Touring EFI LS1 V8 700R4 PS PB A/C

SUMMARY

* $150K ground-up restoration
* Winner of multiple national awards
* GM LS1 V8
* GM 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
* Custom leather interior / Ostrich accents
* Air conditioning
* Sale includes restoration photos and restoration receipts
* Upgraded suspension / Power rack-and-pinion steering / Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes
* Schott Venom wheels
* Modern audio system

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The classic car hobby hosts many awesome tri-fives that have been painstakingly restored to better-than-new condition. But, as cool as those cars are, their neurotic detailing and rabid adherence to proven, but outdated, technology can almost become a selling handicap. After all, when it comes to cars like Chevy's Bel Air, which carry a timeless style that will forever be associated with one of the greatest designs in automotive history -- and one of the greatest eras in American history, people expect something that lives up to the hype, despite its age. That's why classics like this stunning '55 hardtop will ALWAYS be in demand. And given the car's smooth V8, rich color combination and impressive roster of national awards, it's hard to see why anyone would buy anything less. If you're a fan of '50s Chevrolet design, but would rather sport a competent cruiser than a chrome-laden period piece, this razor-sharp Bel Air is just the trophy king you've been searching for!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Infusing classic lines with striking Champagne and Maroon 2-stage, this fantastic tri-five is the recent beneficiary of a $150K, ground-up restoration that was conducted by Bright Built Hot Rods of Salina, Kansas. The car's glossy, award-winning skin is stretched over super clean sheetmetal that's just as straight as it is solid. Judging by appearances, that metal likely made its permanent residence in 100% weatherproof storage once its clearcoat was cut and buffed. And today, this Bel Air is the kind of awesome custom that we all stare at, many of us fondly remember, and few of us have the opportunity to actually own!

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 that typically characterize '50s-era steel. At the front of this hardtop, a guarded bumper rides below a polished grille, clear parking lamps and chrome-trimmed, factory-spec headlights. At the top of that grille, a fresh Chevrolet crest is centered beneath a classic 'jetbird' hood ornament. At the back of that hood, capped wipers lead the eye to smoked glass, polished frames and correct chrome mirrors. At the base of that glass, monochromatic trim aligns beneath traditional door handles and classy Bel Air emblems. And at the back of that trim, small tail lamps illuminate cool Chevrolet emblems, a second guarded bumper and polished stainless exhaust tips.

ENGINE

Take a peek under the car's rolled hood and you'll find 5.7 liters of GM LS1 V8! Straight from the factory, this fully sorted mill combines a sturdy aluminum block with lightweight aluminum heads, coil-near-plug ignition and aluminum flat top pistons to create razor-sharp throttle response and a torque band that's as wide as Texas. At the front of the engine, a factory-spec serpentine system, which is complete with a full set of body-matched pulleys, spins a modern alternator and modern AC compressor at the sides of a polished air cleaner. Once air enters that cleaner, it flows through a factory-spec throttle body to a color-keyed intake, which is bolted down over completely stock internals. High octane fossils are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. Sparks are sequenced through fresh GM plug wires. Spent gases are whisked away by a slick pair of ceramic-coated shorty headers. And cooling comes courtesy of a custom-shrouded radiator that's fitted with two SPAL puller fans. Not a detail has been missed under this Bel Air's fully finished hood. Niceties such as a smoothed firewall, coated hood supports and a custom, color-keyed engine shroud add just the right amount of flash to make people stop and take notice. And the car's glossy engine compartment combines with the LS1's metallic Maroon casing to provide a tailored appearance that virtually oozes class.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The '55 Chevrolet is an extremely solid platform that's still being enjoyed to this day. And one look under this Bel Air reveals a fully restored, 60 year old chassis that's stood the test of time exceptionally well. During the restoration, the car's straight frame was covered in a slick coat of Maroon 2-stage and fitted with fresh hardware. Above that frame, solid floors were cased in thick undercoating that improves drivability. At the center of those floors, a proven GM 700R4 4-speed easily handles anything pitched from the aforementioned small block. Behind that transmission, blocked leaf springs and Monroe Gas-Matic shocks frame a body-matched 10-bolt that's equipped with mild, highway-friendly gears. Opposite that rear end, tubular control arms frame modern power rack-and-pinion steering. Stops are provided by four Wilwood calipers, which squeeze four drilled and slotted rotors. Throaty Flowmaster mufflers enlist a series of mandrel-bent, ceramic-coated pipes. Grip comes courtesy of sticky 225/40R18 front and 245/45R20 rear Yokohama AVID ENVigors, which rotate around clean Schott Venoms. And everything, from this double nickel's stainless brake lines to its painted fuel tank, is fully sorted and exceptionally well done.

INTERIOR

When you open this sedan's doors, prepare to swim in a sea of first class aesthetics. The car's power front buckets and fixed rear bench have been carefully wrapped in leather and trimmed with Ostrich accents. In front of those seats, a Champagne dash hangs bowtie-stamped chrome behind simple Classic Instruments gauges. Overhead, an Ostrich-detailed headliner rides behind a polished mirror and coordinated sun visors. On the floors, fresh California Carpet anchors color-keyed mats beneath billet foot pedals. At the center of that carpet, a floating console centers a modern JVC head unit and Vintage Air climate control in front of retractable cupholders. In front of the driver, a polished steering wheel spins an Ostrich-detailed rim around a painted, tilting column. At the sides of the passengers, tri-tone door panels hang sculpted armrests behind correct handles and body-matched frames. And behind the cockpit, a custom trunk ensures your luggage rolls just as stylish as you do.

AWARD HISTORY

During its short time on the show circuit this tri-five racked up some impressive accolades. Here's a list of the cars major awards:

* 2010 Goodguys Builder's Choice Award
* 2011 Super Chevy Show Winner
* 2012 Goodguys Builder's Choice Award
* Multiple First Place trophies attained on the local show circuit

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* An album of build photos
* A stack of build receipts
* A component manual for the aforementioned stereo
* A pair of stainless wipers
* A wheel lock socket
* Six show trophies

Are you sick of the stuffy, old school tri-fives that dominate today's classic car culture? This award winning Bel Air is exactly what you need to restore your interest in boss '50s style! Wrapping a smooth GM small block and fully sorted mechanicals in a striking color combination and professional, ground-up restoration, this is a car that simply cannot be duplicated for our asking price. If you've been dreaming of the perfect blend of bold '50s design and modern Chevrolet swagger, wake up! It's time to claim your classic.