Frame Off Restored Pro Tour Bel Air Hardtop LS7 V8 5spd Paul Newman C4 Chassis

SUMMARY

* The beneficiary of a professional, ground-up restoration
* 7.0 liter GM Gen IV LS7 V8 / Dry sump lubrication / Estimated 630 HP
* 6-speed manual transmission
* Modern air conditioning
* Customized leather interior / Modern audio
* Newman Car Creations chassis / Fourth-generation Corvette suspension
* Dana 44 differential
* Power rack-and-pinion steering
* 4-wheel power disc brakes
* 18-inch Foose wheels

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Do a quick Google image search for “Bel Air” or “tri-five” and you'll see two predominant patterns: a whole lot of pastels and a whole lot of whitewalls. While it's hard not to love a fab classic, a staunch dedication to historical accuracy can definitely stand between some enthusiasts and '50s-era metal. Heck, even if you are a stickler for factory specs, it's still nice to see something a bit different every now and then. That's why this cool resto-mod is such a refreshing change of pace. A lot of time, money and effort was invested into making this classic one bad bowtie, and the quality of that plight shows throughout. From its Newman chassis and hot LS7 small block to its rich paint and customized interior, the car features the best of everything without drifting in to dreaded 'too nice to drive' territory. If you're ready to experience a different kind of rod, which can be obtained for much less than the hobby's typical build cost, take a minute to check out this killer Chevy!

BODY

The essential part of building a jaw dropping classic is knowing EXACTLY when to hold back. And with an icon as detailed as Chevy's tri-five, even the subtlest touches go a long way. While the pros at Bryan, Texas's Classic Collision and Restoration started this hardtop's body-off restoration by stripping its fuselage to bare metal, its solid profile needed little attention when it came to significant repairs. As expected, that detailed reboot ensured fit and finish that's significantly above '50s factory fodder. And glossy black and white 2-stage creates an affluent demeanor that most pastels simply can't touch.

ENGINE

Twisting 505 SAE-certified horsepower into 470 lb./ft. of torque off the assembly line, the lightweight LS7 rumbling between this custom's whittled fenders is a 21st century testament to the bowtie division's enduring small block. Founded in GM's very successful Corvette racing program, the brutal mill utilizes a forged crank, titanium rods and hypereutectic pistons to flat out whip pretty much anything with four wheels. Oil lubrication comes from a dry sump system, and it's believed the 427 cubic inch mill is now capable of over 600 horsepower in current form. The sinister soundtrack sends spent gases through ceramic-coated shorty headers. A beefy aluminum radiator floats in front of twin SPAL puller fans. And items like braided hoses and polished fluid reservoirs join a custom, “Bel Air” branded cowl to enhance the car's clean, color-keyed engine bay.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Behind the Gen IV small block, a modern 6-speed kicks a familiar Dana differential. That Corvette-style pumpkin floats in a full Newman Car Creations chassis, which is founded on a fourth-generation Corvette suspension that's finished with fresh Bilstein shocks. Turns are a cinch, thanks to power rack-and-pinion steering. At the corners of the floors, two GM calipers and two Baer calipers squeeze a quartet of drilled and slotted rotors. Coated, Mandrel-bent exhaust pipes funnel spent gases through an X-shaped crossover and coated turbo mufflers. And all that premium hardware rolls on chrome Foose wheels, which spin 275/40ZR18 Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs in front of 285/40ZR18 Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs.

INTERIOR

When you open this sedan's doors, prepare to swim in a sea of first class aesthetics. Centered under custom leather upholstery, the car's broad bench seats are all day comfortable. In front of those seats, a body-matched dash hangs white-face telemetry between modern audio and modern climate control. At the floor, plush carpet floats piped and color-keyed mats beneath a sculpted consolette that's centered on a speed-drilled shifter. At the sides of that rug, bowtie-branded door panels hang polished handles and sculpted armrests beneath polished window frames. And in front of the driver, a polished and half-wrapped steering wheel laps a polished, tilting column.

A lot of hot rods claim to be the total package, but this '56 Chevy actually backs that talk up. If you're in the market for big performance with timeless Motor City swagger, check out this incredible Bel Air!