Frame Off Built Bel Air Restomod EFI LS1 V8 4L60E 4 Speed Auto PS A/C Air Ride 4

When the weather gets warm, dreams of cruising down the highway in a jaw-dropping classic are inevitable. Linger on that thought a little longer and the sound of a small block V8 comes to mind coupled with images of an old school dash. We'll let you fill in the details from there, but, if you like where we were going, have a look at this incredible Bel Air. Backing a Corvette-sourced LS1 with a 4L60E 4-speed, an adjustable Ridetech suspension and custom leather upholstery, this head-turning hardtop has been drawing stares ever since it rolled in to our showroom. And if you're ready to feel the summer breeze behind the wheel of a unique, first-class custom, it's a chance to turn your dreams into reality!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The beneficiary of a body-off, rotisserie restoration that was completed in January of 2015, this awesome Chevy features a decidedly street rod aesthetic that's highlighted by glossy Mazda Liquid Silver 2-stage. A rust-free gem that spent most of its life in Texas, the car was located in Lincolnton, North Carolina in June of 2014 wearing original sheetmetal and faded, original paint. Once that solid façade had been fitted with a fresh rear filler panel, all its gaps and style lines were massaged to uniformity. When that razor-sharp profile was fully prepped, a shaved header panel, shaved fender toppers and a shaved decklid were augmented with monochromatic “Bel Air” scripts and sleek, matte-finished trim. That striking body was detailed with a smoothed front bumper, smoked glass and a smoothed, 1-piece rear bumper, which play well with intricate headlights, smoked parking lamps and electric RainGear wipers. And today, this coupe rolls as one fully sorted hot rod that's tasteful, unique and poised to drop jaws!

ENGINE

Elevate the car's peaked hood and you'll find 5.7 liters of GM LS1 V8 that was sourced directly from a 2002 Corvette. 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 produce a solid 350 horsepower. At the front of the engine, color-keyed serpentine components spin a fresh alternator, a modern AC compressor and an aluminum water pump behind a matte air cleaner. Once air enters that cleaner, it flows through a factory-spec throttle body to a lightweight, composite intake, which is bolted down over completely stock internals. High octane fossils are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. Sparks are sequenced through 7mm plug wires. Spent gases are whisked away by a slick pair of ceramic-coated shorties. Quality Ron Francis wiring ensures everything communicates well. And cooling comes courtesy of a polished Griffin cross-flow radiator that's fitted with large SPAL puller fans. Aesthetically, the Cast Silver mill blends seamlessly with a smoothed firewall, Liquid Silver fenders and a color-keyed, “Chevrolet' branded cowl. And details like stainless fluid lines, trick dipsticks, polished fluid reservoirs, Eddie Motorsports hood supports and a polished CPP brake booster ensure this coupe runs every bit as good as it looks.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Park this Chevy on a lift and you'll find a super clean undercarriage that's been prepped, primped and polished to match the car's slick powerplant and striking exterior. The well-mannered motor twists a predictable 4L60E 4-speed, which spins a tough Currie 9-inch that's fitted with 3.73 gears and a proven limited-slip differential. That Ford-inspired pumpkin is an integral part of a sturdy factory frame, which was stripped bare during the car's detailed restoration. Those bones roll on a double a-arm front and 4-link rear suspension that's augmented with tubular control arms and adjustable Ridetech bags. Modern power steering provides tracking. Quick stops are a cinch thanks to four red calipers, which squeeze 13-inch drilled and slotted rotors. Large, Mandrel-bent exhaust pipes route spent gases through an H-shaped crossover and Flowmaster dual-chamber mufflers. Attractive Billet Specialties Legacy II wheels center polished spinners and powder-coated spokes inside 225/45ZR18 and 245/40ZR20 Delinte Thunder D7s. And everything, from the car's stainless tanks to its finned transmission cooler, appears poised to provide years of pleasure and reliability!

INTERIOR

Open this Bel Air's doors and you'll find a plush leather cockpit that was installed by Pharr Upholstery of Lincolnton, North Carolina. Top dead center, a matte-finished dash frames bright Dakota Digital VHX telemetry in subdued billet trim. Opposite that dash, '65 Thunderbird buckets border a custom, full-length console that balances a familiar Lokar shifter between full power windows, Vintage Air climate control and modern Alpine audio. Beneath that console, clean California Carpet floats piped and color-keyed floor mats beneath custom side panels, billet door handles and billet foot pedals. Opposite that carpet, a custom headliner ups the style quotient. In front of the driver, a tilting column spins a traditional, 2-tone steering wheel. And behind the passengers, a leather-lined trunk features ample storage space.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* A stack of build receipts
* An album of build photos

So there you have it: a sweet Chevy that wraps a proven drivetrain in striking aesthetics and comfortable upholstery. Despite broad aftermarket support, building a quality tri-five that looks, runs and drives this well is still a serious undertaking. As you can tell, the builders of this Bel Air didn't cut a single corner. Looking for a tasteful, functional custom that'll always draw a crowd? Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte, sign the papers on this slick hardtop and spare yourself the headache of a ground-up build!

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SUMMARY

* Rotisserie restoration completed in January of 2015
* 5.7 liter GM LS1 V8 / 350 horsepower
* 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission
* Custom leather interior / Air conditioning / Modern audio
* Upgraded suspension / Ridetech air ride
* Currie 9-inch rear axle / Limited-slip differential / 3.73 gears
* Power steering / 4-wheel power disc brakes
* 18 and 20-inch Billet Specialties Legacy II wheels
* Mostly-original sheetmetal / Mazda Liquid Silver paint / Matte trim
* Sale includes build receipts