Frame-off Restored Bel Air Restomod 350ci V8 4spd Auto Ford 9in A/C Cruise

Like fashion, the collector car market is cyclical. But, like fashion staples, there are some cars that never go out of style. For instance, you just can't go wrong with a comfortable pair of jeans. And likewise, you'll always be admired when you pull up in a slick tri-five Chevy. Back in 1955, at a division that was struggling to make its car relevant to American youth, no one would have guessed that 63 years later we'd be regarding clean Bel Air resto-mods in the same way we admire timeless stalwarts like V8 Mercs and '32 Fords. But alas, great design endures. And when great design is mixed with modern technology, it's a sure-fire bet for success! Featuring an impressive roster of components, a custom 2-tone interior and a massaged Chevrolet small block, this spectacular Bel Air was built to provide a lifetime of memories. And if you've been searching for a striking Chevy showpiece, but want something that's a heck of a lot more fun than a stuffy restored-to-original car, it's a do-anything cruiser that simply can't be beat!

APPEARANCE/BUILD

Taken off its native North Carolina roads sometime in the mid-1980s, this slick Chevy spent the next 20 years passing through the hands of hopeful restorers who just couldn't get the project funded. Circa 2007, the car met its current owner: an enthusiast who runs his own shop. And in 2014, it rolled out of a body-off, rotisserie restoration that mixed classic MoTown aesthetics with modern mechanical prowess. During that extensive reboot, every piece of this Chevy's mostly-original body was scrutinized and adjusted until it was as close to perfect as it could get. Once those panels were solid and properly fitted, glossy Harbor Blue 2-stage was complemented with creamy Nassau Blue 2-stage. And the result is one striking Bel Air that displays better-than-factory fit under a spectacular, head-turning finish!

As a collector car enthusiast, you really can't go wrong with any '50s Chevy. But many folks cherish the streamlined swagger of the division's '56 model. At the front of this five-six, a polished grille hangs crystal clear parking lamps between chrome-trimmed headlights and a polished and guarded bumper. At the top of that grille, a rolled hood centers a polished Jetbird between an ornate crest, a requisite “V” and tinted glass that's draped in polished frames. At the base of those frames, polished wipers and a factory mirror reflect traditional door handles, flashy trim spears and traditional Bel Air emblems. And at the back of the car, a second polished and guarded bumper frames crisp taillights, a second “V” and an ornate trunk crest.

POWER

Check this Chevrolet's Satin Black engine bay and you'll find 350 cubic inches of hot small block that mixes great sounds with clean aesthetics. At the top of that 4-bolt mill, a finned air cleaner funnels breeze through a coated Holley carburetor that's wired to polished fuel lines and a small pressure gauge. Beneath that carb, a lightweight Edelbrock intake plants a GM distributor behind finned valve covers and a polished breather. That distributor sequences spark between spry MSD 6ALN ignition, a chrome Pertronix Flame-Thrower coil and premium Belden plug wires. Those wires fire a .030 overbore, which cages forged TRW pistons that push a balanced rotating assembly. That assembly, complemented by a hydraulic cam and hydraulic lifters, fills coated long-tube headers. In front of those tubes, fresh V-belts spin a billet fan pulley between a polished alternator and a polished AC compressor. In front of those ancillaries, a stainless-trimmed radiator fills a Trend expansion tank while being monitored by a small temperature gauge. And best of all, the reliable, fully rebuilt engine delivers roughly 350 horsepower!

POWER MANAGEMENT

Under the car, a straight chassis reflects clean, Satin Black paint. The trusty 350 powers a strengthened 700R4 4-speed that's finished with high performance servos. Behind that proven transmission, a 9-inch Ford axle spins a posi-traction differential around stout, 3.25 gears. That drivetrain rides a factory suspension, which is led by CPP quick-ratio power steering. Power-assisted stops are provided by GM calipers, which clamp a combination of vented, drilled and slotted rotors. A Mandrel-bent exhaust system cages an X-shaped crossover, polished Magnaflow mufflers and polished stainless tips. Power meets the pavement through U.S Mags Ramblers, which spin 225/55R17 Falken Ziex in front of 245/45R20 Falken Ziex. And everything, from this Chevy's stainless fuel tank to its polished transmission pan, appears free of significant weathering.

COMFORT

Not to be outdone by the car's striking paint, this Bel Air's custom interior is a soothing study in shades of blue. At the front of the cockpit, an ornate dash frames factory telemetry above Vintage Air conditioning, Custom Autosound audio and Auto Meter Sport-Comp accessory gauges. Under that dash, a sea of blue carpet floats Chevy themed floor mats between metal foot pedals and plush bench seats. At the sides of those seats, body-matched window frames bridge the gap between 2-tone door panels and a tight headliner. The driver traces the road through a familiar Corvette steering wheel, which laps modern Cruise Control. And the passengers store essentials in a carpeted trunk.

VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* A photo of the car taken prior to its restoration
* Component literature
* The car's NSRA Vehicle Safety Inspection sheets

The Bel Air is an American icon, and this crisp Chevy puts a highly unique spin on familiar lust. What's better: the car's workmanship is outstanding, providing an active enthusiast with a cool cruiser for much cheaper than any ground-up build. If you're looking for a fully-sorted classic that's comfortable, fulfilling and aesthetically exhilarating, this polished tri-five is your hot ticket!

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SUMMARY

* The beneficiary of a body-off, rotisserie restoration
* 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
* 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
* Modern air conditioning
* Custom vinyl interior / Cruise Control / Modern audio
* CPP quick-ratio power steering
* 4-wheel power disc brakes
* Ford 9-inch rear axle / Posi-traction differential / 3.25 gears
* Mostly-original sheetmetal / Era-correct Harbor Blue and Nassau Blue paint
* 17 and 20-inch U.S. Mags Rambler wheels