History of Chevrolet's Bel Air Model:
The second-generation Chevrolet Bel Air received a modest facelift that is largely recognized as the most collectible today, mainly because it was the first time offered with a V8 engine! Even Chevrolet's advertising referred to it as the "Hot One" in their advertising. Beginning with the 1955 model year, distinct browed headlights lead into chrome spears found on the front fenders that carried into the center of the doors, while separate trim beginning just beyond the doors and rear quarters allowed for a breakage point for two-tone body paint color options. Inside the hardtops, chrome trimmed bands continued over the interior headliner! The body lines were much smoother down the sides as well as across the hood and fenders, leaving a very clean appearance from any angle! They are now among the most iconic American cars collected throughout the world!
Details About Our Available Bel Air Model:
For sale at the St. Louis Car Museum is a custom, 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe refinished expertly in Gypsy Red and India Ivory, over a custom bucket seat interior in Red Leatherette with matching carpet! Under the hood lies a 5.7L LT1 Fuel-injected V8 mated to a 4L60E 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission and 10-bolt rear axle! Options include Vintage Air conditioning, power steering, power front disc brakes, California one-piece chrome bumper, chrome 5-spoke Vision Wheel Legendary Series 18"/20" staggered wheel combination, all tinted glass including windshield, dual rear antennas, rocker panel stainless steel trim moldings, gas door paint protector, dual outside mirrors, integrated third brake light discretely hidden in the center Chevrolet trunk lid emblem, and upgraded electric windshield wipers.
Inside the cabin of this custom classic you'll find comfortable front bucket seats that are nicely bolstered, featuring an adjustable reclining backrest, center console with armrest and storage compartments, Quick Silver ratchet shifter, digital AM/FM radio in stock location with fender-mounted power antenna, day/night rearview mirror, VDO instrumentation, tilt steering column, Auto Meter tachometer, custom leather-wrapped steering wheel, front & rear seatbelts, carpeted floor mats, and extra front all-weather mats.
It is visually appealing everywhere you look, both under the hood and inside the trunk, all finished with a great degree of expertise just as any hot rod collector would desire. You'll be proud to pop the hood exposing the copious amounts of chrome and polished aluminum atop the engine! The brake booster and master cylinder are fully chromed, along with the alternator, a/c compressor, and engine cover! A Street & Performance throttle body, Griffin aluminum radiator, chrome overflow reservoir, Hedmann headers, and dual exhaust which really enhances the performance and sound of the engine!
Underneath, the suspension was upgraded at the front to include a front sway bar and power rack & pinion steering system, while the rear now utilizes a custom 10-bolt axle with adjustable QA1 coil-over shocks, leaf spring trailing arms, and upper Panhard bar. The driveshaft has been dynamically balanced for a smooth transfer of power to the wheels. The restoration of this special Bel Air was finished in approximately 2007 through a facility in Little Rock, Arkansas before it sold into to a collection in upstate New York in 2011 where it would remain and be cared for ever since. It's been driven confidently by both owners, showing 20,772 miles on the new odometer. We love the fact that it has been restored retaining so much of its original brightwork, often removed in modern custom builds. It continues to start, run, and perform absolutely wonderfully making this classic Bel Air a very well-built and drivable showpiece! Contact Jon Faust at (314)993-1330 to schedule a test drive.
