1955 PRO-TOURING CHEVY: The Clark Kent of Bel Airs

April 29, 2020
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

This stunning custom 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air (Lot #232) will be among the stars of the Barrett-Jackson Online Only May 2020 Auction.

Chevrolet launched itself to the future in 1955 when their version of modern styling first showed its beautiful face. All the brands were fresh that year, but only one still truly captivates us to this day ‒ the 1955 Bel Air two-door hardtop. These cars are as popular now in pure stock form as they are in otherworldly configurations, like the one you’re looking at now, which is among the hand-selected collector cars being offered during the Barrett-Jackson Online Only May 2020 Auction as Lot #232.

This version is the result of a ground-up build and wonderfully blends the classic original lines with some of today’s most advanced mechanicals. These modifications may be visually subtle, but they’re absolutely stunning in effect. The first clues to this car’s ultimate potential are its wheel and tire combination, and of course its stance on planet Earth. Otherwise, it simply appears as a gorgeous stock 1955 Chevrolet Sport Hardtop Coupe. The exterior chrome and stainless brightwork absolutely sparkle. And the black and red paint job looks positively indestructible.

When it comes to styling, many believe the ’55 Chevy represents the kind of timeless look all other car manufacturers are still striving for ‒ forget the fact the Chevy’s iconic grille was influenced by early ’50s Ferraris. Yet even today, with modern cad/cam computer wizardries, this ’55 Bel Air continues to radiate a smooth, graceful and efficient look 65 years after it was first created.

But, as all car enthusiasts know, the real strength of any collectable directly relates to what’s lurking under the hood. In this case, Chevrolet’s most dynamic factory engine the 376ci LSA Gen-4 small-block with an added supercharger puts this car in the upper stratosphere of desirability, let alone drivability ‒ yet it remains superhuman at heart.

This modern mechanical masterpiece happily provides 556 horsepower at 6,100 rpm, and 551 ft/lbs of torque at 3,800. Likely the most sophisticated pushrod V8 engine in our solar system, this all-aluminum power plant incorporates an aluminum block with six-bolt cross-bolted main caps for the forged steel crankshaft formed with an eight-bolt flange. Connecting rods are built with the powdered metal process for ultimate strength, and the pistons are produced with hypereutectic aluminum. Cylinder heads are aluminum as well and delivered with 68-cc combustion chambers. This horsepower factory always puts its best foot forward. A six-speed automatic transmission assures every step of the way is perfect and precise.

Another example of tasteful design abounds in this car’s interior. It almost looks pure stock, except for the custom leather bucket seats up front and the matching rear bench seat. An ingeniously crafted leather-covered console houses the shifter for GM’s ultra-high performance 6L90E gearbox. A custom tilt steering column helps you adjust your perspective, while a power rack & pinion steering box is controlled by a classis steering wheel ‒ same look, same size as 1955. You’ll be living and driving in two dimensions at the same time. Vintage Air and power windows make sure the experience will be perfect any time of the day or season.

Disguised underneath is a not so mild-mannered chassis, but a custom structure with a Jim Meyer Racing front independent suspension. Adjustable coilover shocks at all corners along with Wilwood power-assisted vented disc brakes provide the stability and road control no mortal ’55 could ever hope to achieve. The combination of classic Halibrand-style wheels and high-performance Nitto tires officially rubber-stamp this machine’s claim to all the pavement on the planet.

So, if you have a desire to be faster than a speeding bullet while driving an out-of-this-world 1955 Bel Air, cast your X-ray vision on this one and see what happens.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at all the vehicles on the Online Only May 2020 Auction docket, click HERE.