This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door convertible was refurbished before the current owner’s 2017 acquisition, which included refinishing the exterior in red and white with a power-operated white soft top. Work under current ownership included installing a fuel-injected 5.3-liter crate V8 linked with a four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission and a 9″ rear end with 3.73:1 gears. The car rides on a lowered suspension with front coilovers and 15″ steel wheels mounted over four-wheel disc brakes, and additional equipment includes a Griffin radiator, a dual exhaust system, and power steering. The cabin was re-trimmed in red and white vinyl and outfitted with a tilt steering column, Dakota Digital instrumentation, a cassette stereo, and Vintage Air climate control. This modified Bel Air convertible is offered by the seller in California on behalf of the owner with a clean Nevada title in the owner’s name.
The exterior was refinished in red and white during the refurbishment under prior ownership. A replacement power-operated white soft top is installed, and further details include a hood ornament, hooded headlights, an egg-crate grille, chrome bumpers and rocker panel trim, and dual exhaust outlets. A stress crack in the paint on the left-rear quarter panel is displayed in the gallery. The soft top is difficult to latch, and video of the top in operation is provided in the gallery.
Red-finished 15″ steel wheels wear chrome hubcaps and are mounted with BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial wide whitewall tires measuring 215/70 in front and 245/65 out back. The car rides on adjustable front coilovers and tubular upper and lower control arms, and a sway bar is fitted out back. Braking is provided by power-assisted discs at each corner.
The bench seats are upholstered in red and white vinyl, and a matching color scheme extends to the door panels. Appointments include a cassette stereo, Vintage Air climate control, a traffic light indicator, lap belts, Bel Air-branded floor mats, and vent windows. An Optima battery is mounted in the trunk. The windows do not fully seal with the soft top in the raised position.
The three-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and sits on a tilting column ahead of a Dakota Digital instrument cluster. The five-digit odometer shows 2,600 miles, which is said to represent the mileage added since the completion of the build. Total mileage is unknown.
The 5.3-liter crate V8 features fuel injection and was purchased and installed in 2018. Equipment includes a Griffin aluminum radiator, a custom engine cover, and a dual exhaust system with bullet-style mufflers.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission and a 9″ rear end with 3.73:1 gears. The frame was reinforced and a replacement fuel tank was installed during the build.
The current Nevada title lists an Exempt odometer brand.