This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible combines several build styles into an awesome performance package. From the rat rod/patina body to the pro-touring chassis to the resto-mod interior, this car looks like a blast to drive! It can be found for sale here on eBay with a current bid of over $54,000 and the reserve hasn’t been met yet. The seller thinks the body panels are original. Aside from the new top and Fusion Rally wheels, at first glance, you might think this is some old heap. But a closer look shows a beautifully restored interior, awesome drivetrain, and polished trim. Located in Boca Raton, Florida, this thing would be perfect for cruising in the sun.
The seller says the interior was likely restored a few years ago “but still has the super clean look.” While it looks fairly original, it features bluetooth, Dakota Digital gauges, chrome steering column, and new convertible top. Overall, it looks very clean and comfortable.
Here’s where the real fun begins! You are looking at a 6.0 liter LS2 with a 2-chop cam. The engine is mated to a “built” 4L80E transmission with a 2400 stall converter and one-piece driveshaft. All the power is sent back to the venerable 9″ rear end suspended by a 4-link. Everything is kept cool thanks to a massive Griffin radiator which is as clean as the rest of the engine compartment.
As you can see, the chassis has been reinforced and features coil-over suspension at all four corners along with disc brakes.
Overall, this is a pretty cool package. I’d probably lose the hitch out back, but heck, maybe this thing would look even better towing a small vintage trailer. What do you think?
I’m generally ambivalent about the whole patina thing, but it looks kind of odd on a convertible that was otherwise done at a high standard. I would absolutely give this one a proper paint job, as it would be stunning.
Yes…and it doesn’t have to be a ultra clear, either. It could be a satin paint. Cadillac charges $3,295 for a matte finish Emerald Frost. It has a clear coat – the clear is designed to absorb the light, not reflect it like standard clear coat.
Actually I think I kinda like the “work in progress” look of this one.Especially with the really nice interior.
And I would definitely keep the hitch. Get a small U-Haul trailer, [faded of course] and turn it into a mini-camper. Bunk beds and a fridge and tour the heck out of it.
Looks like it even has a c. Purrrfect !
IMO this one goes too far. A little patina is fine, but the rusty holes? Overall, a neat car with some nice craftsmanship. It will be interesting to see how well it does in the bidding.
I’m a ’55 Lover & use to think this look was lame. Not anymore. I like the rustic exterior. The presence of the solid mechanical updates, comfy interior & great Bluetooth music—I’d take this fine machine on a cross-country road trip in a heartbeat 💓!
Wouldn’t change a thing, but add a bigger tire to the rear. Happy Motoring!
I really like this car and would love owning it. I would change a few things , but not much. The major one being the steering wheel, the original 55 wheel is classic and it needs to be on this car. The only thing that would stop me from owning this car is the winning bid, I expect it to be more than I could afford.
Joe, completely agree, also I’d ditch that digital clock, it looks so freaking cheap!
Nah, leave it the way it is! Be King of the Stop Light Grand Prix.
55 convertible, Rare!
Joe, you can buy a reproduction ’55 steering wheel for around $300 that is a smaller diameter that looks pretty good.
Guess I’m in the minority here, ’cause if I’m spending in excess of $55K for a collector car I’d want something that folks, when seeing it, would say WOW, what a beautiful car!
In My opinion the exterior looks like S_ _ _ !!!!!!!
Had 2, 55 Chevy convertibles Used one for parts and took interior out of one, put 5 coats of sky blue lacquer paint finished with 2 coats of clear coat. Redid top of 265 V-8 with power pack heads and 327 manifold and ignition . put new white convertible top on it. That thing would take off from a stop light faster that a Vette. 0-60 was fast. Real sleeper would love to own this one but 50K
and reserve not met is too rich for this one, he should finish it with a knockout paint job then it would be worth it.
Oh no! Gotta keep the hitch. Perfect for a well-patinaed mid-century 14′ Airstream Cubby to pull along to car shows. Sure would beat one of those umbrella tents to lounge under
Bought a 56, 55, and a really nice 57 Chevrolet’s, all 2 door hardtops for $200 each! Of course that was in 1966-1968! I’ve been so lucky to live in the era of potential classics and muscle cars and realize the thrill of being held tight to the seat by brute horsepower.