While some custom builds are subtle and restrained, others possess a genuine attitude. This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Gasser falls into the latter category, with an appearance guaranteed to turn heads. It runs and drives well, leaving scope for personalization if the buyer isn’t a fan of its aged appearance. The seller has listed this striking Bel Air here on eBay in Virgie, Kentucky. They’ve received no bids on an auction that opened at $1,000, but there is a BIN option of $28,500 for those viewing this classic as a must-have.
The 1955 Bel Air forms part of Chevrolet’s legendary Tri-Five range that graced showroom floors from 1955 until 1957. The history of our featured car is unclear, and the extent of exterior paint deterioration makes it impossible to determine the original shade with any certainty. I can spot isolated areas that appear to be Neptune Green, which might be a fair indication. The rest of the exterior is a patchwork of a darker shade of Green and plenty of dry surface corrosion. However, what the car appears to lack is penetrating rust. That leaves the buyer with a couple of choices. They could preserve the exterior as is, treating the corrosion to prevent further corrosion. Alternatively, it is a prime candidate for fresh paint, and considering the custom touches already visible, they wouldn’t need to follow a faithful path with their color choice. The trim and glass look respectable, and the enormous wheels scream, “Hey, look at me!”
The seller supplies no interior or engine bay images, so we’re flying blind on trim colors and materials. However, we know that lifting the hood will reveal a 350ci V8. It features an upgraded camshaft, but the seller doesn’t indicate whether there are any further engine modifications. However, I would be surprised if the small-block didn’t send at least 300hp to the rear wheels via its four-speed manual transmission. The seller added tubular suspension arms, raising the rear ride height to clear the enormous wheels. Potential buyers can consider the Bel Air a turnkey proposition, with the seller confirming that it runs and drives really well.
It will be interesting to gauge your feedback on this 1955 Bel Air Gasser, and to discover what you might do once it is safely tucked away in your workshop. Some will appreciate the aged appearance, while others might feel that fresh paint and some custom graphics would add the perfect finishing touch. Considering the low auction opening figure, I’m surprised the Bel Air hasn’t attracted any bids. However, the auction statistics suggest that the situation could change at any time. Do you think that will happen, and do you believe it could reach the seller’s BIN figure before the hammer falls?
Two lane blacktop.
2 Lane Blacktop indeed, albeit, a poor rendition of one. My 1st thought was Universal Studios was having a sell off. Drives well? Good heavens, those front wheels will track in Baltimore, and the rears in Nova Scotia. With back wheels sticking out, it’s probably not tubbed, and just a fun build. A mere shred of the REAL 2 Lane Blacktop car, that was also Bob Falfas ( Harrison Ford) car in American Graffiti, and made a cameo appearance in the background of Adam-12s “Who won?” episode. It was repainted gray and restored, sold at BJ for $159gs.
It should be noted, Jay Leno restored a clone ’55 Chevy from the movie, and had James Taylor come and see it. Apparently, Leno was surprised, Taylor had no interest in the car, and didn’t even want to drive it. He said it was the worst thing he ever did, and never even saw the finished film! That’s a Hollywood!
If I were to own it I would add a set of zoomies coming out of the front wheel wells, or at least fender exit headers. And a cool looking pair of wheelie bars even if they never get used. Seems as though he did his homework with the Grumpy Jenkins “Grump lump” style scoop.
Too many unknowns. Without detailed pictures of the front and rear suspension, interior and engine compartment it’s not really worth considering unless you really want this specific style of car and have the ability too see it in person. There is a lot of downside risk, all shouldered by potential buyers, based on what’s shown in the ad.
Steve R