The reason pro-built cars are expensive isn't because they pay more for paint or know how to build faster engines. No, the pros know that details matter, and this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is an ideal example. Exceptionally well-built, it's amazing on first glance, but you'll discover its true nature only after spending a few hours looking at all the little stuff. For you guys admiring the paint and wondering how you can get it on your own ride, I'm sorry, but it's a proprietary mix that was concocted just for this Bel Air. There's a little Nassau Blue in there, a little Marina Blue, a bit of metallic, and maybe even some pearl, and you can't really get the full effect from these photos. But see it in the sun and you'll understand why it cost what it did. Of course, you can't just throw great paint on average bodywork, so they worked overtime to get the panels straight, aligned everything better than the guys at Lexus, then buffed it out to a mirror shine. Nothing was shaved or trimmed, but as I said, the attention to detail is what makes cars like this special. But that also means the trim had to be up to the same standards, so a boatload of cash went into fresh chrome on the bumpers and grille, fully polished stainless body trim, and razor-sharp Bel Air script. And by the way, yes, those are ultra-rare 1-piece California bumpers. Completely color-matched with custom two-tone upholstery, the interior adopts the stock design and takes it to the next level with exceptional craftsmanship. The most notable upgrade is a center console with A/C vents and twin cup holders, and it's so neatly integrated that you'll wonder why the GM engineers didn't think of that back in 1955. The original dashboard has been restored to show standards, but you'll find bright Dakota Digital gauges in the instrument panel and a column-mounted shifter with four forward gears instead of two. The original radio is gone, but a modern AM/FM/CD setup is in place, all neatly disguised to look right at home in the otherwise stock interior. The trunk is upholstered in the finest tradition, and a new blue power top is so beautifully installed that you'll feel guilty folding it. The engine bay is like artwork, with a fully rebuilt 327 with an .040 overbore and a ton of chrome. It's fed by a pair of 500 CFM Edelbrocks on a high-rise intake, which definitely gets peoples' attention. Look closely and you'll see that the firewall and inner fenders have been smoothed (and color coded to match the rest of the car), all the lines and hoses have been hidden, and just about everything was either chromed or polished. Aluminum heads and a Lunati cam build horsepower and a custom ceramic-coated exhaust system gives it an awesome voice. It's backed by a 700R4 4-speed automatic, and with 3.73s out back, this car runs as great as it looks. Four-wheel Wilwood discs, fully finished floors, air shocks, and a color-matched frame mean that you'll have to invest in some extra mirrors to show it off. 17-inch Torque Thrusts look great and wear 225/50/17 tires that are exactly the right size for this vintage iron. This gorgeous Bel Air clearly demonstrates that beauty is truly in the details. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom. For more information, please call (817) 764-8000 or toll free (855) 877-2707.
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