INTRODUCTION: You don't have to spend six figures to own a frame off restored '55 Chevy. This Bel Air combines show quality looks with the comfort and reliability upgrades that make it a pleasure to drive, whether you're heading to a local cruise night or taking a long highway trip. It's the best of both worlds- an eye catching classic that's built to be enjoyed! This '55 Bel Air has traveled just 1,000 miles since its body-off-frame restoration and checks all the boxes for the perfect classic cruiser. With its stunning looks, quality workmanship, upgraded comfort features, reliable performance, and overdrive transmission, it's equally at home turning heads at cruise nights or effortlessly eating up miles on the highway. This is the kind of Tri-Five that delivers the style everyone wants with the drivability you'll truly appreciate.
EXTERIOR: I'm very impressed with the body on this '55. Either the craftsman who restored it was exceptionally talented, or they started with an incredibly solid car, because the fit and finish are outstanding. The body is laser straight from the rockers to the roof, and the panel gaps are right on the money. Even the doors fit beautifully- you simply let go of them and they click shut on their own. The rich maroon paint has been polished to a smooth, high gloss finish that really highlights the quality of the bodywork. The chrome and stainless trim are in excellent condition throughout and appear to have been restored or replaced. The windshield is new, the remaining glass is exceptionally nice, and all the weatherstripping has been replaced. Giving it an aggressive stance is a 2-inch drop up front, while a set of Billet Specialties wheels- 18s in front and 20s in back are wrapped in Continental ExtremeContact performance tires. Blue-dot taillights provide the perfect custom touch to finish off this beautiful Tri-Five Chevy.
INTERIOR: It has a custom look that's both tasteful and comfortable. The metal trim is painted to match the exterior and cream color upholstery adds a tasteful contrast. A full set of custom gauges keeps the driver informed, while the factory style heater control panel operates a modern Vintage Air system. Between the bucket seats is a custom built center console with cup holders and a Bluetooth stereo. The air conditioning vents have been neatly integrated into the design. The Ultra Leather upholstery is exceptionally soft, covering the custom door panels, armrests, seats, center console, and even the headliner and visors. Rear speakers provide great sound, and seatbelts are provided for all passengers. A chrome tilt steering column topped with a deluxe steering wheel adds both style and comfort. The wiring system has been upgraded along with modern blade style fuses. Finishing off the interior is custom carpeting with bound edges.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: It has everything you could want in a classic that's built to be driven and enjoyed. At its heart is a Blueprint 350 crate engine, dyno-tested at 360 horsepower. It's equipped with aluminum heads, an aluminum intake manifold, and a polished Holley carburetor with an electric choke. Ignition duties are handled by a billet distributor with an HEI ignition system, while a Summit billet front runner setup features polished brackets and serpentine pulleys for a clean, modern appearance. Additional upgrades include a polished A/C compressor, alternator, and power steering system with a remote reservoir, along with an upgraded power brake system. Cooling is handled by a large PRC aluminum radiator and dual electric fans, keeping the engine running comfortably even in warm weather. The surrounding metal surfaces are neatly painted and detailed, while chrome finned valve covers add the perfect finishing touch. A properly mounted battery with a master disconnect switch rounds out an engine compartment that is both attractive and functional.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: It is just as well finished as the rest of the car. The underside of the deck lid and jamb areas have been painted very nicely. The trunk has been boxed and upholstered to match the custom interior, including gray carpet with bound edges for a clean, tailored appearance. The spare tire is covered with a custom made tire cover, and the trunk is complete with its jack assembly.
UNDERSIDE: This Tri-Five was restored with the body removed from the frame. The chassis is clean and detailed, featuring new body mount bushings, rebuilt steering and suspension with 2 inch drop spindles in front. Upgraded front disc brakes, new rear brakes and working emergency brake assembly. A dual exhaust system with Cherry Bomb mufflers gives it the unmistakable hot rod sound. The fuel system was replaced and the tank is painted. Looking up underneath, the engine is clean and well kept, backed by a desirable 700R4 overdrive automatic transmission with a chrome pan. A rebuilt driveshaft transfers power to the rear end with 3.36 gears. The floors have been restored, painted black, and appear solid throughout. Overall, the underside is clean and proper!
SERVICE: We take pride in our cars and our reputation. Every vehicle goes through our service department where it is inspected, test driven, and we address the essentials before offering it for sale.
CONCLUSION: Don't let this opportunity pass you by! We'll have other '55 Chevys, but chances are they'll be priced $30,000 to $40,000 higher. This one delivers the quality of a show car with the comfort and drivability to truly enjoy on the road.
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9–5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
Air conditioning
Power Disc brakes
Power steering
Bluetooth stereo
Ultra leather
Bucket seats
Console
