Pick of the Day: 1955 Chevy Bel Air resto-mod in blue

Still an enduring favorite among aging Boomers, the ’55 Chevy was the automaker’s first “modern” design, the first of a trio of model years known collectively as the Tri-5 Chevys.  This also marked the GM brand’s departure from its somewhat stodgy image.

But you probably knew all that.  What you might not have known is that the 1955 model was met with some controversy when it arrived from those who disliked the less-than-full-width grille with its Ferrari-like eggcrate style.  The 1956 model remedied that perceived flaw with a more conventional grille.  

Still, the 1955 Chevy was a runaway bestseller, setting a sales record of 1.75 million units, and it remains popular among restorers and hot rodders alike.

The Pick of the Day is a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door sedan – known as a 2-door post for its B pillar – that has been given a sparkling resto-mod treatment, looking restored stock on the outside (aside from custom wheels) but thoroughly modernized underneath.

The Hiram, Georgia, dealer advertising the Chevy on ClassicCars.com describes the car as “super sharp” with “a beautiful two-tone blue exterior, with custom Ultra Leather blue interior.”  The dealer notes that the Bel Air is located in Hixson, Tennessee.

The dealer then ticks off a lengthy list of upgrades, repairs and improvements:

“This ‘55 has a GM 350-300hp engine, a Muncie 4-speed transmission, power steering, power disc brakes, Vintage heat & A/C, tilt wheel, custom auto sound system, full complete Ultra Leather interior from M&M Interiors, all new AGP tinted glass, LeCarra billet leather-wrapped steering wheel, new felts and rubbers, new bumpers, new grille, new lenses, new stainless, new emblems, new American Auto wiring harness, new emergency brake kit, new Lokar billet pedals and cables, new alum. radiator with electric fans, new custom ordered 17-inch wheels and tires, new Flowmaster mufflers with Silverton exhaust tips, etc. etc.

“I’m sure I left some things out, but I think you get the picture,” the seller adds. “The last owner said that it took 2 years and over $50K to build this Bel-Air. It has what everybody is looking for.”

 Indeed, if what you’re looking for is a fine vintage Chevy that you could drive anywhere, comfortably and with confidence.  The asking price is $39,500.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.