This 1955 Bel Air Coupe was a labor of love project that spanned about 7 years to build. A local NW enthusiast and hot rodder Pat Wardell purchased this car as a rolling shell in 2006 and set out to build his dream 55-Chev. The car is built "old school cool" and features a 350 V8 engine with the desirable GM Turbo Hydra-Matic 700R4 automatic transmission and Hurst quick shifter set up. The engine was built by Action Auto Parts Machine Shop in Seattle. The transmission was fully rebuilt with a high performance extra wide band, new valve body, heavy duty 2000 stall convertor, new gears, and premium "red" clutch. "FAST EZ EFI" fuel injection was fitted for better reliability and easy starts, there is a controller in the glove box that allows for fine tuning. MSD ignition has been fitted along with a Holley Contender aluminum intake manifold. The exhaust features headers and dual Flowmaster mufflers. Power front disk brakes with drilled rotors were also added for better stopping ability. All suspension components were replaced and upgraded with better springs/shocks, power steering, and thick sway bars. A high capacity radiator and electric fan will keep things cool. The body was removed from the frame which was cleaned, blasted, and epoxy coated. The exterior is finished in beautiful deep black cherry metallic paint with heavy red metal flake that glistens in the sunlight. 15-inch Riddler "675" alloy wheels look period correct and compliment the body style very well. Inside the cabin all new upholstery was installed with a grey and white theme. Grey leather, manually adjustable, front buckets seats are up front with a grey leather bench in the back. The battery was relocated to the trunk behind a custom cover. Modern touches include cruise control, power front windows that are neatly actuated up/down by the manual looking window cranks, a retro-look digital radio, custom built center console, electric wipers, and a dash mounted tachometer.

This 55 Bel Air is a great example of the much loved Tri-Five Chevys and can be driven anywhere, around town, or on a long highway cruise. The car comes with tons of build receipts and manuals. Roll all the windows down for that gorgeous, pillar less, open air look and cruise your local town in style!