135890 / 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air

THIS VEHICLE HAS SOLD!

https://www.rkmotors.com/vehicles/260...

It's pretty evident that the goal of this Chevy's build was to create one of the coolest Bel Air cruisers the hobby has ever seen. And, judging by initial reaction, that mission was certainly accomplished! If you're searching for a sizzling custom that mixes fully sorted mechanicals with great aesthetics, you've found your next classic.

BODYWORK/TRIM

The essential part of building a jaw dropping show car is knowing exactly when to hold back. And, with an icon like Chevy's Bel Air, even the most subtle touches go a long way. While Cleveland, Georgia's Designer Street Rods gave this sedan's body plenty of attention, that work was specifically aimed at creating the most perfect surface possible. And the result is panels that are amazingly flat, displaying nary a ripple or wave anywhere. As expected, those straight panels ensure fit and finish that's significantly above '50s factory fodder. A glossy combination of burgundy and silver 2-stage lends the car a sophisticated demeanor that most pastels simply can't match. And naturally, that rich pigment, which has been stored in a climate-controlled garage since its 2009 debut, reflects a spectacular shine that'll equal any first rate classic at any local show.

ENGINE

Hoist the domed hood and you'll find 350 cubic inches of show-detailed V8 that, thanks to Leonard Coleman of Gainesville, Georgia, twists stout 10 to 1 compression into roughly 375 horsepower. At the top of that clean mill, a chrome air cleaner mixes wind from a reusable filter element with high-octane fossils that are juiced through braided fuel lines and a small Auto Gage pressure gauge. Below that cleaner, a coated Demon carburetor funnels a perfect air/fuel mixture in to a Holley Contender intake that's flanked by Dart aluminum heads, high quality roller rockers and polished aluminum valve covers. Behind those covers, an MSD distributor sequences spark between an MSD Blaster 2 coil and loomed Taylor plug wires. Between those wires, a forged steel crank pushes flat top pistons at the sides of a Comp hydraulic cam and traditional hydraulic lifters. Cooling is provided by a beefy aluminum radiator that's paired with a polished overflow tank and two quick-spinning SPAL puller fans. Charge comes courtesy of a polished Concept One serpentine system, which spins a polished alternator, a polished AC compressor and a coated water pump above a coated Holley fuel pump. Spent gases travel from a clean pair of coated Sanderson headers to polished stainless exhaust pipes. And, if 375 horsepower seems a bit low, there's a NOS Super Powershot system that's piped, connected and waiting.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Combining tubular Concept One control arms with small lowering blocks and fresh Bilstein shocks, this Chevy provides a comfortable, durable ride that's spiced by improved handling. At the center of that Satin Black skeleton, a proven GM 700R4 4-speed sends torque from a 2,800RPM stall converter to a stout Ford 9-inch. At the front of that awesome drivetrain, a power-assisted Concept One steering box makes quick work of tight spots and sharp turns. At the corners of the car, modern, power-assisted calipers squeeze a combination of vented and drilled and slotted rotors. At the center of the floor, spent gases float from the aforementioned headers in to a $4K polished stainless exhaust system that follows an X-shaped crossover with polished Borla mufflers. And all this mechanical goodness rolls on polished American Racing Torq Thrust IIs, which spin aggressive 245/45ZR17 Riken Raptor ZRs in front of 255/50ZR17 Riken Raptor ZRs.

INTERIOR

Peer through the car's smoked windows and you'll find a custom leather interior that was installed by Paul Atkins Interiors of Hanceville, Alabama. Power front buckets and a fixed rear bench don soft hides that display no significant wear. Between those seats, a contoured console hides controls for the aforementioned NOS system behind two convenient cupholders. Above that console, a painted dash hangs attractive, bowtie-stamped trim over Classic Instruments telemetry, direct-fit audio and controls for the car's heat and air conditioning. And in front of the driver, a classy '59 Impala steering wheel spins around a polished, tilting column.

With a detailed, frame-off restoration that would probably take a second mortgage to duplicate, this Bel Air rolls on the right side of impressive. If you're dreaming of the perfect blend of lavish '50s style and modern, reliable performance, call, click or visit http://RKMotors.com today!