Highlights
- Purpose-built for historic endurance rallying with extensive modifications
- Well presented in original factory two-tone colour scheme and interior
- Proven rally experience from the 2018 Himalayan Challenge in India and Nepal
- 350ci V8 crate engine and a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission fitted in 2018
- Comprehensive rally preparation, including Brantz timers, roll bar, and dedicated fuel cell
- US-registered vehicle now located in the UK
The Appeal
When the first keeper of this Bel-Air collected it in 1955, chances are they envisioned its life gently rolling between high-end boutiques and lunch engagements. After all, that’s what these stylish, expensive coupes were built for.
Perhaps that’s exactly what happened for its first 63 years. Then things changed quite considerably. In 2018, it was extensively restored and upgraded as a historic rally car for the 2018 Himalayan Challenge running between India and Nepal.
The work included fitting a 350CI (5.7L) crate engine and Tremec 6spd manual box. The list of other rally fittings includes Brantz timers, Corbeau seats and harnesses, roll bar and upgraded fuel cell system.
Cosmetically, the car neatly retains its Ivory and Harvest Gold colour scheme and much of the lovely green interior, including door cards and dashboard. Outside, the clues to its upgrades are subtle, including BF Goodrich Commercial tyres, auxiliary lights and increased ride height.
The car is located in the UK but still carries its USA title. This is a very highly specified historic rally car. That, plus the provenance, makes it perfect for new adventures.
History and Paperwork
- 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door sedan
- Factory specification detailed below and largely retained
- Currently registered in the United States but located in the UK
- Successfully completed the 2018 Himalayan Challenge rally in India and Nepal
- Extensively overhauled in preparation for the 2018 event
Production Info:
- Style: 55-1011D – 1955 Bel Air two-door sedan
- Body: S20192 – Assembled in St. Louis, Missouri
- Trim: 510 – Featuring green cloth and vinyl
- Paint: 631 – India Ivory and Harvest Gold
The Condition
- Finished in factory Ivory and Harvest Gold (white and yellow) paintwork
- Paintwork presents very well as shown in photos
- Bodywork in good order with flush panels and well-kept arches and sills
- Largely factory standard aesthetics with upgrades detailed below
- Steel wheels in matching yellow with BF Goodrich tyres
- Mix of original green interior with various upgrades
- Green dashboard and door cards and off-white headlining all well kept
- Original factory steering wheel in matching green colour
- Interior features Corbeau bucket seats and harnesses in place of the original seating
- Rear seat has been removed to create additional storage space
- Dashboard upgraded with Classic Instruments gauges, including a 140-mph speedometer and tachometer
- Rally-specific equipment includes dash-mounted switches and Brantz digital rally timers
- Safety features include a roll bar and dual fire extinguishers
- Upgraded with LED lighting throughout
Specification:
Safety & Interior
- Upgraded with Corbeau bucket seats and harnesses
- Roll bar
- Dash-mounted switches
- Dual fire extinguishers
- LED lighting
- Removal of the rear seat creates additional space for storage
Rally Essentials:
- Complete with Classic Instruments gauges
- 140-mph speedometer and tachometer
- Brantz digital rally timers
- Trunk-mounted air compressor
- Dedicated fuel cell
Exterior & Finishing Touches:
- White and yellow livery
- KC driving lamps
- Lucas amber fog lamps
- 16″ steel wheels
- LT215/ 85 BFGoodrich Commercial T/ A Traction tyres
The Mechanics
- 350ci (5.7-litre) V8 crate engine installed in 2018
- Tremec 6-speed manual transmission
- Global West tubular control arms with aftermarket springs
- Fox off-road shocks at all four corners
- Wilwood front disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors
- Reinforced front frame plates and skid plates to protect the drivetrain
- Trunk-mounted air compressor for on-the-go tyre inflation
- Dedicated fuel cell for improved safety and range
- The vendor states that despite the car's size, it accelerates impressively
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