Hopefully you’re not a purist, or this Tri-Five will not make you happy.
To some, the Chevy Tri-Fives are sacred automotive icons you ought not mess with in the least. Obviously not everyone holds that opinion, as clearly stated with this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Restomod. From the outside it looks fairly original, but once you dig into this vehicle the more modern tweaks become apparent. Is it an improvement over the original factory specs or was messing with success a recipe for disaster? Read on, check out the photos, and form your own opinion.
It all starts with a Black and Copper Metallic exterior and all the chrome trimmings which were so dramatically revolutionary back in the mid-1950s. Factory badging and other exterior details are still present, plus the car has a nice deep shine to it, so most will think it’s rather attractive. However, those chrome five-spoke wheels are definitely more modern, really changing the overall vibe of the exterior.
Climb into the car and you’re sitting in a custom interior. It preserves quite a few of the factory elements like the dash with all its brightwork and stylistic flair. But that’s about where the original details end. Bucket seats up front provide greater comfort, plus they make room for the center console with a padded armrest, storage, dual cupholders, modern sound system deck, and a floor-mounted shifter. Two-tone Copper and Black leather upholstery is a nice touch, tying the interior with the exterior, and its on the seats as well as the door panels. You also get a nice aftermarket steering wheel and air conditioning.
Turn the key to start this Chevrolet up and you’re going to get the next surprise: a modern modern small block V8 engine. The four-speed manual transmission keeps you as the driver engaged, while power steering and power front disc brakes help you keep the car going where you want. An aluminum radiator with electric fan guard against overheating, especially as you’re idling or driving slowly in the summer heat.
Not everyone is going to like this unique spin on a quintessential American classic car. If you find yourself digging this Chevy, perhaps you’d be interested in owning it. The car is up for sale through Premier Auction Group, so contact the company for further details.
