Sometimes, the only thing “classic” about a classic car is the model year listed on its title. Here’s one example of a car that went through a nut-and-bolt refresh and is just as youthful as the day it was new: this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Convertible featured on AutoHunter. It is being sold by a dealer in Paso Robles, California, and the auction will end Friday, September 26, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).
While staying true to its original body lines, the car has modernized and enhanced in every mechanical aspect. During a frame-off restoration that was completed in 2024, it received a custom chassis from Newman Car Creations. Take a look at the underbody photos included in the listing—it’s essentially a brand-new car despite its “official” age being 70 years old.
The 1955 Chevrolet is undisputed American icon; it paved the way for the 1956 and 1957 models that would complete the “Tri-Five” series. The American Tri-Five Association is just one of any nationwide organization dedicated to the display, restoration, preservation, and appreciation of such cars. Next year’s Tri-Five Nationals will be held August 15, 2026, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A 1956 Chevrolet will be given away too!
Exterior features for this clean, custom machine include a Cobalt Blue and Pearl White two-tone paint job, dark blue power-retractable top, chrome brightwork, and dual side mirrors. Grip comes from a set of BFGoodrich tires wrapped around 17-inch American Racing polished aluminum wheels.
The cabin has its share of upgrades, too, starting with front bucket seats and a custom center console, courtesy of Dave Stoeckel of Fresno, California. Features include a Vintage Air A/C system, power windows, tilt steering column, and Bluetooth-compatible audio system. The odometer reads 1,630 miles, but title reads mileage-exempt.
We’ve talked in the past about how GM “LS” engines have become so popular in restomod-type restorations (here’s a story from a number of years ago that gives an overview of LS history). True to tradition, this car employs an LS2 6.0-liter V8 mated to a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. But the build doesn’t stop there, as the Chevy also has a Magnuson supercharger and has been dyno-tested to produce 450 horsepower.
For those not familiar with Magnuson Superchargers, the Ventura, California-based company was founded about 40 years go. It produces a wide range of supercharger systems, most of which are straightforward bolt-ons that use Eaton rotors. While results vary by application, Magnuson says most applications elevate a stock vehicle’s performance by as much as 45%.
The engineering upgrades don’t stop there, as the build sheet also includes a carbon-fiber driveshaft, C4 Corvette suspension, Wilwood four-wheel power disc brakes, and Flowmaster dual exhaust system. Overhauled? I’d say so. In fact, I’d dare say this ’55 is ready to drive to Bowling Green for next year’s Tri-Five Nationals—no matter how far that drive may be.
The auction for this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Convertible ends Friday, September 26, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT). The winning bidder will receive restoration photos, an owner’s manual, and build receipts.
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery