When the new-for-1955 Chevrolet was introduced, it created quite a splash. The newly styled car ushered Chevrolet into a modern realm, and the available V-8 established it as a performance leader. As the years unrolled, the ’55 Chevrolet proved to be a popular choice for racers and customizers alike, such as John Bradley of Patrick’s Classy Cars. Bradley built this 1955 Chevrolet 210 known as The Mastermind, finishing it with a unique two-tone silver and white exterior largely following the original two-tone motif established by Chevrolet. The hood, decklid, cowl vent, firewall and front and rear bumpers were all smoothed over, creating a superbly clean look. Front and rear emblems were shaved, along with the door locks, but the original-style chrome side trim remains. The 210 is absolutely rife with details throughout, as Bradley employed chrome or polished stainless-steel fasteners throughout the build. Backed by a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission, the 6.0L V-8 engine with Art Morrison headers beneath the hood is a study in chromed, polished and painted surfaces, something that sustains right down through the polished aluminum driveshaft. The interior features four bucket seats and a center console and stack that houses the digital display used for controlling various electronic items. Upholstered with clay- and tan-colored European leather, again, it’s a study in the most miniscule details ranging from a refreshed dashboard, chrome tilt steering column, billet D-shaped steering wheel, custom LED headliner and Mercedes-Benz wool carpeting, to brushed stainless steel detailing, trigger-style door releases, power and locks, air conditioning, factory dash vents and controls, power gas door and trunk releases, a modern windshield wiper system, smoked glass, backlight Bel Air scripting and much more. Set on a custom-built chassis using Art Morrison components, The Mastermind features power rack-and-pinion steering, polished control arms, Strange Engineering coilovers, Performance sway bars front and rear and a Truetrac 3.90:1 9-inch Ford rear end. Power meets the pavement through Schott custom-built 18- and 20-inch staggered wheels with BF Goodrich tires, and speed is scrubbed off with 13-inch Wilwood brakes.
