Known as Chrome Blues, this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible has been extensively modified by Snodgrass Chevy Restoration to be a one-of-a-kind custom. With roughly 8,000 hours in the build, it has a number of unique, one-off, custom-built components setting it apart from many others. Resting on a Roadster Shop chassis with Baer 4-wheel disc brakes with color-matched calipers, it’s fitted with a custom panhard bar and trailing arms. The frame welds were removed and the fuel lines, transmission lines and battery cables were all routed through the frame rails for a clean look; the floor braces were filled, the floor pan seams were sealed, and the body bolt frame mounts were hidden. The Chevrolet LS3 V-8 engine is dressed with custom engine covers painted to match the body. Even the radiator hoses are custom to Chrome Blues. Custom dipsticks were fashioned, and a number of polished components create a one-of-a-kind engine and engine bay that has been smoothed from the firewall to the fender aprons and custom radiator support adorned with an LED-backlit nameplate. The chrome exhaust system was hand-built, features a custom center tip and matches the other chrome chassis components. The engine is backed by a 4L60E automatic transmission. Finished in Twisted Pearl Blue, the body is rife with custom touches such as the custom rocker panels and wheelhouses that remove the pinch welds, a custom splash pan that’s been shortened 3 inches, welded-on fenders, a narrowed front bumper with shortened ends and custom-molded fender extensions, a shortened rear bumper with a wagon center section, a custom-built grille shell with a one-piece grille molding, custom side moldings, a custom gas door and bezel, frenched radio antenna with a custom bezel and custom tail light assemblies, making this a one-of-a-kind build. The tan interior is no less remarkable than the rest of the car with leather upholstery, a leather convertible top with a suede headliner, power adjustable bucket seats with lumbar support, a custom center console with a custom shifter and lighted switch bezels, custom leather-wrapped removable dash and lower dash panels, a Pioneer touch-screen stereo system, an Ididit tilt steering column and much more. Even the trunk matches and has an infinity light display. Dakota Digital gauges, power windows and Vintage Air with a heater further move this 1955 Bel Air into the New Millennium. Rolling on Billet Specialties chrome wheels with low- profile tires, this Bel Air was selected for the 2023 Top 25 Builders Showcase at the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, and won a number of awards along with inclusion in the Great Eight at the 2023 Detroit Autorama and Judge’s Choice at the 2023 Festival of Speed in Ocala, Florida. While it’s taken a number of honors, the awards are not included in the sale of the car.
