1955 was an important year for Chevrolet, as it was the debut of a car that would quickly become an American icon, the ’55 Chevy Bel Air. This vehicle got GM’s new 265 V8 engine rated at over 160 horsepower and was considered a clean, crisp design compared to the Ford’s and Plymouths of the day. Even today it remains a hallmark of American car design and a popular platform for custom designs.

Up on eBay is one of the finest examples of a ’55 Bel Air we’ve ever seen, brought up-to-date for the 21^st century and bearing all the trademarks of fine craftsmanship.

Nearly every part on this customized ’55 Chevy Bel Air is new, from front to back, and everything has been modernized for today’s discerning consumer.

Under the hood is a fuel-injected 383 Chevy engine with a Holly Stealth fuel injection system, hydraulic camshaft, and a custom exhaust good for over 425 horsepower. Backing up this mighty motor is a 700R4 transmission by Art Carr and a Ford 9” rear end with 3.70 gears. This ’55 Chevy looks good and can go too.

While that is all well and good, we imagine most of the money was sunk into the sexy exterior and completely custom interior. Those luxurious rear bucket seats are divided by a supple center console and the interior is as clean as the day it came off the showroom floor.

The exterior has been fully restored but remains true to the original design. It’s quite a looker, but at $250,000 it ain’t exactly cheap. Worth the price, or a bit too much for a mild makeover?