By Brian Brennan – Photography By Chadly Johnson
Beneath the shimmering blue and champagne hue lies a project that’s more than just a car; it’s a labor of love, sweat, and an unyielding passion for automotive excellence. Meet David Goodwin’s 1955 Chevy Bel Air, a shining example of Pro Touring ingenuity combined with classic American muscle.
At the heart of this automotive masterpiece is David Goodwin of Vancouver, Washington, whose first brush with horsepower began long before the iconic 1955 made its way into his garage. David recalls his college days, balancing studies and a part-time job at a sawmill while cruising in his ordered Chevelle 396.
David’s connection with 1955 isn’t just about its glamorous curves or nostalgic charm—it’s about the stance and performance that luxury meets muscle. After owning a more stock-style 1955, he knew it was time to elevate his game. David enlisted the expertise of MetalWorks Classic Auto Restoration, ensuring his Bel Air had the frame and foundation of a true showstopper. Upholstery was artfully handled by Dan’s Upholstery, bringing together the interior’s plush aesthetics that complement the striking exterior design.
For David, the car isn’t just about horsepower; it’s the craftsmanship involved. A testament to his dedication, the vehicle struts a meticulously crafted chassis from Art Morrison Enterprises, showcasing an independent rear suspension that enhances the driving experience and ensures that every ride feels like a race through time. The IRS is based on a Strange D60 IRS, Strange Ultra Series adjustable coilovers, and an AME 7/8-inch rear sway bar.
Few upgrades can match the precision engineering of the Art Morrison Enterprises GT Sport chassis. One of the standout features is the stable roll center, which is maintained through the first three degrees of body roll. A contemporary stance further elevates the vehicle’s performance, with a ride height lowered by approximately 3-4 inches compared to stock. This reduction reduces the center of gravity (COG), significantly improving handling dynamics. It also opens options for additional lowering using drop spindles, allowing for a more aggressive aesthetic that complements enhanced performance. The 1955 here does use Wilwood Pro II drop spindles. Braking is based on a Wilwood Big Brake package with 14-inch drilled-and-slotted front and rear rotors and red powdercoated six-piston calipers.
To bolster stability at higher speeds, the caster has been increased to +6 degrees from the stock +2 degrees. This adjustment enhances the tire contact patch while optimizing weight distribution during cornering, resulting in an exhilarating driving experience where every turn is executed confidently. One of the most compelling features of this advanced chassis design is its remarkably reduced bumpsteer.
Moreover, improved camber control throughout the 4 inches of suspension travel minimizes tire scrub, ensuring tire longevity and better performance. This design also incorporates antidive properties, enhancing stability under hard braking scenarios.
Lastly, the chassis offers optimum ground clearance thanks to cleverly designed passageways within the frame, allowing for the accommodation of 3-inch exhaust pipes. This innovative feature enables builders to tuck the mufflers neatly between the framerails, ensuring the exhaust system remains tucked up and out of the way. Exiting the once-spent gases are a pair of large tube Ultimate Headers emptying into stainless steel exhaust pipes, moving back to the pair of Flowmaster mufflers, using the frame’s state-of-the-art features to handle large-diameter exhaust systems. This preserves the vehicle’s sleek profile and provides no unnecessary hang-ups during spirited driving sessions.
Beneath the hood resides a roaring Wegner Motorsports LS3 powerplant—an embodiment of modern engineering that produces an impressive 628 hp and 574 lb-ft of torque. This heavy-duty heart is immediately evident from the moment you fire it up. It has a DART block, Mahle forged pistons, aluminum heads with ARP hardware, and a Bullet Racing Cams hydraulic roller camshaft. Decked out with a FAST 102 LSX-R intake manifold and Holley EFI equipped with a handbuilt air cleaner utilizing a K&N air filter, GM coils, Wegner plug wires, an MSD starter, and an Odyssey trunk-mounted battery. A SPAL brushless fan is used to maintain the proper temps. The engine breathes freely while tamed by a 4L80E transmission operated by a Shiftworks factory-style floor-mounted shifter. The setup creates a smooth, ideal driving experience with 628 hp and 572 lb-ft of torque. It is bolstering Bel Air’s claim to the Pro Touring scene.
The Bel Air’s bodywork was precisely designed and painted by Metalworks in Glasurit (BASF’s premium paint brand), a blue and champagne color scheme that will turn heads. With streamlined lines and a classic silhouette, it pays homage to the era it was born into while demonstrating a contemporary flair. All are familiar with the location of a 1955 Chevy gas tank door on the driver-side rear quarter. However, a bit of a 1956 Chevy crept into this application as the filler is now located behind the driver’s brake light. Budnik Vapor wheels, measuring 19×8 in the front and 20×12 in the rear, hold the vehicle down, accommodating Michelin tires that grip the pavement, and both are neatly hidden under the factory sheetmetal via the 3-inch rear tubs. An impressive task given their sizing: 245/40R19 and 345/40R30.
Inside, the polished craftsmanship continues with Dakota Digital RTX instrumentation, complemented by a Vintage Air A/C system that ensures modern comfort amid the classic styling. Additional appointments include a Flaming River tilt steering column with a Budnik-slotted three-spoke steering wheel. The Shiftworks shifter is mounted within the custom center console that houses the A/C controls, cup holders, push buttons to operate the power windows, and a touchscreen stereo/GPS entertainment center. An “underneath” dash panel houses the A/C registers and bookends the custom center console. Dan’s Upholstery stitched the twin programmable TMI power bucket seats and rear bench in an off-white leather. He blended interior luxury and nostalgia, a true homage to classic looks yet answering the “hot rod” culture.
For those who, like David, understand that great cars are made not bought, we salute you and your passion for the legacy of American classic cars. Here’s to the hands that build, the minds that envision, and the hearts that drive them.
Check out this story in our digital edition here.
