In the collector car hobby you can find tons of awesome tri-fives which carry timeless style that will forever be associated with one of the greatest designs in automotive history. But as nice as those cars are their extensive use of chrome and avid dedication to concours homogeny has almost become a handicap in today's modernist hot rod culture. "Sleek" and "Contemporary" are increasingly becoming key words for most classic car builders and that means rides like this awesome 1955 210 are really starting to hit their prime. Built as a head turning classic that looks good and performs great this cool old Chevy wraps a stunning exterior around a mean 383 cubic inch stroker motor a proven Tremec TKO500 transmission and a custom leather interior that's complete with modern air conditioning. If you're a fan 50s Chevrolet design but would rather have an edgy hot rod than a chrome-laden parking lot princess this razor-sharp resto-mod is the shining star you've been wishing on!

When a gearhead says the words "Sleek" and "Contemporary" the first thing that usually comes to mind is a mirror-like coat of high quality urethane that's sealed over a fully restored arrow-straight body. And naturally this sedan's killer combination of House Of Kolor True Blue and Cadillac White Diamond displays deep reflections on virtually flawless surfaces. Those deep reflections are the result of a complete frame-off restoration that was facilitated by the car's original family. And today this classy Chevy is a super cool crowd pleaser that storms sweltering summer show fields like a refreshing fall breeze!

It's no secret that the very best customs are those which draw the eye by adjusting a car's original attributes. The spectator KNOWS something is different but has to think about the model's form and over time virtually decode its appearance - that's true art! At the front of this Chevy's bright profile a trademark stainless grille is centered between chrome-trimmed headlights a nosed hood clear parking lamps and a slick smoothie bumper. At the sides of that Ferrari-inspired grille sharp fender lines lead the eye to a clean profile that's accented by chrome door handles a shaved fuel door and traditional quarter spears. Above those fender lines lightly smoked glass floats behind new stainless trim and mirrored stainless wipers. And at the back of that glass a decked trunk rides between chrome-trimmed tail lights a body-width bumper and big stainless exhaust tips.

By now it's probably pretty obvious this tri-five was built to be seen. But thanks to the 383 cubic inch stroker under its hood that might be easier said than done! The car's 425 horsepower amalgamation of chrome and True Blue pigment revs under a chrome Edelbrock carburetor that's sandwiched between a bowtie wing nut a chrome "CHEVROLET" branded air cleaner braided fuel lines and a chrome Edelbrock intake. At the perimeter of that intake aluminum GM Performance Parts heads prop polished valve covers under bowtie-branded hardware while a modern HEI distributor shoots spark through red GM Performance Parts plug wires. Below those wires snazzy bowtie looms float over ceramic coated headers while a Concept One pulley system spins a chrome water pump between polished AC components a chrome alternator billet power steering components and a chrome fuel pump. And in front of that fuel pump a beefy Griffin radiator circulates clean coolant between a polished overflow tank and two quick spinning puller fans. Despite being a modern piece the hot small block looks right at home in this 210's clean engine compartment. And details like body-matched fenders a chrome brake booster a polished Street and Performance water neck and chrome corrugated hoses create a nice finished appearance.

I know what you're thinking... Despite that stroked motor this Chevy's just another garden-variety 350/350 rod. Well guess again. The stout small block utilizes a modern Tremec 5-speed to spin a tough Quick Performance 9-inch around eager 3.70 gears. That tweaked drivetrain is housed in a completely rebuilt suspension which with the help of Eckler's power rack and pinion steering and Eckler's power 4-wheel disc brakes provides excellent handling. And that rebuilt suspension fitted with a custom Heidts front clip Eckler's springs an Eckler's sway bar and adjustable air shocks rides on a classic combination of Foose Legends wheels and aggressive Riken radials. Naturally the car's solid floors have been color-matched in a durable coat of House Of Kolor True Blue. Completely fresh hardware is present and accounted for from its big stainless fuel tank all the way to its lines and hoses. A raucous engine note is provided by aluminized true-dual pipes that breathe through dual-chamber Flowmaster mufflers. And all this stellar hardware and expert craftsmanship adds up to one awesome road ready classic that'll provide years of carefree cruising!

Installed by the pros at King's Auto Upholstery in Roanoke Virginia this 210's Pearl White cockpit presents the kind of quality craftsmanship that separates parade cars from Power Tour cars. The power front bucket and rear bench seats which cost right at $15K are covered in soft hides that display no significant wear. In front of those seats a painted and leather-topped dash is detailed with polished trim Classic Instruments gauges and hardware for a modern Vintage Air climate system. Below that dash high quality carpet anchors a chrome Hurst shifter a remote controlled JVC CD player and small power window switches between billet foot pedals and color-keyed floor mats. At the sides of that console custom door panels look great between painted frames classy billet handles and traditionally sculpted armrests. Above those panels a custom headliner frames a fully functional dome light. In front of the driver a polished and half-wrapped steering wheel spins around a polished tilting column. And behind the passengers a custom package tray hangs two small speakers above a custom upholstered trunk.

Fresh out of its professional restoration this Chevy won a pile of national awards. Here's a list of the car's most significant accolades:

NSRA Pick at the 2010 Run to the Sun
Trailered Custom Senior First Place at the 2010 Music City Chevy Show (999/1000 points)
Outstanding 1955-57 Modified at the 2010 Virginia Motorsports Park Super Chevy Show
Trailered Custom First Place at the 2010 Winter National (994/1000 points)
Trailered Custom Senior First Place at the 2011 Winter National (999/1000 points)
Outstanding Modified at the 2011 Virginia Motorsports Park Super Chevy Show

The sale of this top notch classic includes an album of restoration photos a pile of restoration receipts a few component manuals and the aforementioned awards.

If you're bored with the showroom-static tri-fives that dominate today's concours events this stunning 210 is the car for you! With serious go power a comfortable interior and tons of high performance hardware it's the kind of classic that can be enjoyed year after year. So what are you waiting for? Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte and experience the perfect combination of classic 50s design old school hot rod style and modern drivability!