There’s something innately appealing about a car that looks like it should be slow, but in reality is quite the opposite, which is what immediately drew us to this 1956 Chevrolet Bel-Air restored by Cartech. From a distance, this looks like a relatively normal Chevvy, but get closer and you’ll notice the black chrome, satin grey paint, and menacing stance. As you might have guessed, this isn’t your granddaddy’s Bel-Air, instead it has been fitted with a 6.5-litre V8 capable of deploying a mighty 395bhp to the rear wheels. Of course, with all that go, you’ll need a considerable amount of stopping power, which is provided courtesy of Wilwood disc brakes front and rear. Double wishbone suspension on the front axle should help it turn in pretty well too, while a Jaguar rear axle has been fitted to cope with the power. Completing this pro street mechanical package is a custom fuel tank fitted in the trunk.
While some hot rods can be a tragically surface-level affair hiding a world of rust underneath, this Bel-Air has been restored to the highest degree, with all visible drivetrain parts finished in polished aluminium. The inside looks to be just as special as the exterior; a sea of supple tobacco leather covers the cabin, while they’ve also fitted a digital instrument cluster and a high-end sound system with enough oomph to drown out that V8 bellow should you wish. The finishing touch on this ultra-cool Chevvy is a set of 18” Rat Rod rims shod in Pirelli tyres. So, if you’re bored of all the carbon fibre supercars on the streets, why not see who you can surprise with this gunmetal grey sleeper? Oh, and if you like the look of Cartech’s work, don’t be afraid to get in touch if you’ve got a custom ride of your own in mind. Even with Switzerland’s strict regulations, they’ll translate your dream onto the road.
