Go big, or go home. That’s what it takes to get noticed in the world of custom automobiles these days, and this 1955 Chevy Bel Air follows through with a Big Block V8 making four-figure power. Funny enough, the engine isn’t the most attention-grabbing thing about this build, as the wild power on tap is complemented by a nod to the legendary Evel Knievel.
For those readers who may be unaware, Evel Knievel was a stunt performer that made a name for himself attempting some truly insane ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps. Sometimes the stunts worked out, but sometimes they didn’t, with some of the failed attempts resulting in spectacular crashes. However, despite all the injuries (Evel Knievel claimed to have broken nearly every bone in his body), he kept coming back for more, racking up more than 300 jumps throughout his career.
This 1955 Chevy Bel Air pays homage to the legendary stunt performer with a variety of eye-catching custom bits.
“First off, I’ve been an Evel Knievel fan since a kid,” says owner Tony Gomez. “Just like a lot of the old-school guys, my kid kind of dared me into, ‘then do it Evel Knievel then,’ so I was like, ‘oh ok,’ so I kind of started off on a dare, but this is what I ended up with.”
Under the hood (the hood prop is similar to Evel Knievel’s cane), we find a 712 cubic-inch Big Block V8, complete with custom paint and “Evel 55” on the valve covers. Further highlights include a Merlin block, Dart Big Chief cylinder heads, and a Kinsler Fuel Injection system. Output is estimated at just under 1,100 horsepower. The builders previously had plans to install nitrous as well.
Of course, this Evel Knievel-themed 1955 Chevy Bel Air looks the part as well thanks to stripes of stars running down the flanks, while the cabin is adorned in bright blue upholstery.