CAL Automotive Creations wanted its 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air to sit low without leaving parts of the chassis hanging close to the road.
The solution was to reshape the frame. BluePrint Engines displayed the finished car at SEMA 2026 in Las Vegas, with its 9.8-litre big-block V8 under the bonnet.
How CAL lowered the Bel Air
CAL started with an Art Morrison chassis and reshaped the rear frame rails so they sit higher over the axle. That gave the team room to lower the car on RideTech coilovers.
CAL also raised the central crossmembers to tuck the hardware underneath higher into the chassis. The body sits closer to the road while those parts have more room underneath.
A 741hp big-block V8
The BluePrint Engines V8 displaces 598 cubic inches, or about 9.8 litres. Mason Cordell reports in Car and Driver that it makes 741hp and 703lb ft of torque. It’s paired with a Bowler 4L80E automatic gearbox.
CAL reshaped the rear quarter panels, revised the trim around the grille and tail lights, and had a set of wheels made to match the dark paint.
Inside, CAL and Santana Interior Design kept the period look while adding digital instruments and air conditioning.
Even the cupholders are tucked away. Slide back the centre armrest and there they are.
If you were building your own ’55 Bel Air, would you go for a 9.8-litre V8 and a ride height this low, or keep it closer to the original? Let us know in the comments.
