1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. Ensuring that this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is a true head-turner is the V8 that rumbles to life under the hood. Starting life as a 305, this engine has, and it has also been upgraded with top-of-the-line components including the forged pistons, rods, valves, rockers and heads. The heavy cam and 10.5:1 compression ratio makes this car an even bigger head-turner when it is fired up. This engine is mated to a 5-Speed Borg-Warner manual transmission, which sends power to the rear wheel through a 12-bolt Chevy rear end, and the driveshaft and u-joints are brand new.