The replica is the creation of a talented team: Joe Whitaker, co-owner of Real Deal Steel in Sanford, Snodgrass Chevy Restoration in Melbourne, Florida, and Tri-Five enthusiast and historian Steve Blades from Kentucky. They turned a long-lost dream into reality by recreating a special 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, originally built to celebrate GM’s 50 million cars sold milestone.
One of the original Bel Airs was showcased on a flower-adorned platform during the anniversary celebration in Flint, Michigan. This Bel Air Sport Coupe had all its chrome replaced with 24-carat gold plating, making it an unforgettable sight. Whitaker and Blades started on this project to revive that iconic car.
GM paraded the 50 millionth car amid a lively celebration featuring dancers, bands, clowns, and mascots. The 50 millionth car, the third of its kind, was displayed while the other two vanished without a trace.
Car number 1 changed hands multiple times before it was destroyed in a garage fire in North Carolina, leaving behind only a few surviving parts like gold-plated wiper arms. Snodgrass Chevy Restoration spent over $100,000 on gold plating and other restoration costs to recreate the Bel Air as accurately as possible.
The project took around 1,800 hours of meticulous work. Steve Blades played a crucial role in researching the exact trims and colors used in the original car, ensuring the replica’s authenticity. The replica debuted at the 2024 Detroit AutoRama, generating significant interest.
It was auctioned for $395,000, with the total selling price reaching $434,500, including the buyer’s commission. Despite expecting more, the team saw both the gold car and another Chevy Bel Air convertible heading to Dallas, Texas. They hope the replica won’t be locked away but will be appreciated as a piece of automotive history.
