Wheels Galleries

John Clemmons spent five years transforming his 1955 Chevy two-door into this beautiful two-tone street machine. The car is actually a 210 model, but it wears Bel Air trim and rolls on a rare set of Corvette wheels.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

`I like post cars better than the hardtop,' says car owner John Clemmons. This profile shot illustrates his preference for the sedan body well.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The paint has stood up well since the car was finished in 1990; the metallic fawn color still sparkles like new.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The original seats were retained, but dressed out in a fresh upholstery design employing woven fabric and leather-like vinyl.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The distinctive double-humped dashboard design features a modern radio and supports a factory-style Vintage Air air conditioning unit.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Clemmons chose to replace the 400 cubic inch small block Chevy V-8 that came in the car with a 350 version that offered better cooling. Aside from a mild cam, an aftermarket intake and 4-barrel carb, the engine remains basically stock.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The '68 Corvette wheels were built only one year, according to Clemmons, who said the 15x7-inch rims look wider because of the deep trim rings.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The Bel Air side spears were used to divide the two-tone Lincoln Fawn paint scheme, featuring light and medium tones.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Toned-down dual exhaust and a vintage 1955 Kansas license tag give Clemmons' Chevy a period-correct feel.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The bumpers were rechromed, with nifty extensions available through Chevy dealers added. This is the rear bumper extension.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The front bumper extension picks up the lines of the body work perfectly and gives the car an added bit of style.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Door panels carry on the rectangular pattern of the seats, also done in matching fabric.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

A reproduction trunk mat keeps things clean in the rear storage compartment, which usually carries show prep materials.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

A Grant steering wheel sits atop a 1972 GM pickup tilt wheel; the car is equipped with power steering and the column shifter controls a 400 Turbo automatic transmission.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The arch of the instrument cluster flows down into the steering column and the mesh trim is the perfect accent to divide the light fawn color from the medium on the dash board.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle