1955 Chevrolet BelAir Sedan

“EarthQuake”

Owned by: Todd Coe

Photos by: John Murmaw

Todd Coe’s incredible 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, aptly named Earthquake, stood as a testament to dedication, passion, and craftsmanship. This stunning ride, built over 22 years, has a story as powerful as the car itself. Named by a friend who could “always hear and feel it coming before it arrived,” Earthquake lives up to its name with its roaring presence and meticulous build.

The Journey to Earthquake

Todd Coe’s journey with his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air began with childhood inspiration. As a young boy, he had a 1955 Chevy on his slot car track and always dreamed of owning a real one. Years later, Scott Sullivan’s iconic “Cheese Whiz 55” fueled Todd’s ambition to create his own masterpiece. He acquired his Bel Air as a bare shell with rear frame rails, axle, and wheel tubs already installed, but the real work was just beginning.

Building Earthquake took over 22 years, with life getting in the way multiple times. Despite the challenges, Todd stayed the course, completing most of the mechanical work himself while friends helped with the body and paint. Todd’s love for cars spans more than 40 years, and Earthquake is the culmination of his lifelong passion for custom builds.

A Labor of Love

The process of building Earthquake from the ground up involved meticulous attention to detail. Todd’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is a true custom build, featuring numerous modifications and upgrades, all coming together to create a show-stopping ride.

• Chassis & Frame: Todd installed a 1976 Camaro front subframe mated to the original frame rails, raising it 1.5” to lower the front of the car. The rear includes a Competition Engineering frame rail and four-link kit, providing a 3.5” drop in the front and top-tier suspension performance with QA1 coil-over shocks.
• Wheels & Tires: Earthquake rolls on American Racing Torque Thrust II wheels, with 15×4” fronts and massive 15×14” rears, paired with 26.0×6.00/R15 front and 33.0×22.0/R15 rear tires for an aggressive stance.
• Engine: Powering this beast is a Chevrolet 502 GM crate engine with polished valve covers and air cleaner, giving the Bel Air its signature rumble.
• Driveline: The rear axle is a Ford 9” with 486:1 gears and a Coan 3400 stall converter, delivering torque and control on the streets.

Bodywork & Paint

Todd, with help from his friends, completed significant modifications to the body. The rear was tubbed to accommodate the large rear tires, and Larry Adams finished the car with a classic red and white Sikkens Basecoat Clearcoat paint job. With new chrome bumpers and polished stainless steel trim, Earthquake gleams under the sunlight, turning heads wherever it goes.

Interior Details

The interior of Earthquake blends stock aesthetics with custom touches. Todd opted for Classic Instruments Belera gauges and a reduced-size stock steering wheel for a vintage feel. The rear seats were modified to fit around the custom wheel tubs, and the Indy Auto Trim team provided the finishing touches on the upholstery, giving it a modified stock appearance. A hidden Custom Auto Sound stereo system maintains the sleek look while providing modern sound.

A Passionate Community

Todd is no stranger to the world of custom cars, having owned several notable rides, including a 1969 Camaro, 1983 S10 Pro Street, 1984 Hurst Oldsmobile, and a 1984 Monte Carlo SS. His Chevrolet Bel Air is part of his ongoing love affair with cars, and he’s already working on his next project—a 1956 Chevrolet Nomad.

Friends and Collaborators

Todd’s journey with Earthquake wouldn’t have been possible without the help of friends and collaborators. He extends a special thanks to Levy Burrough and others who contributed to the build, from bodywork to painting.

Conclusion

Earthquake is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of Todd Coe’s commitment to his craft and his love for custom vehicles. From its thunderous engine to its sleek exterior, this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is a showpiece that tells a story of dedication, passion, and friendship. As Todd moves on to his next project, Earthquake will undoubtedly remain a beloved icon in the custom car community.