As Good as New!

This spectacular ’55 Bel Air is definitely a “keeper.”

Owned by Bill Manchester # 22389090 • Warwick, RI

Photography by Jim Knight

My name is Bill Manchester and I’m from Warwick, RI. I’m retired and enjoy the classic and custom cars from just about any year. My wife and I attend cruise nights and car shows for different charities. I have owned a variety of vehicles, mostly Chevrolets, from custom street rods to Corvettes–and now I may have my “keeper” car.

My road to a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door hardtop started at the Spring Show held at the Daytona Beach Speedway in Florida at the end of March, 2011. It all happened when I sold my 1967 Corvette Coupe at this event. I really did not see another car that I was interested in buying at that time. After a couple of weeks with no car, I started to panic and decided to return to my home in Rhode Island and begin the search for another ride.