Ortonville- Ken Chapman first saw the car he wanted when he was a senior in high school in 1959, but couldn’t afford it.
Now, nearly half a decade later, Chapman stands beside a turquoise ?55 Chevy Bel-Air sport coupe, his dream car.
‘I’ve always liked classic cars,? says Chapman, 63. ‘I found this at a car show in Richmond in 1994 and said, ‘I’ve gotta have it.??
Chapman, who worked seven days a week for 38 years as a tool and die maker at General Motors, retired in 2003, giving him more time for his hobby. He also owns a ?74 Corvette convertible and shows both cars, although he prefers the Bel-Air. He has won 50 trophies for the car, and has driven the Bel-Air in the Woodward Dream Cruise every year.
‘You see a lot of these, but this is all original,? says Chapman, pointing at the car whose sticker price in 1955 was $2,067, and to which he has cleaned up the engine compartment and added fender skirts. ‘If it’s souped up, it takes away from the value. I like the styling (of classic cars). Now, a lot of cars look alike.?
Chapman will show his ?55 Chevy Bel-Air at the Ortonville Downtown Development Authority’s fourth annual Street Machine Super Show.
Ortonville Downtown Development Authority’s fourth annual Street Machine Super Show. open to the public from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 6. About 250 cars, trucks and motorcycles are expected at the show, which will feature awards, music, food, free gifts and a 50/50 drawing. Details: (248) 627-6133.