Tony and Taylor Vestuto Let their 1955 Chevy 150 Go Once – They Won’t Make That Same Mistake Again.
“If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it is yours.” It’s doubtful that author Richard Bach was thinking about cars when he wrote that particular line, but for Tony and Taylor Vestuto, the phrase perfectly describes the relationship with their 1955 Chevy 150 sedan.
“I bought the car in 2017 out of Ohio,” Tony said. “It had a six-cylinder and a 700R4 and we cruised it for about a year then I sold it. That’s what I do…build one, drive it, sell it, then regret it.”
In the car’s absence, the couple bought other ’55s, but for some reason, they just didn’t resonate the same way that 150 did. A couple years later, they spotted their old ’55 for sale in Kansas City and without hesitation, they hooked up their trailer and beelined from Chicago to KC to be reunited. This time, the car is home for good.
The car was pretty much the same as when they sold it other than a drivetrain upgrade comprised of a 355c.i. small block V8 from Blueprint Engines with a TH400 transmission. Soon thereafter, Tony installed a Holley Sniper EFI system and Gear Vendors overdrive to improve the over-the-road cruising. As good as that combination worked, Tony decided it was time to make the swap to a complete LS drivetrain including an electronic overdrive trans.
“It was just the right thing to do for as much as we drive the car,” Tony explained. “I found a donor drivetrain from a Yukon and grabbed it all. It’s all stock and just goes!”
A good friend who specializes in LS swaps dropped in the 5.3-liter engine and 4L60E trans while retaining the factory ECU and other accessories, so if something ever does leave them on the side of the road, there’s a good chance the parts can be found at a big-box auto parts store.
Over the years, the 1955 Chevy 150 has received a variety of other updates and upgrades. To achieve the low, pro street-style stance, Tony installed Ridetech control arms and air bags. Out back follows suit with a bagged four-link setup holding a 10-bolt rearend from an S10 updated with a posi and 3.42:1 gears. Behind the 15-inch bigs and skinnies (4-inch-wide fronts with 10-inch rears) are a set of disc/drum brakes. This wheel combo, along with the 285/70 Michelin rear tire and super low stance give the ’55 the illusion of a narrowed, pro street rear setup, aided by a parachute hanging above the bumper.
The interior features a comfortable bench seat from Tea’s Design along with the stock rear seat, both covered in roll and pleated vinyl with door panels to match (though Tony does regret not going with a full-on 70s crushed velour in black). A Flaming River tilt column is topped with a smaller diameter 15-inch steering wheel while a Vintage Air system keeps the couple comfy in the tinted cabin on those long drives. Dakota Digital gauges keep tabs on the modern drivetrain while a Classic Car Stereos sound system belts out their favorite road trip mix.
The original sheet metal is all in place and was treated to a butternut yellow finish by Marty Amoroso of Bump and Grind Auto Body using Glasurit materials. The bumpers have been refinished, emblems replaced and note the retro-style vinyl roof as a modification.
The Vestutos are thrilled to have their 1955 Chevy 150 sedan back in their garage and, according to Taylor, “She’s home for good!” They drive the car all over every summer with trips to Goodguys shows, the Turkey Rod Run, Cruisin’ the Coast, and many other car show destinations.
It seems like there might be some truth to the notion of letting something go, just as long as you’re wise enough to hold onto it if it comes back again!
Photos: John Jackson
