Aaron Valentine's 1955 Chevrolet
Aaron Valentine, a Milwaukee native, has fulfilled a childhood aspiration with his meticulous restoration of a 1955 Chevy. As a designer venturing into uncharted territory of car design, Valentine embarked on this project a few years ago, driven by a concept that evolved into a comprehensive overhaul.
Collaborating with builder Mike Beal at the Top Fuel Garage provided the initial momentum to transform Valentine’s vision into reality. What began as a modest endeavor turned into a significant undertaking, with the majority of the car being hand-built. The project involved sourcing a body from Kansas City, salvaging a partially completed restoration project found on Craigslist, and meticulously refurbishing the chassis.
The search for suitable components led Valentine to select an Art Morrison chassis for enhanced structural integrity, complemented by Wilwood brakes and custom-designed wheels from Detroit Steel Wheel. Valentine’s unique approach, diverging from conventional choices, garnered praise for its subtle yet impactful contribution to the car’s overall aesthetic.
Valentine’s attention to detail extended to the interior, where Tanner Timberland, Mike’s nephew, showcased his expertise in metalwork. The interior design featured classic hot rod elements, including diamond stitch patterns and a custom center console, adding a touch of sophistication while preserving the car’s vintage charm.
Embracing the distinctive features of the post car model, Valentine elongated the body to accentuate its hot rod allure, complemented by a lowered stance and carefully selected tire sizes for a classic hot rod rake. The culmination of Valentine’s two-year endeavor was marked by the affixing of custom badges, symbolizing his dedication and passion for automotive restoration.
Looking ahead, Valentine plans to showcase his creation at various automotive events, including the Tri-Five Nationals in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and the Goodguys show in Iowa. Currently, Valentine finds himself at SEMA, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts and industry professionals, marveling at the realization of his childhood dream.
