Words: Chadly Johnson

Many of us find ourselves influenced by the cars we hung around during our youth. Your best friend had a fastback Mustang, or your uncle drag raced a hemi ‘Cuda. Such is the case with Peter Abowd, whose good friend had a ’55 Chevy. Peter cut his teeth on cars helping wrench on the TriFive, and vowed to own one someday. That someday came many years later in the form of the ProTouring ’55 you see before you.

Peter sought out a shop to partner with him and take on the ’55’s build. MetalWorks Classic Auto Restoration in Eugene, Ore. was the right fit, as they had extensive knowledge of TriFive restoration and custom builds.

I’ll let the photos do most of the talking, but a just a few components to mention include: An Art Morrison chassis with an IRS rear suspension, a GM Performance 480hp LS3 connect and cruise package that MetalWorks upgraded to MSD fuel injection, Budnik “Famosa” Wheels and Wilwood disc brakes.

The ’55 retained most of its classic looks, but performs like a modern car. Toss in the luxury leather interior and appointments, and the ’55 becomes a car you truly “want and can” drive all day long.