Newcomb, 73, is the proud owner of a restomodded ’55 Bel Air Sport Coupe. The car looks like a restored classic, but its modern mechanical upgrades enable it to perform like a much newer vehicle.

The ’55 Bel Air is a special model in the Wilcox family. My dad grew up hearing stories about this car, and decades later, I did, too. We’ve bought countless ’55 Chevy gifts—toys, posters ...