Cristina Dudley's 1955 Chevrolet - Daddy's Girl

1955 Chevrolet owned by Cristina Dudley of Huntington Beach, California. Known as "Daddy's Girl," the car was built by her father, Gordon Dudley as a tribute to the custom car culture of the 1960s, combining period-accurate aesthetics with modern touches for enhanced comfort and performance. Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

Gordon Dudley's father's 1955 Chevrolet 210, pictured in the early 1960s after it was customized with ivory paint and chrome-reversed rims. This car sparked young Gordon's lifelong passion for the '55 Chevy, inspiring him to one day build a custom '55 for his own daughter, Cristina. Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

Gordon Dudley's 1955 Chevrolet Delray, showcased at the 2017 Grand National Roadster Show. Originally purchased from the first owner in 1979, this Chevy has been a significant part of the Dudley family, accompanying Gordon on his honeymoon and even marking both his first and last days at the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The car, restored with a classic 1950s mild custom look, reflects Gordon’s deep-rooted connection to the '55 Chevy. Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

In 2006, Cristina decided to continue the family tradition by becoming a third-generation owner of a '55 Chevy. She purchased a 1955 Chevrolet from a family friend with her father's help. Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

Together, Cristina and Gordon set out to create a custom that embodied the early 1960s style, inspired by the look of her grandfather's original '55. Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

Terry Hegman completed the car's bodywork, while Brian LaVigna did the paintwork, achieving the desired nostalgic look. Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

Daddy's Girl was completed in early 2019 and soon debuted at the Grand National Roadster Show, where it won first place in its class. The car received praise from notable figures in the custom car community, including Pat Ganahl, a well-known custom car historian and journalist. "He gave her two thumbs up at the show for nailing the look," Gordon recounted. "That made her day." Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

The meticulously crafted interior of Cristina’s Chevy featuring white upholstery with purple piping to match the exterior's 1955 Ford Regency Purple. The interior was upholstered by Wahl’s Upholstery, and the chrome and stainless steel work were handled by Sihilling. Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

The custom touches, including a 1959 Chevrolet Impala steering wheel and dash knobs handcrafted by Gary Niemi, evoke the style of early 1960s custom cars. Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

Cristina behind the wheel of her 1955 Chevrolet, "Daddy's Girl," enjoying a drive in the custom-built car her father, Gordon, created as a tribute to 1960s custom culture. With a big smile and the vintage steering wheel in hand, Cristina continues the Dudley family’s passion for the classic '55 Chevy. Photo courtesy of Gordon Dudley.

Featured Story

1955 Chevrolet owned by Cristina Dudley of Huntington Beach, California. Known as "Daddy's Girl," the car was built by her father, Gordon Dudley as a tribute to the custom car culture of the 1960s, combining period-accurate aesthetics with modern touches for enhanced comfort and performance.

Background

Gordon Dudley's fascination with the 1955 Chevrolet began in 1959 when, as a five-year-old, he saw his father trade in a 1949 Pontiac fastback for a '55 Chevy at a local dealership. This car was soon customized with ivory paint and chrome-reversed rims, a look that left a lasting impression on young Dudley. "I swore I would have my own '55 someday," he told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama in 2024.

In 1979, Gordon bought his own 1955 Chevrolet Delray from the original owner. The car became a family fixture, accompanying him and his wife on their honeymoon in 1980 and serving as the vehicle that brought his daughter home from the hospital in 1983. Throughout his career with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, he drove this beloved car on both his first and last days on the job. In 1997, Gordon repainted the car to evoke a 1950s look, further solidifying its place in family lore.

Building Daddy's Girl

In 2006, Gordon's daughter, Cristina, decided to continue the family tradition by becoming a third-generation owner of a '55 Chevy. She purchased a 1955 Chevrolet from a family friend with her father's help. Together, they set out to create a custom that embodied the early 1960s style, inspired by the look of her grandfather's original '55. Cristina chose the color—1955 Ford Regency Purple—and began envisioning the modifications she wanted.

The car was powered by a 327 engine built by Taylor Engines, that delivered 300 horsepower. It was paired with a Turbo 350 transmission built by Bill Wolfe and a 3.08 rear axle ratio. Period-correct customizations included chrome-reversed rims and a 1959 Chevrolet Impala steering wheel. Terry Hegman completed the car's bodywork, while Brian LaVigna did the paintwork, achieving the desired nostalgic look. The interior was upholstered by Wahl’s Upholstery, and the chrome and stainless steel work were handled by Sihilling. Gary Niemi handcrafted custom dash knobs, adding a personal touch to the vehicle’s interior. Vintage Air conditioning was installed for added comfort, blending modern convenience with classic styling.

Recognition and Legacy

Daddy's Girl was completed in early 2019 and soon debuted at the Grand National Roadster Show, where it won first place in its class. The car received praise from notable figures in the custom car community, including Pat Ganahl, a well-known custom car historian and journalist. "He gave her two thumbs up at the show for nailing the look," Gordon recounted. "That made her day."

Daddy's Girl remains a testament to the Dudley family's dedication to the 1955 Chevrolet, embodying three generations of passion for classic American automobiles and the culture of customization.