Restoring and upgrading classic cars can be expensive, but do it properly, and it may as well end up worth the investment. Few would ever consider buying this 1956 Chevy Bel-Air stock; the restomod fetched $199,900 several days ago.

The car had its body completely redone with all the rust and other time marks eliminated and the panels re-finished in silver with tin accents. Billet Specialties wheels filled out the arches, LEDs made it inside the headlight units, and the interior ended up with a fashionable red leather trim. Many modern touches were added here, such as a modern digital dash screen, a new center console and an up-to-date audio system plugged into an old-school radio.

A 5.7-liter General Motors V8 slotted in under the hood. The seller did not provide any power or torque numbers, but the stock version of this exact engine starts from 309 PS (305 hp / 227 kW). The mill shown here is not stock, however, sporting improved cooling all around and some other sports-friendly mods. A four-speed automatic sends the torque to the rear and, and the driver takes advantage of power-assisted steering wheel and brakes.

Rounding off the gorgeous tuning is a suspension overhaul with a per-wheel setup at the front end and a four-link setup in the back.

Watch the video for a reminder of what a stock Bel Air looks like.