Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air Convertible� Overall original and hard to
find unmolested 55' Bel-Air Convertible First year for the
second-generation Bel-Airs Original and correct 265 CID V-8 engine
(code T55F) Powerglide Automatic Transmission Correct optional oil
filter #3712500 White over red exterior with a white power-folding
top Red and white interior Rear fender skirts Known as the "Hot
One" and the first of the Tri-Fives, Chevrolet's 1955 full-size
cars proved to be a major turning point for the company and a smash
sales success. This marked the first successful Chevrolet with an
optional V-8 engine. The Bel-Air was the top-of-the-line trim and
the Bel-Air Convertible was the cr�me de la cr�me of the Bel-Air
line. The car's paint and trim are in overall very good order from
an older restoration, with few minor imperfections visible upon
close inspection. The glass looks clear and clean while the car's
lights are haze-free and intact. This �55's bodywork is in very
good order while the shiny chrome bumpers fit well to the car's
body, the engine bay is very tidy, the battery appears new and
white vinyl roof is in very good order. The car rolls on wide
whitewall tires, size G70-15, surrounding factory wheel covers.
Under the hood is the original and correct 1955 265 CID 170HP V-8
(code T55F), the V8 which helped breathe new life into Chevy's
sales that year. It was Chevy's first V-8 engine since 1918. Here,
it's mated to the correct code F Powerglide automatic transmission.
This 265cid V8 is equipped with the optional 1955 oil filter!
Inside, the red and white front and rear bench seats are in great
shape, while the red carpet is in similar condition. The original
three-spoke steering wheel faces the driver and is in above-average
shape while the instrument panel and inner door panels, which echo
the interior's overall theme, are all in very good order. Rounding
out the interior is a factory AM radio.� The wipers and horn are
inoperable.� The convertible top has recently been professionally
installed and looks great! For 1955, Chevrolet's�full-size�model
received all new styling and power. The 1955 Bel-Air weighed
3,456�pounds and 15�feet long. It was called the "Hot One" in GM's
advertising campaign. Chevrolet's styling was crisp, clean and
incorporated a Ferrari-inspired grille. Bel Airs came with features
found on cars in the lower models ranges plus interior carpet,
chrome headliner bands on hardtops, chrome spears on front fenders,
stainless steel window moldings�and full wheel covers. Models were
further distinguished by the Bel-Air name script in gold lettering
later in the year. For 1955, Chevrolets gained a�V-8 engine�option
and the option of the two-speed Power-glide automatic, or a
standard three speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission with optional
overdrive. The new�265�CID V-8�featured a modern,�overhead
valve�high compression, short stroke design that was so good that
it remained in production in various displacements for many
decades. The 55's top trim offering was the Bel-Air, which had more
chrome than the 150 or 210. The Bel-Air and 210 could be bought
with a post between the front and rear passenger windows, or
without a post. Without a post it was known as a "Hardtop," which
came only in a two-door and was not offered in a four-door hard top
until 1956. The two-door hardtop was also known as the "Sport
Coupe." Since the Sport Coupe had no post between the two side
windows, it had a slightly shorter roof and longer rear deck and
was available with either the Bel-Air trim or the 210. Chevy also
offered a convertible, with the same shorter roof and longer rear
deck as the sport coupe, and it was offered in Bel-Air trim only.
The base V8 had a two-barrel�carburetor�and was rated at 162�hp
(121�kW), and the "Power Pack" option featured a four-barrel
carburetor and other upgrades yielding 180�bhp (130�kW). Later in
the year, a "Super Power Pack" option added high-compression and a
further 15�bhp (11�kW). "Idiot" lights replaced gauges for the
generator and oil pressure. Motor Trend�magazine gave the Bel-Air
top marks for handling.�Popular Mechanics�reported acceleration for
a V8 Bel Air with Power-glide as being 0-60�mph in 12.9 seconds,
plus a comfortable ride, and good visibility. On the other hand,
the horn ring blocked some of the speedometer, regular gasoline
made the engine knock, and the first V8 engines off the line burned
too much oil.�Front legroom was 43.1".�Brakes were 11" drums. A new
option for V8-equipped 1955 models was air conditioning, with
outlets on each side of the dashboard; a heavy-duty generator was
included on cars equipped with this option; in 1955 and 1956, air
conditioning could be installed on cars ordered with the standard
three-speed manual transmission, overdrive or Power-glide. The
small block Chevy V-8 became so popular that Chevrolet still sells
it today as an over-the-counter replacement engine or better known
as a "crate engine." There have been various changes made to the
engine to modernize and enlarge it since its introduction in 1954,
however, the basic design of the original 265 remains in place.
Competition to this Chevrolet convertible in 1955 was Ford's
Fairlane Sunliner and Plymouth's Belvedere Convertible. PLEASE
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR YOU TUBE VIDEO! OR COPY AND PASTE THE LINK
BELOW INTO YOUR WEB BROWSER: https://youtu.be/AveeGCUIfTM This car
is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri.
Current mileage on the odometer shows 12,794 miles. It is sold as
is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT
AND DRIVE!!! VIN: VC55F177138 Note: Please see full terms and
conditions listed below that pertain to the purchase of any said
vehicle, thank you.