Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Door
With GM hitting its stride in the mid 50's with the advent of the
tri-five era, and eventually hitting a home run, they had several
tried and true theories that they stood by to make the car so
popular. A few items of note are they embellished the car with
brite work so as to make it outshine the Cadillac, the 55 Bel Air
weighed over 3,400 pounds, and was over 15 feet long, and some wild
options were available including an electric shaver to get business
done while in traffic, and an ashtray that sucked the ashes into
the tray...now that's class!
Forget about these fancies overdone "resto-mods" with their perfect
lines, and little attention to the original. Let's keep it simple
with this 55, and keep it original, even if not perfect, and all
the while make it a reliable driver, to actually turn heads when
you are rolling down main street. I give you this partially
restored first year tri-five.
Exterior
The recipient of a respray which matches the original paint code #
12 that being Regal Turquoise with India Ivory, and it does not get
any more Mid Century Modern color-wise than this. Paint presents
well, as does attached correct brite-work, badging, and chrome.
This car oozes simplicity as the first version with its simple
chrome grille, bumpers, and a streaking jet hood ornament that has
flown its way to the end of the hood to announce the cars arrival
into the jet age and yours at the drive in. Nicely done tail
lights, a lack of any fins, and wonderful stainless window
trimmings and surrounds, add to the aura with the paint combo. We
bottom out with some medium wide whites, thin bias plys, and
standard Bel Air polished wheel trimmings.
Interior
Appearing to be original with the condition of the door panels,
headliner and seats, although the seats may have been restored at
one time, because they are in really great condition compared to
the panels and headliner. Two tone turquoise and white benches are
the interior seating, dark blue carpeting with nice light blue
bowtie logo-ed floor mats under foot at every station, and seat
belts in the front and rear are noted. The all original steel dash
which has undergone restoration sits in front of the benches in its
dual fan bumped, turquoise and repeating bowtie pattern stainless
banding presentation. A radio option (was not standard on any of
the tri-fives), center mounted glovebox, and lots of shining knobs
and levers add to the dash, along with a nice speedo in the
driver's side fan and a speaker in the other, emblazoned with the
50's style type font actually named Bel Air! Headliner is not
ripped or torn but shows some water staining.
Drivetrain
A C coded 6-cylinder "New Blue Flame" restored engine, which runs
beautifully, is flanked by an oil bath air filter and single carb
side drafter. Engine bay is nice and clean, and a 3-speed automatic
is bolted on the back.
Undercarriage
Mostly clean with some repaired former rust invasion areas now
remediated and sprayed with rust proof. An area on the frame
appears to have been reinforced and painted. Floor pans are also
repaired, and some of the original has been left behind, which is
more visual than structurally problematic. 4-wheel drum brakes are
all around and suspension seems to have been well maintained since
any restoration.
An almost completed restoration save for some interior door panels,
headliner, and a seat cleaning, this original survivor comers in an
all-time favorite color combo, and is a nice pre V8 option car that
is no slouch. You can confidently pull up to any establishment, and
you will immediately be engaged in a nostalgic conversation about
your classic first edition tri-five!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania,
conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76
Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and
our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for
more information or to come see the vehicle in person.