Vehicle Description
Honestly, can you really do better than a droptop 1955 Chevy Bel
Air convertible? You can't beat the correct two-tone look, the
first-year 265 small block Chevy V8 offers plenty of performance,
and there are a lot fewer of these around than you'd expect,
especially in this condition. If you like the '50s, if you like
Americana, there are few cars more iconic than this.
Skyline Blue and India Ivory are quintessential colors on a Bel Air
convertible, and if you're looking for attention, you won't be able
to escape it whenever you're behind the wheel of this car. The
paint and bodywork were done a few years ago, so it's not perfect,
but for a cruiser this car will make grown men stop and stare as
you motor past. Because this was a color change, it's fairly
obvious that the work was well done in its day, and despite a few
imperfection acquired through the years, it still has a great shine
that you'll love polishing up on a Saturday afternoon, and good
panel gaps that suggest that this car has always led a good life.
The bumpers were likely re-chromed during the restoration because
they shine up great fore and aft, and all the stainless brightwork
was removed, straightened, and polished before being reinstalled
and aligned. It is about as far from subtle as you'll find, but
that's really the point, isn't it? The white convertible top was
very recently replaced and is therefore in great shape, but if
you're like most people, you'll only be soaking up the sunshine in
this Tri-5, in which case the matching blue boot cover will be put
to good use.
The interior is equally flashy and fully restored, with a fresh and
clean look that will make you think twice before you get inside
with dirty shoes. Wide bench seats will accommodate six in a pinch,
and the pure 1950s look of the two-tone blue and white upholstery
will make everyone want a ride. Correct piled blue carpets and new
matching two-tone door panels complement the painted dash and
steering wheel, which are in truly excellent condition for their
age. An original all-in-one gauge cluster fits into the original
instrument panel and offers a comprehensive view of the engine, an
OEM design that is as timeless as anything that makes up the Tri-5.
Options are rather sparse but do include an upgraded heat and
defrost system that blows both hot and hard, an upgraded AM/FM
radio that fits directly into the original dash slot, and a set of
heavy-duty vinyl floor mats to protect the plush carpets below. A
white convertible top with a clear rear window is power actuated
and fits very well, but we all know that it's for emergencies only
anyway. Out back, the spacious and tidy trunk is nicely finished
with a correct rubber mat and includes a full-size bias-ply tire
and jack set that could very well be the original unit inside.
Nice to see a correct 265 cubic inch V8 under the hood, believed to
be the original block that's been properly dressed and detailed and
is certainly worthy of showing off at the local cruise-in. A single
barrel carburetor and Chevy orange painted intake manifold matches
the block, and it's all topped by that big, original oil-bath air
cleaner that still carries an original decal. Of note, the original
generator is still in place as well, although a modern 12-Volt
battery now provides the juice, and rams-horn exhaust manifolds
feed a great-sounding dual exhaust system with chambered mufflers
for a 1950s sound. A 3-speed manual transmission means that this
car is always ready to go and the suspension and brakes are pretty
stock with signs of maintenance and new parts throughout, so you
know that service is easy, and it rides and handles with a vintage
feel that's a big part of the experience. Painted steel wheels with
beautiful factory hubcaps are wearing 205/75/15 American Classic
wide whitewall radials that ride and handle great.
Complete with a factory look, freshened interior, and a strong and
healthy drivetrain, this is a beautifully presented Tri-5 Chevy
droptop that's ready to drive and enjoy right now. Call today!