Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
When the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air arrived, Chevrolet enjoyed an
all-new image practically overnight. Rather than a car driven
mainly by dads and aunts, the sensationally redesigned "Motorama"
models quickly gained a reputation as "The Hot Ones." In this
landmark year, Chevy finally had a bold response to Ford in the
performance battle: a lively 265 cubic inch V8 that would nurture a
whole generation of muscular engines. Better yet, that V-8 was
slipped into a fresh, contemporary body sporting a rakish beltline
dip and a Ferrari-inspired grille. Chief engineer Edward N. Cole
earned credit for Chevrolet's first V8 in 35 years. Simple in
construction and economical to build, the 265 cubic inch Turbo-Fire
was a model of efficiency.
For consignment the first year of the Tri-Five craze coming to life
in our North Hall of the Classic Auto Mall. Undergoing an extensive
restoration in the late 1990's, it still retains its spit shine and
beauty in rust free steel panels, beautiful two-tone paint broken
up by a belt line dip, and plenty of other chrome. A large power
plant, beautiful interior, and nicely done all over are just a few
of this star's shining features. A 1,2,3 O'clock 4 O'clock
rock!
Exterior
Starting up front with its simple egg crate grille with shiny
mirror like bumper on bottom, and single chrome bezeled headlight
on either side with an oval turn signal below, the beginnings
remain simple on the embellishment front. Screaming red paint
covers the front around this chrome, the hood, front quarters,
doors and lower half of the rear quarter. This paint is very deep,
and one can become mesmerized with its quality. A chrome trim spear
mid-section of the front quarter runs rearward through the door,
where it comes to an abrupt halt. With its starting point on the
total surround of the passenger compartment, a chrome trim piece
works its way past the door sills, then heads downward towards the
mid rear quarter, where it is met with another mid spear which
takes us to the back of the car. This spear combo is the
delineation between the red, and charcoal gray, which covers the
roof, and trunk deck as well as the back of this car. A side view
will give you a hint of the design that created the craze with
these car's introductions, shows curved front and rear glass, all
surrounded by chrome trimmings. On back, are simple lamplighter
style headlights, a large cloisonne badge, and another beautiful
bumper with dual pipes hedging a look out of the bottom of this
beautiful creation. On all corners are shiny surfers cross styled 5
spoked wheels by Coddington, which are wrapped in low profile
rubber...just stunning.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
hits just keep on coming!! Using dark gray broadcloth, and light
gray vinyl mixing together with more swoop spear-esque styling
trim, the door panels emulate the exterior design. Tuck and roll
stitched panels for the mid sections, and a thin strip of dark gray
carpet below. Slipping on to the 50's styled bench, also in light
tuck and roll broadcloth, and dark gray vinyl bolsters this split
bench stretches from door to door. A rear bench presenting in the
same fashion is in back and there is plenty of romper room back
there. Fronting this is a dual fan dash with the gauge cluster on
the driver's side, and badged speaker and round clock below on the
passenger's side. This dash has been modernized with a lacquered
burl wood strip in the center of the black metal running from door
to door. Also, the gauge cluster is upgraded with a solid chrome
insert in the gauge cluster fan housing Classic white faced modern
instruments. Reflecting in this dash is a "phat" chromed tilt
column with a billet style steering wheel drilled and surrounded on
the edge by red vinyl. A modern fan/temp/A/C panel has been neatly
fabricated to control the airflow and is right next to the steering
wheel. A vintage looking Chevrolet bow tie cutout digital radio is
now in the center of this dash. Below is a thick pile, clean,
medium gray carpet which is pristine, and it is flooding all the
floors. In the center a custom fabricated gear shift/center console
which runs under the dash. Above is a tight light gray felt
headliner. Also, a big shout out to the trunk, which is not to be
outdone by the customized interior, it sports gray felt covered
straight as arrows panels, and an original spare tire and wheel
cover.
Drivetrain
Within the red sprayed engine bay is plopped in a consigner stated
383ci crate engine with plenty of chrome bling. All surfaces have
been either polished or chromed and are simply eye catching. In
fact, it's hard to look away! Dual 4-barrel Edelbrock carbs are on
top, headers are on the sides, and all hoses are corrugated metal.
On back is a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 10-bolt
rear.
Undercarriage
Shall we stick to the theme of stunner underneath, with no rust
solid frame, body hangers, and floorpans. Throw in some pristine
exhaust, a new fuel tank, and a drip free bottom end of the engine,
and we are in show car heaven. Independent coil springs and leaf
springs make up the front and rear suspension, and power disc
brakes are on the front and power drums now on the back.
Drive-Ability
A push of the ignition button and all 8 are fired up and ready for
the test track. This car is a screamer with plenty of power from
those dual 4 barrels, good braking, excellent handling, and a
smooth cruise. All the controls were working like a charm. I'm
ready for my drive-in experience.
We have several examples of the Tri-Five cars here at Classic Auto
Mall, and this one certainly should be on your must see list, if
indeed you fancy these bow tie years. Well done on every aspect, a
visual piece of eye candy, and mechanically a turnkey car ready to
go and show. Talk about attracting attention, and it will not even
have to leave your driveway.
VIN DECODE
VC55T024957
V-V8
C-2400 Series BelAir
55-1955
T-Tarrytown, NY Assy Plant
024957-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE # 55 1011D-1955 BelAir Sedan
BODY # T2189-Tarrytown Body #
TRIM # 511-Brown & Beige Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT # 590-Copper Maroon
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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 located 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.
