Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Half Ton Pickup
Some changed style points of the 1955 went to the first wrap-around
windshield in trucks, (called "Sweep-Sight"), the egg-crate grille
styling shared with '55 Chevy passenger cars, running boards
concealed behind the cab doors, as well as a choice of small or
expansive wrap-around rear glass.
For consignment, a beautiful and not often seen color combination
of Seamist green along with white highlighting for this 1955
Chevrolet 1/2-ton pickup in step side form. This California example
was relocated to NJ in 2016 after an extensive restoration from the
previous owner in California. It had put in at this time a 350ci
crate engine, and a 700R4 4-speed transmission with overdrive. The
current consignor has performed a few upgrading tasks as well so
read on for this wonderful example ripe for the picking here at
Classic Auto Mall.
Exterior
The first hint of something different in this year is the "sweep
sight" wrap around front glass and this truck has taken the option
of the expansive wrap around rear glass, leaving room for only
smaller A and B pillars for the cab. A side view shows the swept
front design, right down to the side glass and upper framing of the
door. This is also true for the front of the truck. In front we
have a single headlight with a large "visor" overhang formed by the
front fenders. These round topped quarters are bordered by a hood
that starts at their height, then rises up gracefully to new
heights with a center bulbous portion that starts at the front and
moves rearward. On the high front is a chromed large badge with a
cloisonne bowtie in red. A large opening egg crate grille is being
used and a lower front bumper with vertical bumper guards is just
below the grille, where we see both in excellent condition. On the
back portions of each of the front quarters is a nice trim
spear/badge, smooth rolled edge metal for the wheel wells sans
chrome, and the same for the lower rockers. Door gaps are well
minded, and window and mirror attachments are all in nice shiny
polished condition. Seamist Green, which is nothing short of an
excellent application, has just a bit of white highlighting for the
B pillar in the cab, and on the back of the tailgate with the C H E
V R O L E T badge also in white. Moving rearward we find the step
in the step side moniker which butts up to the rear fender that
could be referred to as a pontoon fender as it does have the round
shape and sticks out from the rolled top steel bed sides. On the
bed are nicely stained and lacquered oak boards with shiny mounting
strips. Inside is painted perfectly in the sage as is the inside of
the tailgate. No covering for the bed, and this is how a truck
should look from 1955! Oh, and lest I forget, sage green painted 15
inch wheels are bordered by a nice ribbed trim rich on the outside,
and a bowtie badged dog dish center covering, all wrapped up in
wide white wall tires.
Interior
As we swing the doors on this light and airy cab, (due to the wrap
around glass in front and rear), we see utilitarian steel door
panels with sage green uppers and ribbed white lower panels. Built
for longevity and easy cleaning or just repainting. Inside a long
sea foam, (more teal than the sea mist green of the exterior),
green insert tuck and roll bench is stretching from door to door.
The smooth bolsters are in white vinyl and use white piping as
their bordering to the teal. Up front on the white painted front
dash all new gauges have been put in by our current consigner.
These are just like the original gauges, but these work, and are in
a fan configuration shape just in front of the large original but
restored steering wheel. The metal dash top is also Seamist Green.
In the center within the original dash filler plate is now a retro
but modern stereo system complete with under seat speakers. Very
clean black rubber flooring is covering the floors and a large gear
shift rises from the center of the floor to the driver's hand.
Drivetrain
Under this fully restored hood, and within a fully restored nice
black engine bay is now an orange/red GM painted block 350ci V8
crate engine. Polished chrome valve coverings and a nifty chromed
air cleaner covering now tops the 4-barrel carburetor. Headers are
seen, and on the back is a 700R4 4-speed automatic with overdrive.
The rear axle is 3.50 ratio, and all is near showroom for this
engine bay.
Undercarriage
A solid black painted rust-free frame and suspension, (leaf springs
all around), shows the stained and lacquered bed even underneath at
the back of the truck. Solid bed hangers and fenders undersides
which remained untouched during the restoration, they were that
nice. Drum brakes are all around and underneath is as nice as the
topside.
Drive-Ability
Starts right up, runs wonderfully smooth, and shifts like a dream.
No creaks or grumbles from that chassis or bed, and the view from
the panoramic glass cab is nearly unobstructed. All functions were
working during the test drive. Noted being a California truck there
is no defroster or heater, however our consigner has a unit that
will be included with this sale.
A California restorer did a very high standard job in this
meticulous restoration. The use of a beautiful and not oft seen
color combination and all being perfect with the interior, we have
a yield on a beautiful build and certainly a show award winner
right out of the door.
VIN DECODE
H255L016295
H-3100 Series
2-2nd Series
55-1955
L-Los Angeles, CA Assy Plant
016295-Sequential Unit Number
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.