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 "Motoramic"
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 V-8 that would nurture
a whole generation of muscular engines. Better yet, that V8 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 V-8 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 main showroom, (subject to change!), in a big way. The
beneficiary of a frame off, (and replaced with C4 parts),
restoration, lotsa liberties were taken during this process. How
about throwing a LS-3 Engine in and have it produce 454hp? Ok, all
courtesy of the talented hands of the owner's shop "The Sports Car
Center" in good old Leola, Pennsylvania, and no, they do not modify
Amish buggies!
Exterior
Starting up front with its simple egg crate grille which was
inspired by Ferrari and uses stainless steel vertical and
horizontal bars and a nice wide surround, and with shiny mirror
like bumper on bottom. A single chrome bezeled HID projector
headlight on either side with an oval turn signal below, the
beginnings remain simple on the embellishment front. Screaming red
deep end of the pool paint covers the front around this chrome, the
big jet/rocket topped hood with Chevrolet cloisonne badge in front
and center, front quarters, doors and the lower rear quarters. This
paint is very deep, and one can become mesmerized with its quality
giving the viewer a hankering to just dive in. A chrome trim spear
mid section of the doors, runs rearward through the quarter panel,
where it comes to an abrupt halt, ending in a point, (hence
spear!). 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 the aforementioned mid spear which takes us to the
back of the car. The roof and trunk lid and rear roll pan are all
bathed in white not unlike the freshly driven snow, and it is
beautifully applied. A side view will give you a hint of the design
that created the craze with these car's introductions, showing
curved front and rear glass, all surrounded by chrome trimmings. On
back, are simple lamplighter style taillights, 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 American racing polished 5 spokes, feigning in at 17 inches
in front and 18 inches on the rear. Who cares about a poodle skirt,
I wanna dance with this car!
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
restoration hits just keep on coming!! Using red stitched vinyl
which covers the lower third of the doors, and white vinyl for the
uppers with painted metal sills, these two combine to make up the
door panel. A custom red fabricated arm rest is also within the red
panel. Can you say swoop spear trim in chrome too? Also, some power
window toggles are within this field. Slipping on to the new red
and white leather covered benches which face the fully restored
dual fan dash, (only in 1955 kids!), we see an all new gauge
cluster with some analog gauges and digital odometers. The
passenger side has the other fan with Bel Air in grandma's
handwriting and a round clock below. In the center of the dash is a
polished stainless back with bow ties punched into it. Here we see
a newer radio looking still vintage, and some A/C vents. In back a
newly covered in the same pattern as buckets bench is overstuffed
and looking good and comfy for the rear passengers and offering up
arm rests on either side. Above is a nice white headliner in smooth
vinyl, and it has chromed strips at the seams. The trunk is now
covered in black vinyl and houses the spare tire. No rust here
folks!
Drivetrain
Within the blinding red engine bay is shoehorned in a new GM 6.2
Liter crate engine rated at 454 HP. This new snazzy mill has EFI
and a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission on back. A shiny Wilwood
master cylinder is now in, and this new mill appears amazingly
simple and very at home within this engine bay. Ok close the hood
so I can take my Wayfarers off.
Undercarriage
Let's stick to the theme of stunner underneath, with no rust on
this now C4 Corvette Frame. Throw in some pristine dual Flowmaster
exhaust, which start from the headers that exit the LS3. A drip
free bottom end of the engine, and we are in show car heaven. Gone
is that cranky creaky old suspension and we now have some C4
Corvette action for the ride. Power disc brakes are on all 4
corners. Woah!
Drive-Ability
A turn of the keyed ignition and all 8 candles are lit and ready
for the test track. This car is a screamer with plenty of power,
good braking, excellent handling, and a smooth cruise. All the
controls were working like a charm. I'm ready for my drive-in
experience. Throw 6 people on the trunk and let's get through the
gate and pop open the case of beer we brought too. Roll the campy
Sci Fi movie!
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, (like hell), and show. Talk about attracting attention, and it
will not even have to leave your driveway. All in beautiful red and
white two tone, and plenty of added on trimmings, it could also
rest in the center of your holiday table. It is that juicy! (but
you'd better have that approved by your other half first..).
Basically, a Corvette in first year Tri Five clothing...
VIN DECODE
VC55L072308
V-V8
C-2400 Series BelAir
55-1955
L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant
072308-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 55 1037D-1955 Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY VN11106-Van Nuys Body #
TRIM 521-Beige & Red Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 615-Shoreline Beige, Gypsy Red
ACC EZ1-Tinted Glass
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.
