Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Recreation
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 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 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 South Hall, (subject to change!), of the Classic Auto
Mall. Here we have a consignor stated complete brand new car using
all new parts, and an all steel body from Woody's Hot Rods, put
together by Borneman's Restorations, and has plenty of modern
goodies within its skin. The 9,200 miles were clocked on trips back
and forth from Florida.
Exterior
Starting up front with its simple egg crate grille with shiny
mirror like bumper on bottom, and single chrome bezel headlight on
either side with an oval turn signal below, the beginnings remain
simple on the embellishment front. Screaming 1950's Gypsy Red
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 part is bathed in India Ivory
which is also in very nice condition. This spear combo is the
delineation between the red, and ivory, 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, 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
new creation. On all corners are shiny pointed dog dish wheel
covers with red wheels and a chrome trim ring at the edges are all
wrapped up in wide white wall 215/70R15's.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
hits just keep on coming!! Using white stitched red vinyl and more
ivory colored vinyl which all mixes 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 red vinyl below. On these doors are power window
toggles and shiny crank for the wing window and door actuator.
Slipping on to the 50's styled bench, also in red vinyl bolsters
with ivory vinyl smooth inserts, this split bench stretches from
door to door and is sporting power movements. 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 completely
built from new parts and shines in red metal with a nifty shiny
band of punched pattern bow tie logos running through the center.
The instrument cluster is vintage looking but completely new and
has a more modern layout including a tachometer. More red below and
shiny knobs, ignition and temp sliders are seen here. Below is a
thick pile, clean, deep red carpet which is pristine, and it is
flooding all the floors. In the central glovebox now sits a small
screen that displays the backup camera. Bluetooth connectivity is
also available in this car. Above is a tight white vinyl headliner
complete with chromed ribbing between the ceiling panels. Also a
big shout out to the trunk, which is not to be outdone by the
customized interior, it sports black rubber covering straight as
arrows panels, and an original spare tire.
Drivetrain
Within the engine bay which gleams with red pride is an LS327 V8
that is rated at 325hp. It has EFI and on back a 4L60E 4-speed
automatic transmission. The engine has a custom metal engine
covering and all is just beautifully buttoned up under this
hood.
Undercarriage
Let's stick to the theme of stunner underneath, with no rust solid
Revo frame from The Roadster Shop, body hangers, and floor pans.
Throw in some pristine dual exhaust, a new fuel tank, and a drip
free bottom end of the engine, and we are in show car heaven.
Independent coil springs for the front and a 4 link with coil overs
are on back. Power Wilwood disc brakes are on all 4s. A turbo
muffler system is now on as well.
Drive-Ability
A turn of the keyed ignition and all 8 are fired up 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 in the trunk and let's get through the gate and pop
open the case of beer we brought too.
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 turn key car ready to
go and show. Talk about attracting attention, and it will not even
have to leave your driveway. All in a 1955 paint scheme, and plenty
of added on trimmings and modern amenities, it could also rest in
the center of your holiday table. It is that juicy (but you've
better have that approved by your other half first..).
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.
