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 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. Undergoing a motor change to a 350 Chevrolet crate engine,
added on A/C, power steering, a snazzy velour interior, air shocks,
a very nice paint job, and a multiple trophy winner!
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 blue turquoise
covers the entire car. 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 also in the blue turquoise. This spear
combo is the delineation between the upper and lower panels and
lines of this beautiful design. 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. Even
the fuel filler door is trimmed. On all corners are American Racing
Outlaw 2 shiny wheels wrapped by 215/75R15's with raised white
letters.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
hits just keep on coming!! Using white stitched velour and blue
velour we can see the original factory pattern replicated in these
doors. The armrest has been molded into the design and shiny cranks
pepper these doors. Slipping on to the 50's styled bench which has
a split back it has velour covering all around, some tuck and roll
for the seat and nice wide piping showing the various panels of
these seats. 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 restored to original and uses turquoise
sprayed metal with a nifty shiny band of punched pattern bow tie
logos running through the center. More turquoise below and shiny
knobs, ignition and temp sliders are seen here. Below is a thick
pile, clean blue carpet which is pristine, and it is flooding all
the floors. A B&M shifter is installed along with Vintage Air.
In front of the dash is a LeCarra rally steering wheel covered in
white leather. Above is a tight white velour 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 wheel wrapped by the spare tire.
Drivetrain
Within the restored engine bay is a GM 350ci crate engine that
consigner states has less than 4000 miles on it. All surfaces have
been restored and are simply eye-catching. In fact, it's hard to
look away! Pristine bolt on parts abound under this hood, and all
is looking quite like new in the showroom finishes. A 4-barrel
carburetor is on top, and on back is a 3-speed TH350 automatic
transmission which throws power back to a 3.36 rear axle.
Undercarriage
Let's stick to the theme of stunner underneath, with no rust solid
frame, 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 and leaf
springs make up the front and rear suspension, and power drum
brakes are on all 4 corners. A like new Quietflow exhaust is also
seen working its way from the mill to the back of the car.
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. I found the horn did not
work, and the A/C blew warm.
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 1955 paint colors, and plenty of
added 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...)
VIN DECODE
VC55S049594
V-V8
C-2400 Series
55-1955
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
049594-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 1037D-1955 BelAir 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO S18548-St. Louis Body #
TRIM NO 521-Red & Beige Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 615-Gypsy Red, Shoreline Beige
EZI-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.
