Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Clone
For decades much of the classic car world has been broken down into
two distinct schools of thought: those who believe automobiles
should be kept or restored to as original as possible, and those
who are willing to mix-and-match drivetrains, trim, and features
from a specific era in order to create the vehicle they want to
drive. It's important to mention that the second group doesn't
refer to restomods, or the modernization of classic metal. Rather,
it's composed of owners who have no qualms about taking a regular
Chevelle coupe and transforming it into an SS. The practice is
called 'cloning,' and it's been a part of the collector car
landscape for as long as the hobby has existed.
For consignment a first year Tri Five 210 Chevrolet now come Bel
Air. A few badging changes, extra trimmings and upgrades to the
dash and now we have a clone from a 210 to a Bel Air.
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 bezel headlight on either
side with an oval turn signal below, the beginnings remain simple
on the embellishment front. 1950's turquoise from the 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 and clamshell tips
hedging a look out of the bottom of this beautiful creation. On all
corners are shiny Cragar 5 spoke wheels. 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 turquoise 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 turquoise and white fabricated arm rest
is also within the two toned panel. Slipping on to the new
turquoise and white vinyl covered benches which face the fully
restored dual fan dash, (only in 1955 kids!). We see an all
original cluster with some black faces and white letters. 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 band with bowties punched into it. Here we see a
newer radio looking still vintage, and some round aftermarket
gauges. In back a newly covered in the same pattern as the 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. On the floors is nice deep turquoise carpeting and a
Hurst shifter rises for the driver's hand.
Drivetrain
Within the beautifully restored engine bay is now a gleaming 350ci
V8 topped with a 4-barrel carb. The 4-barrel is a Demon carb, and
in back is a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission coupled with a
3.36 rear axle.
Undercarriage
Let's stick to the theme of stunner underneath, with no rust
present just patina black metal. Rockers show slight rust at the
edges particularly on the passenger's side. Power disc brakes are
now in front along with independent coil spring suspension. On the
back are power drum brakes and leaf springs.
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 clone to a Bel Air certainly should be on your list
to see, 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 (like hell) and show. Talk about attracting
attention, and it will not even have to leave your driveway. All in
beautiful turquoise and white two tone, and plenty of added on
trimmings, it could also rest in the center of your coffee table.
It is that nice! (but you'd better have that approved by your other
half first...)
VIN DECODE
B55B116289
B-2100 Series 210
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
116289-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.