Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet 210 2-Door Sedan
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 "Motorama"
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 V8 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 V8 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 North Hall of the Classic Auto Mall. Undergoing an extensive
restification approximately 5 years ago, being transformed from a
210 series car to the more upscale Bel Air that you see now it
shows well with its spit shined and beautiful rust-free steel
panels, snappy two-tone paint broken up by a belt line dip, and
plenty of other chrome. A large power plant, beautiful interior,
and nicely done all over are just a few of this star's shining
features. A 1,2,3 O'clock 4 O'clock rock!
Exterior
Starting up front with its simple egg crate grille with a new shiny
mirror like bumper on bottom, and single chrome bezel halo style
headlight on either side with an oval turn signal below, the
beginnings remain simple on the embellishment front. Charcoal gray
paint 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 spear combo is
the delineation between the charcoal gray and silver 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 headlights, a large cloisonne badge, and another beautiful
new bumper with dual pipes hedging a look out of the bottom of this
beautiful creation. On all corners are shiny polished 5 spoke
American Racing wheels which are wrapped in low profile
rubber...just stunning.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
hits just keep on coming!! Using medium gray and ash gray vinyl
mixing together with more swoop spear-esque styling, the door
panels emulate the exterior design. Tuck and roll stitched panels
for the mid sections while the upper and lowers are smooth.
Slipping on to the 50's styled bench, also in ash gray tuck and
roll vinyl centers with smooth medium gray outers, and ash gray
vinyl bolsters this split bench stretches from door to door. 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. Also, the gauge cluster
is upgraded with a solid chrome insert in the gauge cluster fan
housing a mix of VDO and Autometer white faced modern instruments.
Reflecting in this dash is a "phat" chromed tilt column with a 4
spoke Lecarra steering wheel and surrounded on the edge by dark
charcoal vinyl. A modern fan/temp/A/C panel has been neatly
fabricated to control the airflow and is right next to the steering
wheel. A radio delete panel is now in the center of this dash.
Below is a medium pile, clean gray carpet which is pristine, and it
is flooding all the floors. Above is a light gray headliner showing
just a few wrinkles. Also, a big shout out to the trunk, which is
not to be outdone by the customized interior, it sports dark gray
carpet and vinyl covered side panels that mimic the interior.
Drivetrain
A 350ci engine all dressed with an orange/red block, chrome valve
covers and chrome trimmed high flow style air cleaner greets you
with a flip of the hood. Contrasting this is a matte cast silver
Edelbrock intake and gold painted hinges, brake booster/master
cylinder and windshield wiper motor. Power is transferred to the
rear wheels via a 700R4 4-speed automatic. Speaking of the rear
wheels, they're being turned by a 10-bolt rear axle with an unknown
ratio.
Undercarriage
Strong sturdy and invasive rust free framing, floors and suspension
components are seen with a smattering of surface rust, factory
paint and undercoating. Independent coil spring front suspension
along with rear leaf springs provide the smooth ride for this
cruiser. Our consignor states that new shocks have been installed
as well as 4-wheel power disc brakes for extra safety. Power
steering is on and an excellent condition exhaust system with
Flowmaster muffler snakes its way by, on its way to the rear.
Drive-Ability
A twist of the key and all 8 are fired up and we were ready for the
test track. This car is a screamer with plenty of power from the V8
and 4-barrel, amazing braking, excellent handling, and a smooth
cruise. All the controls were working like a charm. I'm ready for
my drive-in experience.
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 bowtie years. Well done on every aspect, a
visual piece of eye candy, and mechanically a turnkey car ready to
go and show. Talk about attracting attention, and it will not even
have to leave your driveway.
VIN DECODE
B55B055964
B-2100 Series 210
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy plant
055964-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 1011A-1955 210 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO M3186-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 508-Black & Ivory Vinyl
PAINT NO 608-India Ivory & Onyx Black
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.