Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
This was the year it all began for the now-famous Tri-Five Chevy.
In 1955, Chevrolet released the first model year of this iconic
line. The 150 and 210 models were certainly well-received,
especially when outfitted with the optional V8 engine. However, the
flagship Bel Air was truly a sight to behold. Its carpeted
interior, chrome trim, stainless window moldings, and script
emblems set this '55 Chevy apart from the rest of the line and made
it memorable to this day.
For consignment a first year example of the beginnings of the
Tri-Five era, a 55 Bel Air. Named after the California seaside town
which conjures up images of movie stars, seaside mansions and lazy
summer days has been reworked on the body and drivetrain to make it
not only reliable but also a looker and a cooker, all the while
still retaining its original charm.
Exterior
The timeless look of the shoebox Chevys will never go out of style,
and the most successful cars are always those that don't mess with
success. So, when you're building your own, have faith in the
factory and do as the builder of this car has done: make it as nice
as you possibly can without altering the basic goodness of the car.
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. Turquoise covers the front
around this chrome, the hood, front quarters, doors and lower half
of the rear quarter. This paint is very deep with only a few cracks
showing, 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 turquoise and ivory paint 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 with chrome V emblems below and another beautiful
bumper with dual pipes hedging a look out of the bottom of this
beautiful creation. On all corners are polished 15 inch Weld
Dragstar wheels wrapped in 26x8.00 in front and 26x12 blackwall
rubber on the back.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
hits just keep on coming!! Using smooth black vinyl along with some
pleated diamond pattern broadcloth then finishing them off with a
black carpet strip down below the door panels give that perfect
custom vibe while still retaining the look of the era. Slipping
into the later model, low back wide buckets which replace the
original bench, also in pleated diamond cloth with smooth bolsters
we are in custom interior heaven. 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 painted turquoise on the metal
and sports a bow tie stamped pattern strip of shiny aluminum
running from door to door. A trio of white face gauges in a chrome
bezel has been added just below the glovebox. Reflecting in this
dash is a Grant GT steering wheel and an aftermarket tachometer
hangs from the column top dead center. A newer digital bowtie
badged radio is now installed. Black carpet covers the floors and
in the center of the buckets on the hump is a Hurst shifter proudly
mounted.
Drivetrain
Replacing the original engine is a consignor-stated 358ci small
block V8 bathed in black. This is topped with a gray painted high
rise intake and single 4-barrel Demon carburetor. On the back is a
TH400 3-speed automatic transmission with a 3500rpm stall converter
and a reverse manual valve body. A 12-bolt rear axle handles the
power to the ground duties nicely. A very nicely presenting power
plant if I must say so myself especially with the Ring Brothers
Billet Style hood hinges!
Undercarriage
Noticing several repairs for invasive rust on the back of this
car's underside, particularly on inner rockers and body hangers but
all was performed correctly. We also note the installation of mini
tubs to allow for the installation of larger rear tires. Otherwise
all is solid with the frame, and floor pans. Power disc brakes
upfront and power drums on back and independent coil spring
suspension is on front as are leaf springs on the back. Headers
lead from the engine, and run through Flowmaster mufflers.
Drive-Ability
A great driver, with nice acceleration from the 358ci and Demon
carb. The transmission was smooth but it did take me a bit to get
used to having to up and downshift with the reverse pattern. The
brakes worked as they should, stopping us on a dime in bias free
fashion. All functions were working just fine, and the newer
buckets are uber comfy.
A nice job overall on this two tone Bel Air with good paint showing
a few flaws but mostly very nice. A newer updated interior seating
setup, shifter, and digital stereo now in, driving not only turns
heads but is just a bit more convenient.
VIN DECODE
VC55B131316
V-V8
C-2400 Series BelAir
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
131316-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
