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. Our 55 Tri-Five for consignment is 5 years in the
making keeping some of the original charm, and some extra add ons
for performance enhancements, an entire new wiring system, and
comfort upgrades. Read on, boppers.
Please note: the VIN on this car is not a 1955 Chevrolet VIN as the
body series designator is not present in the sequence. It does have
a title*
Exterior
The timeless look of these 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. Deep red covers the front around
this chrome, the hood, front quarters, doors and lower half of the
rear quarter. This paint is very deep but does show a few runs and
inclusions. 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 red and white toned
paint which covers the roof, and trunk deck as well as the back of
this car. Like the red, the white shows with a few inclusions,
cracks and evidence of body filler. 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 red reflector badge, and another beautiful
bumper with dual pipes hedging a look out of the bottom of this
beautiful creation. On all corners are shiny 15 inch polished
Torque Thrust wheels wrapped in 205/70R15's in front and
225/70R15's on the back.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
hits just keep on coming!! Using black leather along with some
white stitching then mixing together with more swoopy embroidery,
the door panels emulate the exterior design and are nearly new.
Slipping on to the late model power leather high back wide buckets
which replace the original bench, also in black with white
stitching and an upper white inlay are looking and feeling nicely
comfortable. 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 a
blacked out round below on the passenger's side fan. This dash has
been finished in black leather on top and sports a bow tie stamped
pattern strip of shiny aluminum running from door to door.
AutoMeter gauges with white faces fit into the fan in front of the
driver. Reflecting in this dash is a Grant wood rimmed 3 spoke
rally steering wheel and an aftermarket tachometer hangs from the
tilt column on the driver's left, and to the driver's right on the
dash is the controller for the new Vintage AC & heat system. A
newer digital Chevrolet badged bowtie radio is now installed. Top
dead center of the dash has a GPS mounted and a fabricated console
races between the seats. Filling this console is the floor shifter,
power seat controls, USB ports, and a satellite radio receiver. New
black carpet covers the floors, and a new gray headliner hangs
above. Sound deadener has been added throughout the interior and
new kick panels with speakers are also on. A shout out to the
refinished trunk with its lightly stained carpet and vinyl side
panels all in gray.
Drivetrain
Replacing the original engine is a consignor stated 350ci V8 crate
engine. This is topped with an Edelbrock intake and single 4-barrel
carburetor. This is dressed to the nines with a chrome air cleaner
lid and valve coverings. On the back is a 700R4 4-speed automatic
transmission with transmission cooler. Connecting the transmission
to the 4.11 geared rear axle is a new driveshaft with new U-joints.
An aluminum radiator is on to keep things extra cool. A very nicely
presenting power plant if I must say so myself!
Undercarriage
Noticing several repairs for invasive rust on the back of this
car's underside, particularly on the rear roll panel below the rear
bumper. Fiberglass has been patched in and some surface rust is
still seen. Otherwise, all is solid with the frame, floor pans and
body hangers, on which are some repairs as well as some chipping
off of the finish. Both rocker panels have been replaced and are
now crudely fabricated from light gauge sheet metal. Power disc
brakes upfront and power drums, with new brakes, are on back and
independent coil spring suspension is on front as are leaf springs
with traction bars round out the suspension. Headers lead from the
engine and run through Pypes mufflers. During our tour we noticed
new rear axles and power steering being on along with a new
steering box.
Drive-Ability
A great driver, with nice acceleration from the new 350ci and
Edelbrock feeder. Transmission was smooth, and brakes worked as
they should, stopping us on a dime. All functions were working just
fine, and the new buckets are uber comfy.
A nice job overall on this two-tone Bel Air with good paint showing
a few battle scars but mostly very nice. A newer updated inter
seating setup, shifter, and digital stereo now in, driving not only
turns heads but is just a bit more convenient.
TRIM TAG
STYLE 55 1011-1955 Chevrolet 210/Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY J2363-Janesville Body #
TRIM 505-Tan & Brown Cloth
PAINT 613-Shoreline Beige, Neptune Green
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.
