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, the first year of the Tri-Five craze coming to
life in our North Hall of the Classic Auto Mall. Undergoing an
extensive frame off restoration and still retaining its spit shine
and beauty in rust free steel panels, beautiful two-tone paint
broken up by a belt line dip with some ghost flames added in for
extra flair, and plenty of other chrome. This Best In Show and
People Choice Best Use Of Color at the 2022 Syracuse Nationals,
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 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 dark red metallic
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,
especially with the added in ghost flames licking back from the
leading edges and louvered hood. Speaking of the front end, it has
been welded and molded for a one piece look. 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 charcoal gray, 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 tail lights, V8 and bowtie chrome Vee embellishments, and
another beautiful bumper with dual pipes hedging a look out of the
bottom of this beautiful creation. On all corners are 5 spoke 15"
Jegs Sport Star rims wrapped in blackwall rubber, just
stunning.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
hits just keep on coming!! Using tweed in charcoal gray to cover
the door panels we note glorious heavily padded red tweed inserts
fighting for space along with bright and shiny chrome for the vent
window cranks and actuators. Slipping inside we are met with
overstuffed Glide bucket seats finished in more charcoal gray and
red, all tweed as well as Juliano seat belts. A rear bench
presenting in the same fashion is in back and there which offers up
plenty of romper room. Racing between the seats is a custom console
that follows suit of the seats and holds within the chrome power
window toggles, B&M shifter and armrest along with cup holders
as well as side mounted speakers. Fronting this is a full metal
jacket charcoal gray dual fan dash with the gauge cluster on the
driver's side, and badged speaker on the passenger's side. The
gauge cluster is upgraded with a solid insert in the gauge cluster
fan housing Dakota Digital gauges with black faced blue LCD
callouts. Reflecting in this dash is a "phat" chromed tilt column
with a custom hand engraved billet 3 spoke wheel and surrounded on
the edge by black vinyl. An original style panel with slide
controls for the airflow and is right next to the steering wheel.
More custom engraving is done on the polished billet center dash
filler panel and an AM/FM/CD digital radio in seen. Below is clean
dark charcoal carpet which is pristine, and it is flooding all the
floors. Above is a tight gray tweed headliner with chrome
delineation strips. Also, a big shout out to the trunk which sports
interior matching carpet as well as red bowtie emblazoned covers
over the hidden storage compartments.
Drivetrain
Within the engine bay is a 383ci V8 stroker engine fitted with a
roller camshaft and aluminum cylinder heads making a consignor
stated dyno-tuned 475hp. More custom hand done engraving is seen on
nearly every surface under the hood, even down to the intake
manifold. Speaking of which is topped with FI-Tech electronic fuel
injection. On the back is a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission
with a 3000rpm stall converter and way back is a 12 bolt rear axle
weighing in with a 3.31 ratio and Positraction to finalize the
drivetrain.
Undercarriage
Not to be outdone by the topside, up in the air we see a strong and
rust free black painted frame providing the support for the body
matching dark red flooring, supports, and rockers. The fuel tank
has been fitted with a FI-Tech in tank pump for quiet operation and
along with headers, and a like new Flowmaster exhaust system snakes
its way to the rear. Independent coilovers with tubular control
arms and power rack and pinion steering and leaf springs make up
the front and rear suspension, and power disc brakes are all
around.
Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and all 8 are fired up and ready for the test
track. This car is a screamer with plenty of power from the 383
cubes, great braking, excellent handling, super comfortable seats
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 bow tie 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.
VC55F159582
V-V8
C-2400 Series
55-1955
F-Flint, MI Assy Plant
159582-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.
