Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop
The Bel Air received new, revamped styling for the 1955 model year
and was called the "Hot One" in GM's advertising campaign. Bel Airs
came with features found on cars in the lower models ranges plus
interior carpet, chrome headliner bands on hardtops, chrome spears
on front fenders, stainless steel window moldings, full wheel
covers, and a Ferrari-inspired front grille. Models were further
distinguished by the Bel Air name script in gold lettering later in
the year. For 1955 Chevrolets gained a V8 engine option and the
option of the 2 speed automatic, or a standard three speed manual
transmission with optional overdrive. The new 265ci V8 featured a
modern, overhead valve, high compression ratio, short stroke design
that was so good that it remained in production in various
displacements for many decades. The base V8 had a 2-barrel
carburetor and was rated at 162 hp and the "Power Pack" option
featured a four-barrel carburetor and other upgrades. Later in the
year, a "Super Power Pack" option added high-compression and a
further 15 bhp. Warning lights replaced gauges for the generator
and oil pressure. The 1955 Bel Air was very well received and Motor
Trend magazine gave the Bel Air top marks for handling. Popular
Mechanics reported acceleration for a V8 Bel Air with a Powerglide
as being 0-60 mph in 12.9 seconds, plus a comfortable ride and good
visibility. On the other hand, the horn ring blocked some of the
speedometer, regular gasoline made the engine knock and the first
V8 engines off the line burned too much oil. A new option for
V8-equipped 1955 models was air conditioning, with outlets on each
side of the dashboard; a heavy-duty generator was included on cars
equipped with this option.
For consignment, the debut car in the Tri Five craze, the 1955 Bel
Air. A multi-time AACA and VCCA award winner, (AACA JR 2005, SR
2005, PRI1 2005, PRI2 multiple awards from 2006 to 2012, GN 2006,
SGN 2008, SGNR 2010, and a Preservation award in 2012 along with a
VCCA JR 2005, SR 2008 and 2015 and Preservation Board), for its
stunning quality on this, the Gypsy Red and Shoreline Beige two
tone stunner...you simply cannot go wrong. Welcome to 1955 where we
will park the way back machine for this description Peabody.
(Bullwinkle that trick never works!)
Exterior
A superior coating of Shoreline Beige paint covers the upper roof
and rear of this car. It is delineated by a trim spear where we see
Gypsy Red below, on the hood and front quarters. This paint is very
nicely applied but not without a few inclusion and flaws,
particularly in the tops of the front quarters. The panels are
straight, and gaps are good, but not so perfect as to be considered
overdone. The jet age hood ornament is flying above the simplest of
the grilles for the tri five Bel Airs. It takes the shape of a
squared off oval if you will and uses a chromed egg crate inside
the panel, similar to the Ferraris of the era. The chrome bumpers
are good, and the trim is shiny with no dimpling or rust. The Bel
Air badging and Chevrolet script in your grandmother's handwriting
is equally as nice. 15-inch chromed caps are wrapped in 6.70-15 BF
Goodrich wide whites and are seen on all 4 corners. A shout to the
rear brake lights with the nifty round ball in the center of the
"flame shape" taillight with a small square backup light below all
within a lamplighter styled bezel on each rear quarter upper
corner. A great job right down to the perfect cloisonne badges all
over this car.
Interior
Looking like the original but totally redone and like new. The door
panels sport red upper stitched vinyl housing the door actuator,
and window crank. A beige vinyl mid-section has the armrest which
has a trim spear shape conforming to the upper swoop spear red
panel. Also, this floats in a field of horizontal ribbed stitched
beige vinyl and a red panel just above the bottom of each door.
Looking toward the front bench, the nifty fifty design abounds with
a beige light and dark bamboo pattern broadcloth for the inserts,
and red vinyl is seen on the bolsters, tubs and uppers. In the
center of the split front bench the turquoise forms a lazy V
pattern for extra interest. Low pile red clean carpet covers the
floors throughout and is protected by red ribbed rubber mats.
Hanging above is the dual fan shaped dash front and a wonderful
horizontal ribbed chrome middle with punched bowtie pattern and
more red metal below. The bezels and knobs are pristine. In the
middle we see a factory chrome laden AM radio with a blinding
chrome tissue dispenser below, complete with an embossed bowtie.
Otherwise, this interior and dash are simply...elegant. Call me a
sucker for this only year dual fan dash, I'm proud to be one!
Drivetrain
A raise of the hood allows us to view the correct 265ci V8 under
there. It is topped by a 2-barrel carb, and a synchromesh 3-speed
manual is backing up the 265 cubes and throwing power to a 3.70
rear axle. Just another beautiful presentation with its orange/red
block, valve covers, cast intake and corrosion free bolt ons and
master cylinder. And I need to mention the correct AC oil filter
housing sitting high atop the engine.
Undercarriage
Not a hint of surface rust is seen anywhere. All freshly painted
black framing and red oxide painted floor pans with a new fuel
tank. Body hangers and framing is all rust free and in more black
and red oxide paint. A like new stock style single exhaust system
takes the spent fossil handoff from the near perfect cast iron
exhaust manifolds. Independent coil spring suspension is in the
front and out back are traditional leaf springs. I'm going to go
out on a limb and say this is better than factory fresh with it
looking great underneath, just like the topside.
Drive-Ability
The car runs smooth and quiet, accelerates nicely and shifts
smoothly nicely. It has a nice cruising altitude if you will, and
an overall comfortable seating and ride. The steering was tight and
braking bias free. A definite trip back in time to 1955 with all
functions working as they should.
Here we have a turnkey award winning restoration with beautiful
attention to detail for the inside and out restoration. Welcome to
the Chevrolet Dealership in 1955. Ok Sherman let's go back to
2023!
VC55B037872
V-V8
C-2400 Series BelAir
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
037872-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 1037D-1955 2400 Series BelAir 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO M2888-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 521-Beige & Red Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 615-Shoreline Beige & Gypsy Red
ACC EZ1-Tinted Glass
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
