Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
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 "Motoramic"
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 V-8 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 V-8 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 South Hall, (subject to change!), of the Classic Auto
Mall. Staying fairly true to it's trim tag roots and factory stock
trimmings with a snappy 265ci Chevrolet mill, a snazzy vinyl
interior, and a shiny 2 tone exterior, this model is quickly
becoming the "it" car of the tri fives, and giving the 57 a run for
its money.
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. A respray of Gypsy Red covers
the car's front uppers and lowers. As we scan to the back of the
car a trim spear delineates the red from India Ivory paint that
covers the trunk lid and rear quarters as well as the back of the
car. 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 upper and lower panels
and lines of this beautiful design. A side view will give you a
hint of the design that created the craze with these car's
introductions, showing curved front glass and all surrounded by
chrome trimmings. On back, are simple lamplighter style tail
lights, a large cloisonne badge, and another beautiful bumper with
dual pipes hedging a look out of the bottom of this beautiful
creation. Even the fuel filler door, front fender rock guards and
rockers are chrome trimmed. On all corners are factory shiny wheel
coverings wrapped by G70-15's in wide whitewall form. The
convertible top is in tan and shows slight smudging but is in
overall excellent condition.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
hits just keep on coming!! Using beige vinyl for the uppers, and
red ribbed vinyl for the lowers, we can see the original factory
pattern replicated in these doors. The armrest has been molded into
the design and shiny cranks pepper these doors. Slipping on to the
50's styled bench which has a split back it has vinyl covering all
around, some tuck and roll for the inserts and these are stitched
with white thread. Nice wide piping showing the various panels of
these seats which are in the beige and red colorway. 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, (my
personal fav of the tri fives!), with the gauge cluster on the
drivers side, and badged speaker and round clock below on the
passengers side. This dash has been completely restored to original
and uses Gypsy Red sprayed metal with a nifty shiny band of punched
pattern bow tie logos running through the center. More deep is red
below and shiny knobs, the ignition and temp sliders are seen here.
Below is a low pile, clean red carpet which is pristine, and it is
flooding all the floors. Also a big shout out to the trunk, which
is not to be outdone by the factory appearing interior, it sports
black rubber covering the flooring and an original wheel wrapped by
the spare tire.
Drivetrain
Within the restored engine bay is a correct Chevrolet 265cii V8
mill. It has GM branded hoses racing over an orange/red block and
we note the addition of a canister oil filter. All surfaces have
been restored, and are simply eye-catching, including the black air
cleaner atop the 2-barrel carburetor. In fact it's hard to look
away! Pristine bolt on parts abound under this hood and all is
looking nearly new in the showroom finishes. On back is a 2-speed
Powerglide automatic transmission which throws power back to a 3.55
rear axle.
Undercarriage
Let's stick to the theme of slightly used but well cared for with a
no rust and solid frame, body hangers, and floor pans. Throw in
some dual exhaust with Cherrybomb mufflers and we are in show car
heaven. Independent coil springs and leaf springs make up the front
and rear suspension, and drum brakes are on all 4 corners. A like
new dual exhaust is also seen meandering its way from the mill to
the back of the car, passing pristine black framing and stamped
floor pans, indicating this restoration was a frame off effort.
Drive-Ability
A turn of the keyed ignition and all 8 are fired up and ready for
the test track. This car is a great driver with plenty of power,
good braking, excellent handling, and a smooth cruise. I'm ready
for my drive in experience. Throw 6 people in the trunk and let's
get through the gate and pop open the case of beer we brought too.
I found all functions with the exception of the clock to be
working.
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 turn key car ready to
go and show. Talk about attracting attention, and it will not even
have to leave your driveway. All in great throwback colors, and
plenty of blingy chrome trimmings, it could also rest in the center
of your holiday table. It is that juicy, (but you'd better have
that approved by your other half first). Come on down, or fire up
the internet and have a gander. (Goosey Goosey!)
VC55B160141
V-V8
C-2400 Series Bel Air
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
160141-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 55 1067DTX-Bel Air Convertible
BODY M32161-Baltimore Body #
TRIM 525-Red & Beige Vinyl
PAINT 615-Shoreline Beige & Gypsy Red
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.
