Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop
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 years in the making
keeping some of the original charm, and some extra add ons for
performance enhancements, the benefit of air conditioning, a nicely
done color change and comfort upgrades. Read on, boppers.
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 Gypsy 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
scuffs 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 Gypsy Red and
Shoreline Beige paint which covers the roof, and trunk deck as well
as the back of this car. Like the red, the beige shows with a few
inclusions, but nothing very serious. 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, small chrome V badged, and another beautiful bumper with
dual pipes hedging a look out of the bottom of this beautiful
creation. On all corners are red 15-inch steel wheels with polished
covers wrapped in 205/70R15's in wide white format from the 33rd
week of 2021.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
hits just keep on coming!! Using red vinyl along with some white
stitching then mixing together with more swoopy embroidery, then
onto some ribbed beige lowers, the door panels emulate the exterior
design and are nearly new. Slipping on to the original but
recoveredfront split bench, also in red and beigewith red
delimitation piping, it all leaves us 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 Gypsy Red on the top and front and sports a bow tie
stamped pattern strip of shiny aluminum running from door to door.
The factory gauges with black faces fit into the fan in front of
the driver. Reflecting in this dash is the factory red rimmed
steering wheel, 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. Like new red carpet
covers the floors, and a white vinyl and chrome ribbed headliner
hangs above. A shout out to the refinished trunk with its ribbed
black matting and beige side panels.
Drivetrain
Replacing the original engine is a circa 1976 350ci V8 engine. This
is topped with a polished intake and single 4-barrel carburetor.
This is dressed to the nines with a chrome air cleaner lid, fan
shroud, and valve coverings. On the back is a TH350 3-speed
automatic transmission and wayyyyyyy out backis a 3.36 geared rear
axle. An aluminum radiator is on to keep things extra cool. A very
nicely presenting power plant if I must say so myself!
Undercarriage
Clearly a frame off restoration was performed at one point as all
is solid with the frame, floor pans and body hangers. Underneath is
a perfect symphony of black framing supporting Gypsy Red flooring,
stringers and rockers...just beautiful. Power disc brakes upfront
and power drums are on back and independent coil spring suspension
is on front as are leaf springs round out the suspension. Dual
exhaust leads from the engine and runs through Flowmaster mufflers.
During our tour we noticed a new fuel tank and power steering being
on as well as new brake and fuel lines.
Drive-Ability
A great driver, with nice acceleration from the new 350ci and
4-barrel feeder. The transmission was smooth, and brakes worked as
they should, stopping us on a dime. All functions were working just
fine, and the new interior was uber comfy.
A nice job overall on this two-tone Bel Air with good paint showing
a few small flaws, but mostly very nice. A redone interior seating
setup, modern heat and AC,and digital stereo now in, driving not
only turns heads but is just a bit more convenient.
VC55B075067
V-V8
C-2400 Series
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
075067-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 1037D-1955 Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO M7692-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 514-Blue & Beige Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 614-Shoreline Beige, Glacier Blue
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.
