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 many years in the
making keeping some of the original charm, and some extra add ons
for performance enhancements, an entire new wiring system, along
with suspension, braking 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 dark green metallic, (yes
it really is green but appears black in some light), covers the
nosed 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 bubbles and inclusions and the gaps, while straight show
with excessive size on the front end sheet metal. 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 green and ivory pearl toned paint which
covers the roof, and trunk deck as well as the back of this car.
Like the green, the white shows with a few inclusions as well. 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 the decked back, are
simple lamplighter style tail lights, 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 18
and 20-inch Ridler wheels wrapped in 225/45R18's in front and
255/40ZR20's on the back.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
hits just keep on coming!! Using white 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 low back bomber style wide vinyl buckets, which
replace the original bench, also show in white with white stitching
and a broad tuck and roll pattern 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
clock below the Bel Air badged fan in front of the passenger. This
full metal jacket dash has been finished in body matching dark
green metallic on top and sports a bow tie stamped pattern strip of
shiny aluminum running from door to door. Reflecting in this dash
is a big black rimmed steering wheel and an aftermarket tachometer
hangs from the tilt column on the driver's left. To the driver's
right on the dash is the controller for the new Vintage AC & heat
system. A newer digital AM/FM radio is now installed as well.
Racing between the seats is a nifty white and chrome console that
isfilled with the floor shifter, power window controls and a puffy
padded armrest. Like new dark green carpet covers the floors and a
white with chrome ribbing headliner hangs above. We note new kick
panels with speakers are also on and we have to give a shout out to
the refinished trunk with its white vinyl sides and dark green
carpet over the flooring.
Drivetrain
Replacing the original engine is a consignor-stated 350ci V8 4 bolt
main engine. This is topped with black painted intake and single
4-barrel QuickFuel carburetor. This is dressed to the nines with a
chrome air cleaner lid, valve coverings and polished serpentine
belt front accessory drive system. On the back is a TH400 3-speed
automatic transmission. Putting the power to the tires is a Ford 9"
axle with an unknown ratio. An aluminum radiator is on to keep
things extra cool. A very nicely presenting power plant if I must
say so myself!
Undercarriage
All is a solid sea of black steel 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 remain intact and rust free
and the same is noted for the body hangers. Wilwood 4 wheel power
disc brakes are on the 4 corners and independent coil spring
suspension is on front and in the rear we note a ladder bar
arrangement with coil overs to round out the suspension. Hedman
headers lead from the engine and run through Flowmaster mufflers.
During our tour we noticed power steering being on along with an
electric hide-away license plate.
Drive-Ability
A great driver, with nice acceleration from the new 350ci and
QuickFuel feeder. The transmission was smooth and the 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.
VC55F239828
V-V8
C-2400 Series
55-1955
F-Flint, MI Assy Plant
239828-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 55 1037D-1955 Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY F28379-Flint Body #
TRIM 519-Beige & Blue Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 682-India Ivory, Cashmere 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.
