Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 Door Sedan
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 brings you a touch of
the present with much of the original charm, and some extra add ons
for performance enhancements, the benefit of Vintage AC, 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. Menacing black covers the
entirety of the car, all around this chrome, the hood, front
quarters, doors, roof, trunk, and drenches rear quarters. This
paint is very deep but does show a few runs, 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. 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, 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 15-inch
polished fat and skinny Weld Racing ProStar wheels wrapped in
205/75R15's in front and 29x12.50R15's on the back.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the
hits just keep on coming!! Using gray leather along with some
stitching then mixing together with more swoopy embroidery, the
door panels emulate the exterior design and are nearly new.
Slipping on to the late model leather high back exaggerated bolster
buckets which replace the original bench, also in gray leather, and
are looking and feeling nicely comfortable with some light soiling
on the driver's outer bolster. A rear bench is presenting in the
same fashion 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 in the round below on the passenger's
side fan. This dash has been finished in a darker gray and sports a
bow tie stamped pattern strip of shiny aluminum running from door
to door. Blue LCD digital gauges within a black face fit into the
fan in front of the driver. Reflecting on this dash is a billet
centered thick rimmed rally steering wheel. To the driver's right
on the dash is the controller for the Vintage AC & heat system and
a newer digital AM/FM/CD Changer stereo. Racing between the seats
is a gray leather wrapped custom console that holds a small storage
compartment/armrest, cup holders, the Hurst shifter and the screen
for the under seat mounted Playstation 2. Newer black carpet covers
the floors, and a gray leather headliner hangs above. A shout out
to the refinished trunk with its custom boxes for the battery, side
compartments and a front mounted 3 speaker subwoofer.
Drivetrain
Replacing the original engine is a consignor-stated 327ci V8
engine. This is topped with a Weiand aluminum intake and single
Holley 650cfm 4-barrel carburetor. This is dressed to the nines
with a chrome air cleaner lid and valve coverings. On the back is a
Saginaw 4-speed manual transmission that sends power to the
narrowed Ford 9" rear axle. An aluminum radiator is on to keep
things extra cool and MSD is in charge of the ignition.
Undercarriage
Surface rust and patina abound on nearly every part of the
undercarriage, but all in all things are solid for the frame, floor
pans and body hangers, on which are some repairs as well as some
chipping off of the finish. 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. Headers lead
from the engine and run through Flowmaster mufflers.
Drive-Ability
A great driver, with nice acceleration from the new 327ci and
Holley feeder. The transmission shifted smooth, and brakes worked
as they should, stopping us on a dime. All functions were working
just fine save for the AC blowing warm and the clock not keeping
time, that aside the new buckets are uber comfy.
A nice job overall on this mono-tone Bel Air with good paint
showing a few battle scars but mostly very nice. A newer updated
interior seating setup, shifter, and digital stereo and video game
system now in, driving not only turns heads but is just a bit more
convenient.
C55B098228
C-2400 Series
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
098228-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 55 1011D-1955 Bel Air 2 Door Sedan
BODY M110968-Baltimore Body #
TRIM 510-Green Vinyl & Cloth
PAINT 586-Seamist Green
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.
