Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 4 Door Sedan
You learn something every day. Did you know the 1955 "egg crate"
grille was inspired by Ferraris? All you have to do is look at a
1952 Ferrari Barchetta to see the obvious inspiration. The grille
design didn't last long, but the adoration for the '55 is still
going strong! More than 340,000 units were built and the sales
leader was the 4 door sedan.
For consignment, a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 4 door sedan that's been
owned and garaged by the same person for 65 years! Having gone
through a recent restoration, this car looks like it just drove
through the showroom doors at the same time a hillbilly cat from
Tupelo, Mississippi started appearing on stages in the U.S.
Exterior
Bathed in a beautiful coat of two stage Glacier Blue under an India
Ivory roof, this car is wonderfully understated and original
looking. As much as we love Candy Apple red and chrome wheels, this
one is off the charts with the nostalgic feelings it conjures up.
The chrome bumpers, the "Ferrari" grille, headlight rings, window
trim, and iconic side body spears are in spectacular condition. We
note the metal around the vent window and side mirrors might need
to be brought up to par. But the hood bird, the epic hood ornament,
leads the car down the road in glistening glory. The white wall
tires and period hubcaps are spotless, and the Bel Air and
Chevrolet emblems are great. We note some delamination on the
bottom left corner of the windshield along with a small crack in
the same area.
Interior
Shades of blue in angular 1950's patterns greet you as you open the
doors. The vinyl door panels are clean and tight and contain a
metal trim piece that recalls the exterior design. Vinyl over cloth
covers the front bench seat which is mirrored perfectly by the
rear. A blue steering wheel has a silver horn ring and shares the
column with the slim shifter. In front, the simple dash is now
considered a work of art, with a fan shaped speedometer framed in
chrome trim. The bowtie perforated dash panel will never cease to
be cool and houses an AM radio before continuing to another "fan"
in front of the passenger where Bel Air is spelled out in 50's font
over an attractive clock. The fitted low pile blue carpet is
fantastic and clean while the headliner has a few wrinkles but is
completely clean and intact. A rubber mat covers the trunk which is
clean and houses a spare wheel and tire.
Drivetrain
A date-correct and rebuilt 235.5ci inline 6 cylinder is under the
bulbous hood and is rated at 123 horsepower. It's fueled by a
1-barrel carburetor and driven by a rebuilt 3-speed manual
transmission with a rebuilt three on the tree shifter. Power is
sent to the rear wheels and 3.70 gears and forward momentum is
slowed by drum brakes at all four corners. The engine bay is very
clean with just minor occurrences of surface rust. It's definitely
show worthy. The underside of the hood, however, would qualify as
"driver quality."
Undercarriage
Driver quality under the car as well with plenty of surface rust in
the usual areas. The single exhaust flows from the engine to meet a
stock style muffler and then leaves the car in style with a chrome
tail pipe cover. A drop of oil on the drain plug is not of major
concern as we don't see oil coating other parts behind it. Coil
springs are found up front on the independent suspension and coil
springs are found in the back.
Drive-Ability
Get your poodle skirt ready 'cause we're going to the hop! It is
not unlike stepping back in time as we sit on the big bench seat
and roll this big blue bomber onto the test loop. It's the
authentic experience without the engine swap, without wide tires,
and without any "yet to be invented" electronics. Pure driving just
as our fathers and grandfathers had it. The car runs well, has
great visibility, and everything works as intended.
This is a beautiful car in a stunning two-tone design that does not
stray from its original look, save for a little extra shine with
the clearcoat. Some enthusiasts like the "KISS" method, Keep It
Stock, Silly, and in this configuration are more desirable to some
people than a hot rodded Tri-Five. Completely show worthy as is and
you have the option of rolling up your sleeves and taking it to the
next level by detailing the underside. In either case, doo wop your
way over to the mall and take a closer look!
C55B062932
C-2400 Series Bel Air
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
062932-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 1019D-1955 Bel Air 4 Door Sedan
BODY NO M14179-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 509-Blue Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 600-Glacier Blue & Skyline Blue
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
