Vehicle Description
This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is an absolutely gorgeous
Tri-Five Chevy that just screams fifties! 1955 marked the start of
a golden era for General Motors' entry-level marque, Chevrolet,
both mechanically and stylistically. On the mechanical side, the
biggest improvement was Chevrolet's debut of its "Turbo-Fire" 265
cubic inch V8 engine, that would be Chevy's first foray into V8
power since President Woodrow Wilson lived in the White House. Not
only was Chevy's 265 V8 touted for its improved power output
potential, it would also become the foundation for the most popular
and longest produced Chevrolet motor of all time, the "small block
Chevy" or "SBC" for short. The other major mechanical improvement
was an upgrade from a 6 volt electrical system to a more reliable
12 volt system that improved electrical performance across all
electrical components in Chevy's '55 lineup. Perhaps the most
noticeable change for Chevrolet occurred to the exterior redesign
of Chevrolet's passenger car line. These changes would kick off a
period of Chevrolet design known as the Tri-Five era that would
catapult Chevy's design into the second half of the 20th Century.
Looking at a 1955 Chevy from the front, the cars looked more modern
complete with their (now) iconic "hooded" headlights, restyled
grilles and bumpers, and a cutting-edge wraparound "panoramic"
windshield. The front ends also were more square in appearance that
gave the cars a bold new look. From the side profile, the biggest
change in 1955 was the removal of the swooping body lines of
yesteryear, replaced in favor of a flatter, more simplistic, and
thus more modern silhouette. The side of the 1955 Bel Airs also
featured special side trim that distinguished the top-of-the-line
Chevrolets from both the entry-level 150 and mid-level 210, but
also from their competition at GM and the other American
automakers. The rear end treatment also was completely revised now
sporting a new taillight design paired with squarer body lines that
would further contribute to the futuristic styling of the '55
Chevys as well. The '55 Bel Airs also featured the plushest and
most luxurious trim of all of the Chevys that year, and arguably
every year up until 1955. From the seat patterns to the door panels
to the iconic dash and instrument cluster, the '55 Chevy set the
stage of what was to come in automotive style. This particular 1955
Bel Air comes to us out of a prominent private collection where it
spent nearly the past 25 years. Powering this '55 Bel Air is a 265
Cubic Inch V8 engine fed by a single 2 barrel carburetor that was
said to have created 162 horsepower when new. The 265 V8 is backed
by a Powerglide Automatic Transmission that makes this 1955 Chevy
an easy car for anybody to take for a spin around the block. This
1955 Chevrolet rides on a set of wide whitewall bias-ply tires on
steel wheels with full wheelcovers that give this convertible a
truly classic look rolling down the road. In addition, the rear
wheels are tucked behind a pair of color-matched fender skirts
which are always a welcome addition on any 50s classic car. Dual
chrome outside mirrors are a fantastic add-on to this 1955 Bel Air
since it makes squeezing into or out of a tight space much easier.
The front bumper is also outfitted with a chrome bumper guard the
further elevates the exterior appearance of this convertible. The
white vinyl power convertible top is in wonderful condition and it
goes up and down with the simple flick of a switch. When the
convertible top is down, it tucks neatly under an ivory vinyl boot
tonneau cover. The exterior of this 1955 Bel Air Convertible has
been refinished correctly in a beautiful two-tone paint scheme
consisting of Regal Turquoise and India Ivory. The interior of this
1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air Convertible is gorgeous! The front and rear
bench seats have been correctly reupholstered in beautiful
Turquoise and Ivory vinyl that matches the exterior look of the
car. The upholstered door panels, carpeting, painted dash, and
steering wheel are all in wonderful condition and appear to be in
their stock configuration. The instrument cluster retains its stock
appearance and is equipped with a 110 MPH speedometer, temperature
gauge, and fuel gauge, along with indicator lights for the turn
signals, generator charging and oil pressure. The dash is completed
with a push-button AM radio, locking glovebox, clock, and
integrated speaker. Whether you're buying your very first classic
car or you're adding to an existing collection of Tri-Fives, this
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible would make an excellent
addition. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
*265 Cu. In. V8
*Single 2 Barrel Carburetor
*Powerglide Automatic Transmission
*Wide Whitewall Tires w/ Full Wheelcovers
*Optional Fender Skirts
*White Vinyl Power Convertible Top
*Same Owner For Nearly 25 Years
*Correct Regal Turquoise/India Ivory Exterior
*Correct Turquoise/Ivory Vinyl Interior
*Push-Button AM Radio
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 88,589 Miles
