For Sale: 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air in Bradenton, Florida

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible �€" Fully Restored, 265 V8, Gypsy Red over Indian Ivory Why This Car Is Special The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is one of the most recognized automobiles in American history, and for good reason. It was the first year of what collectors now call the 'Tri-Five' generation �€" the 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevrolets that shared a completely new body designed by Harley Earl's team. The 1955 model was a clean break from the slab-sided, upright look of the early 1950s Chevrolets. The new body was lower, wider, and drew obvious inspiration from Ferrari's egg-crate grille and contemporary European sports car styling. It was a significant moment for General Motors, and Chevrolet sold over 1.7 million units that model year across all body styles. The Bel Air was the top trim level in 1955, sitting above the Two-Ten and One-Fifty. In convertible form, it was the flagship of the entire Chevrolet lineup. Bel Air convertibles came loaded with the chrome, two-tone paint, and interior appointments that made them the showpiece of the range. They were expensive to option at the time, and relatively few were equipped with the full complement of power accessories �€" power steering, power windows, power seat, and a power convertible top �€" that this particular car carries. Finding a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible with that level of original option content, let alone one restored to this standard, is not a common occurrence. What makes this specific car worth your attention is the combination of body style, color, and the depth of investment that went into the 2010 restoration. The Gypsy Red and Indian Ivory color combination is one of the most visually cohesive pairings offered on the 1955 Bel Air, and it carries through from the exterior all the way into the two-tone leather interior. The restoration was not a budget refresh �€" the documented spend exceeded $80,000, and the list of mechanical and aesthetic upgrades reflects the kind of decisions made by someone who planned to keep this car and drive it, not just display it. Features List - 265 cubic inch V8 engine - Automatic transmission - CPP power front disc brakes - Power steering - Power windows - Power convertible top - Power seat - Ididit tilt steering column - Vintage-style A/C and heat - Upgraded alternator - Dual exhaust - Aftermarket stereo head unit - 18 and 20-inch chrome custom wheels - Modern performance tires - PPG base coat / clear coat finish in Gypsy Red and Indian Ivory - California bumpers (front and rear) - Red powder-coated rear suspension components - Undercoated floor pans and frame - Saddle Tan power convertible top - Two-tone red and ivory leather interior - Custom Bel Air floor mats with Chevrolet logo - Bel Air script dash badge Mechanical The heart of the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is the 265 cubic inch V8, and this one carries that engine with a correct Chevrolet-script valve cover presentation that looks right at home in the engine bay. The 265 was brand new for 1955 �€" it was Chevrolet's first overhead valve V8, developed largely by Ed Cole and his engineering team. It replaced the inline six as the performance choice and immediately established Chevrolet as a legitimate performance brand. The engine is light, well-balanced, and responds well to modifications. In stock form it was rated at 162 to 180 horsepower depending on carburetion, and the version in this car pairs with an automatic transmission for easy, relaxed driving. During the 2010 restoration, the mechanical systems were addressed comprehensively. The front braking system was upgraded to CPP (Classic Performance Products) power front disc brakes, which is one of the most widely respected brake conversion setups available for Tri-Five Chevrolets. Combined with a power brake booster, this car stops with confidence that drum brakes simply cannot match. The steering column was replaced with an Ididit tilt unit, which is a direct-fit, column-mounted tilt system tha