When the second generation of Chevrolet’s Bel Air was unveiled in 1955, its all new styling and the introduction of Chevrolet’s new Turbo-Fire 265ci small block V8 made it an instant hit, with Bel Air sales increasing by over sixty percent, totaling nearly a quarter of a million vehicles. Nicknamed “The Hot One” in GM promotional literature, the new Bel Air was an immediate success and its popularity today is a testament to its iconic status as one of the most beloved American cars of all time. This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air was built at GM’s St. Louis assembly plant and is powered by a Blue Flame 235ci straight six-cylinder engine mated to a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission, known colloquially as “three on the tree”. Originally a rust-free Texas car, this Bel Air was restored in Florida and featured on the Discovery Channel show “Highway to Sell” where owners of stalled restoration projects would team up with the hosts of the show to finish the restoration and send the car to auction, or buy back their restored classic at a discount. During the restoration, the car was repainted in its original two-tone scheme of India Ivory and Harvest Gold, which shows wonderfully and features new weather-stripping and window seals along with new chrome save for the original front and rear bumpers which are good shape. Inside, the interior was both restored and conserved where possible and the Bel Air features a new headliner and new carpet, and the rear seat and front seat bottom were reupholstered in the original dark green pattern cloth, while the front seat back remains original upholstery and is in wonderful shape. Elsewhere, the door panels feature new fabric along with original vinyl, and the Bel Air retains its original dash paint and rear armrests. Originally ordered with both the radio and heater deleted, the interior of the Bel Air is spartan and features a speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and warning lights for oil pressure and charging voltage, although the speedometer, fuel gauge and temperature gauge are not currently working. The Bel Air rides on a set of U.S. Royal Safety 800 6.70-15 wide whitewall tires mounted on a set of color-matched rims with Bel Air hubcaps, with a matching spare in the trunk still wearing its original U.S. Royal Air Ride bias ply spare. Overall, this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air coupe drives like a dream, and the inline six is whisper quiet and runs so smoothly that it’s difficult to tell its even running and despite the manual brakes and steering, the car drives effortlessly and true and brakes as it should. Quite simply, this car is one of the best we’ve had here and as a Tri-Five Chevy, there are few classic cars that are as iconic and adored as this one. No list of the most influential classic cars of all time would be complete without mention of the Chevrolet Bel Air from that period and as one of the most recognizable cars of the era, this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is the quintessential classic American car.
