Make: | Chevrolet |
Model: | Bel Air/150/210 |
Type: | Other |
Doors: | 2 |
Year: | 1955 |
Mileage: | 21966 |
VIN: | VC55B148936 |
Color: | Teal |
Engine: | 265 V8 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Interior color: | Teal |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Morgantown, Pennsylvania, United States |
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
Imagine a car so popular that a new term came to be based on that design. That name is Tri-Five, which refers to 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevrolet automobiles, in particular the Bel Air, 150, 210, Hardtops, Sedans, Wagons and the Nomad. With beautiful proportions and new skins each of those successive years, and a thorough peppering of chrome, these cars produced in this time became iconic. From all original to highly modified versions, many Tri-Five clubs have sprung up to showcase individuality, originality, and the beloved Chevrolet concepts of Harley Earl and his team.
On our consignment floor is a beautifully restored rare first year Tri Five (1955). Rare due to some little ordered options for the time like power windows, power seat, tear drop antenna, power brakes and power steering. And did I mention it's a real looker too!
Exterior
Bathed in Regal Turquoise with an India Ivory top and back and can be described as an excellent job. It's been buffed to a mirror-like shine with very few faults seen even when looking very closely. A dueling trim spear setup is seen nice and shiny, with the front spear starting at the headlight and going halfway through the doors. A second larger spear picks up lower on the door where the front one left off and jets rearward ending at the rear bumper. These also provide the delineation between Ivory and Turquoise paint scheme. Very nice bumpers frame the front and rear, and beautiful brite-work throughout surrounding all glass, lights and badging shown in your grandmother's handwriting. Chromed wheel covers are wrapped in wide whites and complete this classic 50's Chevrolet look.
Interior
A dual fan shaped dash with speedo on the left and speaker with badging on the right, complete with round clock below, is bordered by the stamped aluminum trim strip with bowtie cutouts. Turquoise is on top and below in metal. All this is in very good condition. Sitting in front of the dash is a nicely preserved original split back bench which uses the turquoise as bolsters and the ivory as tuck and roll inserts. Noted the seat is power controlled another rare option for 55. The rear bench is also well preserved. On the door panels a swoop pattern also in the turquoise and ivory frames the interior on either side. The doors show power window toggles which was a seldom ordered option for this year. The AM radio is inserted into the center of the dash, and above is a beautiful headliner with chromed strips to border each panel. This shows off very well with the completely trimmed windows, and a sea of turquoise carpet in good condition below.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a nice patina environment with orange block and valve covers and faded to dull black air cleaner and attachments. A 265ci V8 Powerpack engine is present and correct, and a Carter 4-barrel carburetor is sitting on top. A nice one! A Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission backs up the engine and 3.55 gears are in the rear axle.
Undercarriage
Some minor surface rust is seen, but the frame and floorpans are very nicely preserved and structurally like a rock. The transmission was recently given the once over and has no leaks or drips. Power drum brakes, and power steering is seen, and all suspension is performing flawlessly.
Drive-Ability
Slipping inside I'm pretty sure we are in the original interior. (there may have been a few new panels restored but mostly original). This car started right up and cruised very smoothly. The brake pedal is a little soft, however, these style power brake systems are tricky to rebuild, and this is common. The radio was inoperable, but all else worked properly.
A mostly original interior, patina engine bay, clean undercarriage, and excellent paint, leave us with a great example of a 1955 Bel Air. A turnkey car that is a goer and a shower. So, use it for both!
VIN Decode
VC55B148936
V-V8
C-2400 Series BelAir
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
148936-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
STYLE NO 1037D-1955 Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO M16081-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 522-Beige & Turquoise Vinyl
PAINT NO 622-India Ivory, Regal Turquoise
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 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.