This Chevrolet Tri-5 got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air began life as an inline-six-powered two-door hardtop produced in Oakland, California, and it was refurbished and modified prior to the current owner’s acquisition in 2014. The car is finished in two-tone Shoreline Beige and Gypsy Red over a matching interior, and power is provided by a 327ci V8 paired with a TH350 automatic transmission. The body was repainted, the interior was refreshed, and the engine was replaced during prior ownership, while work commissioned by the seller included replacement of the transmission, a front roller-bearing hub conversion, installation of front and rear sway bars, and servicing of the braking system. This modified Bel Air is now offered on behalf of the current owner with a clean Washington State title.

327-Powered 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop

The body of this example was refinished in its factory Shoreline Beige and Gypsy Red during prior ownership according to the seller. Styling touches include a “hood bird” hood ornament, chrome side spears and rocker trim, and Bel Air badging. Close-up photos depicting the paint and trim are provided in the gallery below.

327-Powered 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop

Steel 15″ wheels with covers are fitted with older BFGoodrich whitewall tires. A spare wheel and tire combination is stored within the trunk. The drum brakes were serviced in 2015 with replacement wheel cylinders, and the car is equipped with a front roller-bearing hub conversion along with front and rear sway bars.

327-Powered 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop

The cabin features dual bench seats reupholstered in red vinyl with beige textured accents, and matching upholstery extends throughout the interior. Equipment includes an adjustable front bench, a heater, and an analog clock as well as a push-button AM radio. The seller notes that a portion of left-side window trim does not snap into position.

327-Powered 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop

Factory instrumentation includes a sweeping 110-mph speedometer accompanied by gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The seller notes the speedometer reads inaccurately. The five-digit odometer indicates 8k miles. Total mileage is unknown.

327-Powered 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop

The replacement 327ci V8 was installed in place of the factory inline-six during prior ownership, and it is paired with a TH350 automatic transmission sourced by the current owner. The engine is said to be equipped with earlier 265ci cylinder heads, and a single carburetor is fitted beneath an oil bath air cleaner. The pinion seal and valve cover gaskets were replaced in 2015 according to the seller.

327-Powered 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop

The engine stamping shown in the gallery includes the engine code FI226R, indicating a 250hp 327ci V8 built at the Flint, Michigan, plant on December 26, 1962.

327-Powered 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop

Additional photos in the gallery highlight the condition of the underside.

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $55,500 by wcbrowning
Auction Ended June 7, 2022 at 11:04AM PT
Bids 42
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BaT Essentials

Seller: Raffi
Location: Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110
Listing Details
  • Chassis: C550008395
  • 8k Miles Shown, TMU
  • 327ci V8
  • TH350 Automatic Transmission
  • Replacement Powertrain
  • Shoreline Beige & Gypsy Red Paint
  • Red & Beige Interior
  • Push-Button Radio
  • Front Roller-Bearing Hub Conversion
  • Front & Rear Sway Bars
  • 15" Steel Wheels w/Covers
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #75458