Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
This was the year it all began for the now-famous Tri-Five Chevy.
In 1955, Chevrolet released the first model year of this iconic
line. The 150 and 210 models were certainly well-received,
especially when outfitted with the optional V8 engine. However, the
flagship Bel Air was truly a sight to behold. Its carpeted
interior, chrome trim, stainless window moldings, and script
emblems set this '55 Chevy apart from the rest of the line and made
it memorable to this day.
For consignment, a first year example of the beginnings of the
Tri-Five era, a 55 Bel Air. Named after the California seaside town
which conjures up images of movie stars, seaside mansions and lazy
summer days. Our 55 Tri-Five for consignment is 34 years in the
making keeping some of the original charm, and some extra add ons
for performance enhancements, and comfort upgrades. Read on,
boppers.
Exterior
Flashback to early 1980 when the previous to the current consigner
owner started the restoration with a complete sandblast of the body
and frame, and the original 265ci V8 power pack engine totally
rebuilt. Even the original chrome was re-plated in the interest of
keeping the car original. Life got in the way of this owner, and it
never got completed. Fast forward 34 years, and our current
consigner purchased the project from the stepson of the original
restorer. The project was completed using just a bit of a different
theory, that being adding several conveniences. Steel panels
straight and true with well minded gaps are bathed in either
Glacier Blue or Shoreline Beige. The Glacier Blue is upfront and
moving rearward, eventually being taken over by the Beige, with
trim spears, stainless rocker coverings and window surrounds being
the delineation between the two tones. Even the gas filler door has
a trimming. On back, a large trunk lid is flanked by lamp styled
taillights and a beautifully shined bumper with dual chrome tipped
exhaust peeking out from the bottom. 15 inch Torque Thrust polished
5 spoke wheels are all around and wrapped by 215/70R15 rubber in
front, and 255/65R15's on back. Looking very much original on the
outside although the addition of turn signal arrow LED's on the
side view mirrors are a definite nice modern feature to have.
Interior
One has to love the dual fan styled dash with the instrument
cluster in front of the driver, clock and Bel Air badge in
grandma's handwriting on the speaker cover above the clock. Body
matching Glacier Blue is reserved for the dash top and lower
portion of the front, with the punched bowtie repeat pattern for
the mid section in shiny chrome. Chromed eyeball A/C vents funnel
cool air throughout the cabin, and an aftermarket tachometer is
attached to the now chromed tilt steering wheel column. Vintage air
utilizes the original temp controllers which is snazzy and vintage
looking. Below the dash is another trio of aftermarket gauges in a
shiny bezel. Heated front seats for the two tone convertible style
split front bench by Hams Upholstery with Shoreline Beige tuck and
roll vinyl and smooth blue bolsters are the covering. In back the
similar motif is shown with a nifty V pattern for the smooth blue
upper in this bench. Seatbelts are now installed. Between the front
split bench is a custom armrest/cup holder also in the two tone
blue and beige. Like new carpeting is installed on the floors and
in the center of the hump within the driver's reach is a floor
shifter. Another add in is the navi screen and CD/ DVD player which
is in the glovebox, along with toggles for the heated seats. Also
noted is a nice tight light vinyl headliner, and the EFI digital
controller also under the dash.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and in the completely restored engine bay is a
"HOT ONE" nicknamed by Chevy, in 265ci displacement. It is original
to this car and now sports FiTech fuel injection with the
controller inside under the dash. On the back is a newer 700R4
4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, and the rear axle
weighs in at 3.36. The original ribbed air cleaner scooped covering
is still atop.
Undercarriage
Underneath is the efforts of the first owner, and he was very picky
about this restoration utilizing a primer colored undercarriage for
the floor pans and rockers and trunk floor. All else is painted
black for the framing and new shiny exhaust piping and mufflers and
a new fuel tank is on. Power disc brakes are on the front while
power drums bring up the rear. Front and rear sway bars have been
added on for improved handling. A 60 Amp alternator and aluminum
radiator can be seen and are all like new for this wonderfully
restored undercarriage.
Drive-Ability
This car drives like a dream, with the new sway bars and power
discs, it flies around corners, and accelerates like a 55 "Hot
One!" The EFI works flawlessly and efficiently, and the new
conveniences all are working just as they should.
It took a long time from start to finish, but it was well worth the
wait as now we have a fully modernized car with conveniences and
all looking much like the original showroom car right out of 1955.
No faults noted or obvious for this car which is one of the nicer
examples of a 55 in our hallowed halls. Hurry in though as these
first year Tri-Fives are really hot right now!
VIN DECODE
VC55B087410
V-V8
C-2400 Series BelAir
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
087410-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 1037d-1955 BelAir 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO M9257-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 519-Beige & Blue Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 614-Shoreline Beige, Glacier Blue
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.