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.