1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

When the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air arrived, Chevrolet enjoyed an all-new image practically overnight. Rather than a car driven mainly by dads and aunts, the sensationally redesigned "Motoramic" models quickly gained a reputation as "The Hot Ones." In this landmark year, Chevy finally had a bold response to Ford in the performance battle: a lively 265 cubic inch V-8 that would nurture a whole generation of muscular engines. Better yet, that V-8 was slipped into a fresh, contemporary body sporting a rakish beltline dip and a Ferrari-inspired grille. Chief engineer Edward N. Cole earned credit for Chevrolet's first V8 in 35 years. Simple in construction and economical to build, the 265 cubic inch Turbo-Fire was a model of efficiency.

For consignment, the first year of the Tri-Five craze coming to life in our main showroom, (subject to change!), in a big way. Some modifications mainly with a 502ci crate engine, 4bbl carburetor, large hood scoop, draglite wheels, bucket seats, and console mod interior to name a few. This is not your parents first year Tri Five!

Exterior
Starting up front with its simple egg crate grille which was inspired by Ferrari and uses stainless steel vertical and horizontal bars and a nice wide surround, and with shiny mirror like bumper on bottom. A single chrome bezel headlight on either side with an oval turn signal below, the beginnings remain simple on the embellishment front. Screaming red deep end of the pool paint covers the front around this chrome, the big scooped hood badges shaved, front quarters, doors and the rear quarters. This paint is very deep, and one can become mesmerized with its quality. A chrome trim spear mid-section of the doors runs rearward through the quarter panel, where it comes to an abrupt halt at a point (hence spear!). With its starting point on the total surround of the passenger compartment, a chrome trim piece works its way past the door sills, then heads downward towards the mid rear quarter, where it is met with the aforementioned mid spear which takes us to the back of the car. The roof and trunk lid and rear roll pan are all bathed in the same red, and it is beautifully applied. A side view will give you a hint of the design that created the craze with these car's introductions, showing curved front and rear glass, all surrounded by chrome trimmings and rear glass is tinted. Some rust bubbling can be seen below the rear glass trimming. On back, are simple lamplighter style taillights with a blue dot in their center, a large cloisonné badge, and another beautiful bumper with dual pipes hedging a look out of the bottom of this beautiful creation. On all corners are shiny Weld Draglite 15-inch wheels that are polished and wrapped in front by 215/75R15's tires, and 29 x 12.50/15's on back for a bit of extra grip.

Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the restoration hits just keep on coming!! Using tan stitched vinyl which covers the lower third of the doors, and black vinyl for the sills, these two combine to make up the door panel. A custom fabricated arm rest is also within this tan panel. Slipping on to the new tan vinyl covered buckets which are of more contemporary design have high backs and headrests as well as power adjustments we are not in 1955 anymore! A new center console in tan vinyl covers the hump, houses the aftermarket Pioneer sound system which puts out AM/FM/CD sounds, and just above some white faced inset gauges for oil pressure, volts, and water temp. This center panel rises to the dash which has retained its original shape but has been modified to have a stainless horizontal ribbed central bar cradling the fan shaped upper dash and speedometer. This stainless bar also sports a bowtie in the center. On its black painted metal top is a tachometer. Fronting the dash is a Grant rally steering wheel. The passenger side has the other fan, (only done in 1955s), with Bel Air in grandma's handwriting and a round clock below. In back a newly covered, in the same pattern as buckets, bench is overstuffed and looking good and comfy for the rear passengers and offering up arm rests on either side. Above is a nice dark gray headliner in smooth vinyl, which remains nice and tight. Carpeting is very clean and is a deep black. The trunk is now covered in black carpeting, and we can see the stainless steel fuel cell in the center, and a stainless diamond plate covered battery box on the passenger's side.

Drivetrain
Within the blinding red engine bay is shoehorned in a 502ci crate engine courtesy Chevrolet. It has a 4-barrel carburetor on top and a TH400 3-speed automatic, which throws power rearward to a Dana 60 rear axle. It is just a gleaming mass of automotive engineering and can definitely pump out some serious power!

Undercarriage
Let's stick to the theme of stunner underneath, with no rust solid frame, body hangers, and floor pans. Throw in some pristine dual Flowmaster exhaust, a new trunk deck to support the fuel cell above, and a drip free bottom end of the engine, and we are in show car heaven. Independent coil springs and leaf springs make up the front and rear suspension, and power disc brakes are now up front and power drums for the rear.

Drive-Ability
A turn of the keyed ignition and all 8 are fired up and ready for the test track. This car is a screamer with plenty of power, good braking, excellent handling, and a smooth cruise. All the controls were working like a charm. I'm ready for my drive-in experience. Throw 6 people in the trunk and let's get through the gate and pop open the case of beer we brought too.

We have several examples of the Tri Five cars here at Classic Auto Mall, and this one certainly should be on your must see list if indeed you fancy these years. Well done on every aspect, a visual piece of eye candy, and mechanically a turnkey car ready to go, (like hell), and show. Talk about attracting attention, and it will not even have to leave your driveway. All in beautiful red, and plenty of added on trimmings, it could also rest in the center of your holiday table. It is that juicy! (but you'd better have that approved by your other half first.)

VIN DECODE
B55T040980
B-2100 Series 210 Sedan
55-1955
T-Tarrytown, NY Assy Plant
040980-Sequential Unit Number

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.