1955 Chevrolet Half Ton Pickup

Some changed style points of the 1955 went to the first wrap-around windshield in trucks, (called "Sweep-Sight"), the egg-crate grille styling shared with '55 Chevy passenger cars, running boards concealed behind the cab doors, as well as a choice of small or expansive wrap-around rear glass.

For consignment, a beautiful and not often seen color combination of Seamist green along with white highlighting for this 1955 Chevrolet 1/2-ton pickup in step side form. This California example was relocated to NJ in 2016 after an extensive restoration from the previous owner in California. It had put in at this time a 350ci crate engine, and a 700R4 4-speed transmission with overdrive. The current consignor has performed a few upgrading tasks as well so read on for this wonderful example ripe for the picking here at Classic Auto Mall.

Exterior
The first hint of something different in this year is the “sweep sight” wrap around front glass and this truck has taken the option of the expansive wrap around rear glass, leaving room for only smaller A and B pillars for the cab. A side view shows the swept front design, right down to the side glass and upper framing of the door. This is also true for the front of the truck. In front we have a single headlight with a large “visor” overhang formed by the front fenders. These round topped quarters are bordered by a hood that starts at their height, then rises up gracefully to new heights with a center bulbous portion that starts at the front and moves rearward. On the high front is a chromed large badge with a cloisonne bowtie in red. A large opening egg crate grille is being used and a lower front bumper with vertical bumper guards is just below the grille, where we see both in excellent condition. On the back portions of each of the front quarters is a nice trim spear/badge, smooth rolled edge metal for the wheel wells sans chrome, and the same for the lower rockers. Door gaps are well minded, and window and mirror attachments are all in nice shiny polished condition. Seamist Green, which is nothing short of an excellent application, has just a bit of white highlighting for the B pillar in the cab, and on the back of the tailgate with the C H E V R O L E T badge also in white. Moving rearward we find the step in the step side moniker which butts up to the rear fender that could be referred to as a pontoon fender as it does have the round shape and sticks out from the rolled top steel bed sides. On the bed are nicely stained and lacquered oak boards with shiny mounting strips. Inside is painted perfectly in the sage as is the inside of the tailgate. No covering for the bed, and this is how a truck should look from 1955! Oh, and lest I forget, sage green painted 15 inch wheels are bordered by a nice ribbed trim rich on the outside, and a bowtie badged dog dish center covering, all wrapped up in wide white wall tires.

Interior
As we swing the doors on this light and airy cab, (due to the wrap around glass in front and rear), we see utilitarian steel door panels with sage green uppers and ribbed white lower panels. Built for longevity and easy cleaning or just repainting. Inside a long sea foam, (more teal than the sea mist green of the exterior), green insert tuck and roll bench is stretching from door to door. The smooth bolsters are in white vinyl and use white piping as their bordering to the teal. Up front on the white painted front dash all new gauges have been put in by our current consigner. These are just like the original gauges, but these work, and are in a fan configuration shape just in front of the large original but restored steering wheel. The metal dash top is also Seamist Green. In the center within the original dash filler plate is now a retro but modern stereo system complete with under seat speakers. Very clean black rubber flooring is covering the floors and a large gear shift rises from the center of the floor to the driver's hand.

Drivetrain
Under this fully restored hood, and within a fully restored nice black engine bay is now an orange/red GM painted block 350ci V8 crate engine. Polished chrome valve coverings and a nifty chromed air cleaner covering now tops the 4-barrel carburetor. Headers are seen, and on the back is a 700R4 4-speed automatic with overdrive. The rear axle is 3.50 ratio, and all is near showroom for this engine bay.

Undercarriage
A solid black painted rust-free frame and suspension, (leaf springs all around), shows the stained and lacquered bed even underneath at the back of the truck. Solid bed hangers and fenders undersides which remained untouched during the restoration, they were that nice. Drum brakes are all around and underneath is as nice as the topside.

Drive-Ability
Starts right up, runs wonderfully smooth, and shifts like a dream. No creaks or grumbles from that chassis or bed, and the view from the panoramic glass cab is nearly unobstructed. All functions were working during the test drive. Noted being a California truck there is no defroster or heater, however our consigner has a unit that will be included with this sale.

A California restorer did a very high standard job in this meticulous restoration. The use of a beautiful and not oft seen color combination and all being perfect with the interior, we have a yield on a beautiful build and certainly a show award winner right out of the door.

VIN DECODE
H255L016295
H-3100 Series
2-2nd Series
55-1955
L-Los Angeles, CA Assy Plant
016295-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.