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1955 Chevrolet

Bel Air Clone

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Body Color
Turquoise
Stock
3313
Engine Size
350 V8
Transmission Type
4 Speed Manual
Vin
B55B116289
Miles
66,747
Drivetrain
RWD

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Clone

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Clone

For decades much of the classic car world has been broken down into two distinct schools of thought: those who believe automobiles should be kept or restored to as original as possible, and those who are willing to mix-and-match drivetrains, trim, and features from a specific era in order to create the vehicle they want to drive. It's important to mention that the second group doesn't refer to restomods, or the modernization of classic metal. Rather, it's composed of owners who have no qualms about taking a regular Chevelle coupe and transforming it into an SS. The practice is called 'cloning,' and it's been a part of the collector car landscape for as long as the hobby has existed.

For consignment a first year Tri Five 210 Chevrolet now come Bel Air. A few badging changes, extra trimmings and upgrades to the dash and now we have a clone from a 210 to a Bel Air.

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. 1950's turquoise from the deep end of the pool paint covers the front around this chrome, the big jet/rocket topped hood with Chevrolet cloisonné badge in front and center, front quarters, doors and the lower rear quarters. This paint is very deep, and one can become mesmerized with its quality giving the viewer a hankering to just dive in. A chrome trim spear mid section of the doors, runs rearward through the quarter panel, where it comes to an abrupt halt ending in 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 white not unlike the freshly driven snow, 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. On back, are simple lamplighter style taillights, a large cloisonné badge, and another beautiful bumper with dual pipes and clamshell tips hedging a look out of the bottom of this beautiful creation. On all corners are shiny Cragar 5 spoke wheels. Who cares about a poodle skirt, I wanna dance with this car!

Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the restoration hits just keep on coming!! Using turquoise stitched vinyl which covers the lower third of the doors, and white vinyl for the uppers with painted metal sills, these two combine to make up the door panel. A custom turquoise and white fabricated arm rest is also within the two toned panel. Slipping on to the new turquoise and white vinyl covered benches which face the fully restored dual fan dash, (only in 1955 kids!). We see an all original cluster with some black faces and white letters. The passenger side has the other fan with Bel Air in grandma's handwriting and a round clock below. In the center of the dash is a polished stainless band with bowties punched into it. Here we see a newer radio looking still vintage, and some round aftermarket gauges. In back a newly covered in the same pattern as the 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 white headliner in smooth vinyl, and it has chromed strips at the seams. On the floors is nice deep turquoise carpeting and a Hurst shifter rises for the driver's hand.

Drivetrain
Within the beautifully restored engine bay is now a gleaming 350ci V8 topped with a 4-barrel carb. The 4-barrel is a Demon carb, and in back is a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission coupled with a 3.36 rear axle.

Undercarriage
Let's stick to the theme of stunner underneath, with no rust present just patina black metal. Rockers show slight rust at the edges particularly on the passenger's side. Power disc brakes are now in front along with independent coil spring suspension. On the back are power drum brakes and leaf springs.

Drive-Ability
A turn of the keyed ignition and all 8 candles are lit 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 on the trunk and let's get through the gate and pop open the case of beer we brought too. Roll the campy Sci Fi movie!

We have several examples of the Tri Five cars here at Classic Auto Mall, and this clone to a Bel Air certainly should be on your list to see, if indeed you fancy these bow tie years. Well done on every aspect, a visual piece of eye candy, and mechanically a turn key 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 turquoise and white two tone, and plenty of added on trimmings, it could also rest in the center of your coffee table. It is that nice! (but you'd better have that approved by your other half first…)

VIN DECODE
B55B116289
B-2100 Series 210
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
116289-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.