1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop

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 the first year of the Tri-Five craze coming to life in our North Hall of the Classic Auto Mall. Undergoing an extensive restoration in the late 1990's, it still retains its spit shine and beauty in rust free steel panels, beautiful two-tone paint broken up by a belt line dip, and plenty of other chrome. A large power plant, beautiful interior, and nicely done all over are just a few of this star's shining features. A 1,2,3 O'clock 4 O'clock rock!

Exterior
Starting up front with its simple egg crate grille with shiny mirror like bumper on bottom, and single chrome bezel headlight on either side with an oval turn signal below, the beginnings remain simple on the embellishment front. Screaming dark red metallic paint covers the front around this chrome, the hood, front quarters, doors and lower half of the rear quarter. This paint is very deep, and one can become mesmerized with its quality. A chrome trim spear mid-section of the front quarter runs rearward through the door, where it comes to an abrupt halt. 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 another mid spear which takes us to the back of the car. This spear combo is the delineation between the red, and charcoal gray, which covers the roof, and trunk deck as well as the back of this car. 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 headlights, 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 saw blade style 15" American Racing rims wrapped in blackwall rubber, just stunning.

Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the hits just keep on coming!! Using modern style leather covered door panels we note glorious red stitching highlighting the middle angled tuck and roll design and a horizontal tuck and roll pattern down low. Slipping inside we are met with 2006 Cadillac CTS black leather bucket seats up front with the driver's seat showing just the right amount of patina and wear. A rear bench presenting in the same fashion is in back and there is plenty of romper room back there. Fronting this is a padded top dual fan dash with the gauge cluster on the driver's side, and badged speaker and round clock below on the passenger's side. The gauge cluster is upgraded with a solid insert in the gauge cluster fan housing Dakota Digital gauges with black faced white callouts. Reflecting in this dash is a “phat” chromed tilt column with a drilled 3 spoke steering wheel and surrounded on the edge by black vinyl. An original style panel with slides control the airflow and is right next to the steering wheel. A vintage looking Chevrolet bow tie pattern panel holds an AM/FM digital radio in the center of this dash. Below is a thick pile, clean, dark charcoal carpet which is pristine, and it is flooding all the floors. In the center of the hump a what ball topped Hurst shifter protrudes from the carpet. Above is a tight black vinyl headliner with chrome delineation strips. Also, a big shout out to the trunk which sports the correct style mat, full size spare tire and now the battery.

Drivetrain
Within the engine bay is a 396ci V8 circa 1969 according to its JA stamping code. Black valve covers with polished ribs contrast nicely with the orange painted block and the Edelbrock intake manifold and 750cfm carb. On the back is a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission with a heavy-duty clutch and Hurst Competition Plus shifter. A rear axle weighing in with a 3.36 ratio finalizes the drivetrain.

Undercarriage
Underneath we see a solid frame and floor pans with only surface rust appearing. We do note invasive rust on the rockers and a few of the body hangers which can be repaired with relative ease. A new fuel tank is on along with Hooker headers and a 2.5" stainless steel exhaust system snakes its way to the rear. Independent coil springs and leaf springs make up the front and rear suspension, and drum brakes are all around along with power steering

Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and all 8 are fired up and ready for the test track. This car is a screamer with plenty of power from the 396 cubes, good braking, excellent handling, super comfortable seats and a smooth cruise. All the controls were working like a charm. I'm ready for my drive-in experience.

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 bow tie years. Well done on every aspect, a visual piece of eye candy, and mechanically a turnkey car ready to go and show. Talk about attracting attention, and it will not even have to leave your driveway.

VIN DECODE
C55T040475
C-2400 Series Bel Air
55-1955
T-Tarrytown, NY Assy Plant
040475-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 1037d-1955 Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO T3144-Tarrytown Body #
TRIM NO 520-Beige & Green Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 613s-Shoreline Beige & Neptune Green

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.