1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door 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, 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 many years in the making keeping some of the original charm, and some extra add ons for performance enhancements, an entire new wiring system, along with suspension, braking and comfort upgrades.  Read on, boppers.

Exterior
The timeless look of these Chevys will never go out of style, and the most successful cars are always those that don't mess with success.  So, when you're building your own, have faith in the factory and do as the builder of this car has done…make it as nice as you possibly can without altering the basic goodness of the car.  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.  Deep dark green metallic, (yes it really is green but appears black in some light), covers the nosed front around this chrome, the hood, front quarters, doors and lower half of the rear quarter.  This paint is very deep but does show a few bubbles and inclusions and the gaps, while straight show with excessive size on the front end sheet metal.  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 green and ivory pearl toned paint which covers the roof, and trunk deck as well as the back of this car.  Like the green, the white shows with a few inclusions as well.  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 the decked back, are simple lamplighter style tail lights, a large red reflector badge, and another beautiful bumper with dual pipes hedging a look out of the bottom of this beautiful creation.  On all corners are shiny 18 and 20-inch Ridler wheels wrapped in 225/45R18's in front and 255/40ZR20's on the back.

Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the hits just keep on coming!!  Using white leather along with some white stitching then mixing together with more swoopy embroidery, the door panels emulate the exterior design and are nearly new.  Slipping on to the low back bomber style wide vinyl buckets, which replace the original bench, also show in white with white stitching and a broad tuck and roll pattern are looking and feeling nicely comfortable.  A rear bench presenting in the same fashion is in back and there is plenty of romper room back there.  Fronting this is a dual fan dash with the gauge cluster on the driver's side, and a clock below the Bel Air badged fan in front of the passenger.  This full metal jacket dash has been finished in body matching dark green metallic on top and sports a bow tie stamped pattern strip of shiny aluminum running from door to door.  Reflecting in this dash is a big black rimmed steering wheel and an aftermarket tachometer hangs from the tilt column on the driver's left.  To the driver's right on the dash is the controller for the new Vintage AC & heat system.  A newer digital AM/FM radio is now installed as well.  Racing between the seats is a nifty white and chrome console that is filled with the floor shifter, power window controls and a puffy padded armrest.  Like new dark green carpet covers the floors and a white with chrome ribbing headliner hangs above.  We note new kick panels with speakers are also on and we have to give a shout out to the refinished trunk with its white vinyl sides and dark green carpet over the flooring.

Drivetrain
Replacing the original engine is a consignor-stated 350ci V8 4 bolt main engine.  This is topped with black painted intake and single 4-barrel QuickFuel carburetor.  This is dressed to the nines with a chrome air cleaner lid, valve coverings and polished serpentine belt front accessory drive system.  On the back is a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission.  Putting the power to the tires is a Ford 9" axle with an unknown ratio.  An aluminum radiator is on to keep things extra cool.  A very nicely presenting power plant if I must say so myself!

Undercarriage
All is a solid sea of black steel with the frame, floor pans and body hangers, on which are some repairs as well as some chipping off of the finish.  Both rocker panels remain intact and rust free and the same is noted for the body hangers.  Wilwood 4 wheel power disc brakes are on the 4 corners and independent coil spring suspension is on front and in the rear we note a ladder bar arrangement with coil overs to round out the suspension.  Hedman headers lead from the engine and run through Flowmaster mufflers.  During our tour we noticed power steering being on along with an electric hide-away license plate.

Drive-Ability
A great driver, with nice acceleration from the new 350ci and QuickFuel feeder.  The transmission was smooth and the brakes worked as they should, stopping us on a dime.  All functions were working just fine, and the new buckets are uber comfy.

A nice job overall on this two-tone Bel Air with good paint showing a few battle scars but mostly very nice.  A newer updated inter seating setup, shifter, and digital stereo now in, driving not only turns heads but is just a bit more convenient.

VC55F239828

V-V8
C-2400 Series
55-1955
F-Flint, MI Assy Plant
239828-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

STYLE 55 1037D-1955 Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY F28379-Flint Body #
TRIM 519-Beige & Blue Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 682-India Ivory, Cashmere Blue

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.