1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 Door Sedan
"If you've ever heard the term "tri-five Chevy" and wondered what it meant, don't fear the secret handshake-it's just a real simple way to group three consecutive model years together in one breath. It's estimated that, collectively, over one million 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevys were built, and as big a number as it was, most would agree it wasn't enough! As we stand on the threshold of its 70th anniversary, it's amazing to see the "shoebox" Chevy, (another secret handshake nickname for the trio), interpreted in so many different ways." Hot Rod magazine, June 2023
For consignment, a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 door sedan with, treated to a pseudo Pro-street treatment and if it wasn't for the massive rear wheels and ascendent hood scoop, this would be your standard issue '55, at least while parked. Start it up and it instantly reveals its secret, this is not your family cruiser.
Exterior
Iconic 50's two tone paint jobs will never be uncool and this one is White over Medium Blue Metallic, and of course delineated by the jet-like side trim on the rear quarter. Losers will claim they just got beat by white Chevy when in fact it bears two colors. Hood pins up front are actually front clip pins because the entire front is one fiberglass piece that lifts off and allows full access to the engine underneath, which by now you're guessing is probably not a 283 cuber. The custom grille is reminiscent of the early Corvettes and stays in place when the front is removed. 15-inch Weld DragLite wheels in front and back create an aggressive, raked stance while out back, two big exhaust pipes extend past the bumper in gleaming chrome and pins are attached to each corner of the trunk lid as it can be fully removed. Metalwork is okay, however the paint has imperfections that include some surface rust on the roof, scratches and cracking throughout, checking and flaking paint throughout, holes in the fiberglass that include previously drilled ones, invasive rust on a door corner, areas of bubbling, cracked fiberglass on the front, and peeling chrome on the side trim.
Interior
Ribbed white vinyl covers the door in wavy and slightly discolored panels while blue and white bucket seats occupy the front that look late 60's vintage to us. The rear seat has been deleted and in its place are sheets of the same ribbed white vinyl we see on the doors. The control center begins with a blue 3 spoke steering wheel sharing its column with a tachometer and shift light. The dash is essentially stock with the bowtie stamped panel in gold behind an AM/FM/Cassette radio and Bel Air branded clock panel in typical fan shaped glory. Mounted on top of the dash and canted towards the pilot are four chrome cased gauges to monitor oil pressure, water temp, amps, and vacuum. A Hurst shifter rises from the transmission hump which is covered in plush brown carpet and the fire extinguisher is included! The perforated white headliner is loose in places in line with the patina represented in the interior. The trunk is most barren with a clear view of the tubbing construction and contains a fuel cell and battery box.
Drivetrain
A 350ci V8 is under front clip, fueled by a Holley 4-barrel carburetor over an Edelbrock intake manifold. There are some chrome dress up components including the radiator cover and valve covers, while the headers are polished and flow like four chromed snakes on each side. A Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission is married to the engine and sends power to the 12-bolt rear axle. Drum brakes are found at all four corners.
Undercarriage
Clean underneath with typical usage patina, some surface rust and some oil drops on the pan. The dual exhaust, darkened by surface rust, encounters a pair of FlowMaster mufflers before heading out back through chrome tips. Suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in back with ladder bars added. The differential cover is chromed which adds a touch of dress up to the mostly black underside.
Drive-Ability
A little prime of the gas and a turn of the key and off we went to our test loop in this relic of the 50's with some alterations to make it like none other. The 350 has plenty of power, and shifts are smooth through the Hurst, while the car tracks straight and as Tri-Fives do so well, provides fantastic visibility through the vast greenhouse. She sounds great and all functions including gauges, lights, turn signals, work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Here's a classic with options. Add some racing seats and a roll cage for the full pro street effect or hit up any of the aftermarket vendors for a more stock appearing interior. And of course, there's the third option, leave as is and drive the heck out of it! No worries about damaging the paint, just a cruiser that's also a driver. Reach for the sky in this '55!
VC55T096586
V-V8
C-2400 Series
55-1955
T-Tarrytown, NY Assy Plant
096586-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE No 55 1011D-1955 Bel Air 2 Door Sedan
BODY T8126-Tarrytown Body #
TRIM 510-Green Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 599-Seamist Green & Neptune Green
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
