1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

When the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air arrived, Chevrolet enjoyed an all-new image practically overnight. Rather than a car driven mainly by dads and aunts, the sensationally redesigned "Motoramic" models quickly gained a reputation as "The Hot Ones." In this landmark year, Chevy finally had a bold response to Ford in the performance battle: a lively 265 cubic inch V-8 that would nurture a whole generation of muscular engines. Better yet, that V8 was slipped into a fresh, contemporary body sporting a rakish beltline dip and a Ferrari-inspired grille. Chief engineer Edward N. Cole earned credit for Chevrolet's first V-8 in 35 years. Simple in construction and economical to build, the 265 cubic inch Turbo-Fire was a model of efficiency.

For consignment the first year of the Tri-Five craze coming to life in our main showroom, (subject to change!), in a big way. The beneficiary of a frame off, (and replaced with C4 parts), restoration, lotsa liberties were taken during this process. How about throwing a LS-3 Engine in and have it produce 454hp? Ok, all courtesy of the talented hands of the owner's shop "The Sports Car Center" in good old Leola, Pennsylvania, and no, they do not modify Amish buggies!

ExteriorStarting 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 bezeled HID projector headlight on either side with an oval turn signal below, the beginnings remain simple on the embellishment front. Screaming red deep end of the pool paint covers the front around this chrome, the big jet/rocket topped hood with Chevrolet cloisonn 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 cloisonn badge, and another beautiful bumper with dual pipes hedging a look out of the bottom of this beautiful creation. On all corners are shiny American racing polished 5 spokes, feigning in at 17 inches in front and 18 inches on the rear. Who cares about a poodle skirt, I wanna dance with this car!

InteriorMoving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the restoration hits just keep on coming!! Using red 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 red fabricated arm rest is also within the red panel. Can you say swoop spear trim in chrome too? Also, some power window toggles are within this field. Slipping on to the new red and white leather covered benches which face the fully restored dual fan dash, (only in 1955 kids!), we see an all new gauge cluster with some analog gauges and digital odometers. 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 back with bow ties punched into it. Here we see a newer radio looking still vintage, and some A/C vents. In back a newly covered in the same pattern as 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. The trunk is now covered in black vinyl and houses the spare tire. No rust here folks!

DrivetrainWithin the blinding red engine bay is shoehorned in a new GM 6.2 Liter crate engine rated at 454 HP. This new snazzy mill has EFI and a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission on back. A shiny Wilwood master cylinder is now in, and this new mill appears amazingly simple and very at home within this engine bay. Ok close the hood so I can take my Wayfarers off.

UndercarriageLet's stick to the theme of stunner underneath, with no rust on this now C4 Corvette Frame. Throw in some pristine dual Flowmaster exhaust, which start from the headers that exit the LS3. A drip free bottom end of the engine, and we are in show car heaven. Gone is that cranky creaky old suspension and we now have some C4 Corvette action for the ride. Power disc brakes are on all 4 corners. Woah!

Drive-AbilityA 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 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, (like hell), and show. Talk about attracting attention, and it will not even have to leave your driveway. All in beautiful red and white two tone, and plenty of added on trimmings, it could also rest in the center of your holiday table. It is that juicy! (but you'd better have that approved by your other half first..). Basically, a Corvette in first year Tri Five clothing...

VIN DECODEVC55L072308V-V8C-2400 Series BelAir55-1955L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant072308-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAGSTYLE 55 1037D-1955 Bel Air 2 Door HardtopBODY VN11106-Van Nuys Body #TRIM 521-Beige & Red Cloth & VinylPAINT 615-Shoreline Beige, Gypsy RedACC EZ1-Tinted Glass

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.