Classic Auto Mall
6180 Morgantown Road
Morgantown, PA
610-901-3804
MILEAGE
167680
YEAR
1955
ENGINE
8
LOCATION
Morgantown, PA
STOCK
3814
FULL SPECS
DESCRIPTION
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
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 has been reworked on the body and drivetrain to make it not only reliable but also a looker and a cooker, all the while still retaining its original charm.
Exterior
The timeless look of the shoebox 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. Turquoise covers the front around this chrome, the hood, front quarters, doors and lower half of the rear quarter. This paint is very deep with only a few cracks showing, 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 turquoise and ivory paint 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 taillights with chrome V emblems below and another beautiful bumper with dual pipes hedging a look out of the bottom of this beautiful creation. On all corners are polished 15 inch Weld Dragstar wheels wrapped in 26x8.00 in front and 26x12 blackwall rubber on the back.
Interior
Moving inside starting with the door panels, and let's just say the hits just keep on coming!! Using smooth black vinyl along with some pleated diamond pattern broadcloth then finishing them off with a black carpet strip down below the door panels give that perfect custom vibe while still retaining the look of the era. Slipping into the later model, low back wide buckets which replace the original bench, also in pleated diamond cloth with smooth bolsters we are in custom interior heaven. 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 badged speaker and round clock below on the passenger's side. This dash has been painted turquoise on the metal and sports a bow tie stamped pattern strip of shiny aluminum running from door to door. A trio of white face gauges in a chrome bezel has been added just below the glovebox. Reflecting in this dash is a Grant GT steering wheel and an aftermarket tachometer hangs from the column top dead center. A newer digital bowtie badged radio is now installed. Black carpet covers the floors and in the center of the buckets on the hump is a Hurst shifter proudly mounted.
Drivetrain
Replacing the original engine is a consignor-stated 358ci small block V8 bathed in black. This is topped with a gray painted high rise intake and single 4-barrel Demon carburetor. On the back is a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission with a 3500rpm stall converter and a reverse manual valve body. A 12-bolt rear axle handles the power to the ground duties nicely. A very nicely presenting power plant if I must say so myself especially with the Ring Brothers Billet Style hood hinges!
Undercarriage
Noticing several repairs for invasive rust on the back of this car's underside, particularly on inner rockers and body hangers but all was performed correctly. We also note the installation of mini tubs to allow for the installation of larger rear tires. Otherwise all is solid with the frame, and floor pans. Power disc brakes upfront and power drums on back and independent coil spring suspension is on front as are leaf springs on the back. Headers lead from th
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