Classic Car Overview
This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is an absolutely gorgeous Tri-Five Chevy having underwent an extensive professional frame-off restoration. 1955 marked a major shift in styling for Chevrolets passenger car designs and kicked off the Tri-Five era for the GM marque. Replacing the swooping body lines of years past with body lines that were more square and therefore more modern, gave the 55 Chevys a bolder look and would serve as the blueprint for Chevrolets designs moving into the mid to late 50s. The 1955 Chevys saw a major redesign up front with the addition of the iconic hooded headlights, restyled grilles and bumpers, and a cutting-edge wraparound panoramic windshield. The sides of the 1955 Bel Airs featured special side trim that distinguished the top-of-the-line Chevrolets from both the entry-level 150 and mid-level 210, but also from the competition. In the rear, a new taillight design along with the squarer body lines added to the new modern styling of the 55 Chevys as well. Additionally, the interiors on the 1955 Bel Air featured the plushest and most luxurious trim of all of the Chevys that year. Undoubtedly, the biggest update for Chevrolet in 1955 was the introduction of the Turbo-Fire 265 V8 engine that would ultimately become the foundation that carried the GM marque through the second half of the 20th century. This particular 55 Bel Air Convertible comes to us from a California-based collector who served as a wonderful steward of this Tri-Five Chevy while under their ownership. Powering this 1955 Bel Air Convertible is a 265 Cubic Inch V8 engine paired with a single 2 barrel carburetor that together were said to have created 162 horsepower when new. The 265 V8 is backed by a Powerglide Automatic transmission which makes this 55 Chevy easy for anybody to drive. Exhaust exits this 1955s engine via a dual exhaust setup that produces a nice throaty sound out the rear. This Bel Air Convertible comes loaded with fantastic options! With power brakes, bringing this Bel Air to a complete stop is much easier especially with all that horsepower under the hood. Power steering is another wonder additional to any classic car since it makes it easy to maneuver in and out of tight spaces, whether at the local car show or drive-in, and simply improves the overall driving experience. The white vinyl power convertible top is operated with ease via an under-dash mounted switch, raising or lowering the top with a single finger. The original bias-ply tires were replaced during the frame-off restoration in favor of wide whitewall radial tires mounted on steel wheels with full wheelcovers which give the car a wonderful look and even better ride. A rear-mounted Continental Kit and a pair of matching fender skirts add to the 50s allure of this Bel Air Convertible. The chrome and brightwork around the exterior of this 55 Chevy is in superb, like-new condition. The exterior has been refinished in a beautiful two-tone color scheme consisting of Dusk Rose and India Ivory, a rare color combination back in 1955. The interior on this 55 Bel Air Convertible is absolutely stunning! The front and rear bench seats have been correctly reupholstered in two-tone Gray and Ivory vinyl. The matching upholstered Ivory/Gray door panels, gray carpeting, painted dash, and steering wheel all appear to be in fantastic condition and appear to be in their stock configuration. The integrated instrument cluster is outfitted with a 110 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge and fuel gauge. The dash is equipped with a Wonderbar AM radio and speaker, along with an electric clock. Whether youre buying your first classic car or youre adding to your existing collection of Tri-Five Chevys, this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call at 763-428-7337!