At least around here, I am noticing a trend at car shows.  It seems that we are seeing fewer and fewer show-stopping rare cars and more and more cars in the driver category.  In a lot of ways, this makes good sense.  If you are looking for a driver-level car to go to cruise-ins and local shows, then this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air four-door for sale on craigslist in North Platte, Nebraska may be the ride for you.  While it needs some work to be ready for this role, an asking price of $6,800 leaves a lot of money left over for refurbishment.  Thanks go to T.J. for the tip!

My friend Ray subscribes to the vintage beater philosophy.  While he has a number of award-winning Flathead Fords and Chevelles, he always tries to keep a car for the express purposes of running around town and going to cruise-ins and smaller shows.  He first had a beautiful unrestored 1955 Chevrolet two-door.  Then someone made him a cash offer he couldn’t refuse.  After a few months of wanting, he just purchased another 1955 Chevrolet two-door to fill that void in his collection.

I have also seen this phenomenon in action on trips to Summerville, Kentucky’s big cruise in and a recent trip to the Shades of the Past rod run in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  There were lots of four doors, later model cars, and cars that were obviously driven a lot.  As the world changes, these decisions start to make a lot of sense.

One of the biggest reasons is the incredible amount of collectible car theft that takes place these days.  A recent example would be the theft and vandalism that took place on the Hot Rod Power Tour, especially at the Memphis stop.  Various other large events are usually followed by a blizzard of Facebook posts from owners that came out of their hotels to find their cars long gone.  Some really unfortunate souls walk out to find the tow vehicle and trailer gone as well.

Other reasons for a less expensive car are less stress and less expense. Cars like this one can be driven basically wherever you want without the worry that someone will steal or vandalize it.  Also, anyone who has put the work and money into a great paint job on a collectible car knows the nervousness of parking their freshly painted car anywhere but in the garage at home.

The Chevrolet you see here is perfect for the collector that needs a good ride for cruise-ins and shows.  It is advertised as an original car that has been stored inside since the 1970s.  It is equipped with a 265 cubic inch V-8 with a Powerglide.  We are told that the title is good and that the car drove nicely back in the seventies when it was still on the road. Of course, there will be some work and folding money needed to get this Chevy on the road again.  From that point, this is a car that can be enjoyed for years.  The drivetrain is one of the most proven on the planet and there are few problems with parts for these popular automobiles.  It may not be a convertible or a Nomad, but this car is still a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air.  In today’s world, having a four-door version for tooling around may not be a bad idea.

Have you considered purchasing a lower cost or lower profile vehicle for going to cruise-ins and local shows?  Please let us know your thoughts in the comments.