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1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Survivor?

The seller of this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air claims it is an 84K original mile “cream puff” that has spent most of its life in a garage. It can be found here on eBay with a current bid of nearly $17,000. There isn’t any history in the ad regarding where the car spent its life, but it currently resides in Portland, Oregon. Have a look at this beautiful blue Bel Air and let us know if you think it is a true survivor.

I guess you could call this car “triple blue” since it has a blue body, top, and interior. As you can see, the interior certainly looks original. There is some minor separation of the upholstery along the seam lines on the driver’s side, but other than that, it looks great. The rear seat looks even better and appears to be original as well.

Although there is no information regarding the running condition of the car, I’m guessing it runs just fine. The engine is a 265 cubic inch V8 mated to a 2-speed power glide transmission. By looking under the hood, you can tell some maintenance items have been done over the years, but nothing major appears to have been replaced.

There are several photos in the ad highlighting the rust/body issues that the car has. The trunk floor looks very solid with just some very minor surface rust. However, you can see some rust bubbles coming out between the trunk lid and rear bumper here. There’s also a minor dent and some rust on the rear passenger quarter panel, which you can see here. That spot looks like damage from a large rock perhaps? Overall, the condition seems to fit the survivor claims of this car.

Overall, I’d say this one appears to be what the seller describes as a “cream puff.” It certainly looks the part and with some further inspection I bet you could prove pretty reasonably that it is a true survivor. What do you think? Are you convinced by the photographs alone or would you need other documentation?

Comments

  1. Avatar FordGuy1972 Member

    Well, if that 65 year old paint is original, that’s pretty amazing. The overall condition of the exterior is really good, especially the chrome and trim, as is the interior for the most part. Of course, the new owner would want to address the rust issues along with the minor dings it has. Getting a good match on the paint will be a challenge, though. Looks like a nice, unmolested survivor that’s been well-cared for over the decades. I hope it stays that way and doesn’t get modified.

    Like 14
  2. Avatar Stephen Miklos

    I love 55 Chevy’s.. always did. Looking up close to the cracks in the paint. I think it had body work and respray at one point. That’s my opinion on it. I would leave the rear seat alone and get the front seat redone. I would leave the engine but.. must have a 4bbl and duals. And enjoy on cruise nights. 😄

    Like 9
    • Avatar John McCue

      It’s for sure its been repainted and there has been questionable body work done.

      Like 3
  3. Avatar Cal

    Stove Bolt six was a great engine for these. Even the 265 2bbl was too much for the primitive handling of the day.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar T

    Those were the days.

    Like 7
  5. Avatar Socaljoe

    Pretty nice car but I think that may be all the money fir the condition it’s in. I would do some light cosmetic restoration and drive it. duals would be a nice addition

    Like 3
  6. Avatar Bob C.

    Everything sure looks original too me, down to that add on oil canister these early 265s had. I believe full flow came the following year.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Phlathead Phil

    Sha-weet!

    Like 3
  8. Avatar Will Fox

    !! This one’s a bit unusual–it has power windows!! Not sure if it’s just the front two windows or all four power-operated. Starting in `53, you could order front-only power windows; not sure about `55. But overall, It’s hard to believe this one escaped the hot-rodders & customizers!!!

    Like 11
    • Avatar bob

      Looks like 4 buttons on drivers door panel.

      Like 4
  9. Avatar dogwater

    nice

    Like 1
  10. Avatar AlaninTn.

    Who added the AC?

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Dave Peterson

    Now that the original owner is long gone, and assuredly the next 3 as well, let me point out that a 1955 engine with 84000 miles is an entirely different proposition than a circa 2010 driven the same. Any car with over 50 went to the pure sale line. However, armed with that knowledge, this is Mitchell’s beauty.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Rodger Hartley

      It all depends on where those miles come from. Also how everything was serviced.
      The 265ci engine was one of the smoothest running engines GM ever made !
      And all you people that want 4bbl, duals,changing the oil filter out, changing the air filter, know nothing of what ORIGINAL is all about !

      Like 0
      • Avatar Elroy Jetson

        Roger, man……..how right you are. It appears that too many today are under the impression that to really enjoy a vintage vehicle it MUST be modified for more speed. The fact of the matter is (in my opinion)……just the opposite. Sigh!

        Like 0
  12. Avatar Dave Peterson

    P.S. – I believe the oil filter was an option in the sale year.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Glenn Schwass Member

    That’s the colors of my 57 Chevy that was my first car. I never got it finished and lokking like this one. This is beautiful…

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Bob Mck

    I would be proud to call her mine.

    Like 1
  15. Avatar Glenn Schwass Member

    That’s the colors of my 57 Chevy that was my first car. I never got it finished and looking like this one. This is beautiful…

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Royal

    This car was originally the color of the trunk interior.
    I like the blue though.

    Like 2
  17. Avatar Leo

    I am surprised I read all the comments before seeing someone mention the green on the inside of the car. The original color. I think one would need to check and see how much damage was done in her crash. Frame could be bent or she doesn’t track right. These are the problems with buying online.

    Like 3
  18. Avatar Leo

    I guess I shouldn’t have left without saying I would love to have it. It is my birth year car.

    Like 2
  19. Avatar joe louis

    A Bel Aire with a post. I don’t think this is a true Bel Aire. Maybe a 150 or a 210 post.

    Like 0
  20. Avatar Tom

    I had a ’55 Bel-Air 2 dr post. It had the 265 cu in 2 barrel/ 3-speed with overdrive. That also came with a 4.10 read end and the engine had solid lifters. Even with the 2bbl, it jumped off the line quite well. I also added a 4bbl Rodchester and dual-exhausts. This was a fun car to drive.

    Like 0

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