The 1957 model cemented Chevrolet’s Tri-Five range within the classic market, with the ’55 and ’56 models following not far behind. Tidy examples now command impressive prices, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this wonderful 1955 Bel Air. It presents well, has no apparent needs, and features the desirable 265ci Power Pack V8 hiding under the hood. The seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Brookfield, New Hampshire, with an asking price of $42,500.
Chevrolet’s Tri-Five range graced showroom floors from 1955 until 1957, with the company’s latest offerings featuring radically upgraded and more modern styling compared to its predecessor. Our feature Bel Air is a first-year example, and the seller is sparing in their listing information and photos. In fact, the images in this article are the only ones supplied by the seller. They confirm that the vehicle has been restored, although it is unclear whether its Code 631 combination of Harvest Gold and India Ivory is what the car wore when it left the factory. The poor photo quality makes it challenging to perform a thorough assessment of its condition, but there are no glaring signs of paint imperfections, dings, dents, or rust. The bright trim sparkles impressively, and the glass is clear. The seller chose to sit this classic on Rally wheels, although swapping them out for the correct steelies and hubcaps shouldn’t pose a challenge if the buyer prefers authenticity.
The Bel Air’s interior is as tidy as its exterior, although I make that statement based on a single interior shot. The upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear and other problems, the dash and carpet look nice, and the wheel appears to have avoided the deterioration and cracking that often plague these cars with age. It is also nicely equipped by the standards of the day, featuring a clock and a pushbutton radio.
The first owner ordered this Bel Air powered by a 265ci V8, teamed with a three-speed manual transmission. The base 2-barrel version delivered a healthy 162hp and 257 ft/lbs of torque. However, Chevrolet provided a few options that improved performance without breaking the bank. The most popular of these was the “Power Pack,” which added a 4-barrel carburetor and a few other improvements that pushed power and torque to 180hp and 260 ft/lbs. That is what we find hiding under this Bel Air’s hood, but the seller doesn’t indicate whether the drivetrain is original to this car. However, they do state that this gem runs and drives extremely well, confirming that the engine bay’s spotless presentation isn’t deceptive. It is ready to provide the new owner with miles of enjoyable motoring, not only during the approaching warmer months but for many years into the future.
There’s a lot to like about this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, especially if you harbor a weakness for classics from the 1950s. Its presentation is extremely nice, it appears to be solid and without any pressing needs, and its V8 promises above-average performance for a car from this era. The seller’s price, although hardly pocket change, looks competitive in the face of recent successful sales results for similar vehicles. I believe that it could find a new home with someone willing to pay $42,500, but do you agree?
If you want $42,500 you need to write an ad with a description that has a dozen words and 5 pictures that don’t show a lot of details. To get paid you need to put in the work.
Steve R
C’mon Steve, now, you’re just asking too much…after all, we did get a nice picture of the air cleaner.
You’re not wrong though. Unless the vehicle is significantly under market value, sellers not only need, but should want, to place as many pics as the ad will allow, and give a detailed description (not the typical dealer fluff like “this time capsule will transport you back to a time of leisure suits and loafers,” but substantive info) that will answer a majority of the questions that serious buyers will have. It will save on the back and forth and requests for more pics that the seller will get anyhow.
You are right. A well written ad makes it easier on both the seller and potential buyers.
As you said, the quality of the ad doesn’t really matter if the asking price is well under market, but quality becomes more important as the car approaches market value.
Steve R
If this is truly restored, meaning a rebuilt engine, wear parts such as suspension, and the interior and exterior are fresh, this is a pretty good deal. Especially with the 3 speed, which adds a lot of joy into the tri-five experience. The color suits the car and I like the combination. The wheel and stance are just right.
You could not buy a fixer and get it anywhere near this nice for what the asking price is. I suspect it will sell in the threes after some friendly haggling.My one car garage is as full as it will ever get. Too bad.
Sweet ride
Geezer story: We had a 56 version of this when I was a kid…for about 2 weeks! My Navy Dad bought the selling dealer’s demonstrator with every bell and whistle known to GM…including power pack engine…at end of model year. He got orders to Guantanamo right after we got it, and info with orders said “You are welcome to bring your car, but don’t bring one that requires premium fuel, because we don’t have any!” He took it back to dealer and swapped it for a 57 6 cylinder/ powerglide and $200 boot. We drove to Key West, took ferry to Havana and drove to Gitmo. Got my driver’s license in it 5 years later. Memories!!
The front fenders and doors don’t have the BelAir trim on them. Car was probably crashed and they took a 210 front clip off a wrecked junkyard car and added it with the BelAir trim Stainless Steel strips and painted it to match. Front seats are not BelAir seat covers either. I can’t see the back seats. It can be corrected but will cost a bit to find, buy, install the parts. Just the View from my Saddle.