One of the most successful generations of automobiles produced by Chevrolet came from 1955 to 1957. They became known as the “Tri-Fives” and sold nearly five million copies due in part to Chevy’s first V8 in 37 years. As decoded by its VIN, this ’55 is a 210 2-door sedan which sold more than 250,000 copies. It left the factory with an inline-6, but a souped-up 400 cubic inch V8 lives under the hood now. Needing cosmetic work, this daily driver is available here on eBay where the current bid is $17,619.55 (and the reserve is unmet).
This Chevy is vastly different than the way it left the factory. Many of the upgrades/changes include a 400 V8 from 1971 (short block?) that includes a triple carburetor set-up and headers. It’s paired with a 700R automatic transmission (replaced a Powerglide?) and other goodies include an aluminum radiator, electric fan, posi-traction rear-end, disc brakes on all four wheels, an ungraded front suspension package, new gas tank, and a ton more things.
The one-piece floor pan is also new, suggesting that rust had consumed the one before it. According to the cowl tag, the original color combination (613) was Shoreline Beige over Neptune Green, and this finish could be factory. Evidence of some sheet metal repair is noted and the requisite amount of patina is present, but I’d probably repaint the whole car.
Aftermarket “mag” wheels have been added and the tires are likely newer. Some interior work has been done, at least the seat covers and door panels. The Chevy has Pennsylvania license plates (the car resides in Yardley), and the seller says they will go with the sale if purchased in-state. As an incentive, the seller is willing to complete a PA gift form to minimize the buyer’s taxes – if the reserve is met. This Chevy is driven regularly, so this could be a “drive it while you fix it” type of project.
Looking through the pictures I have to say this is pretty nice. No chrome valve covers, they put some nice finned covers on and they did a good job with the rest of the work. I’d just drive it as is, save me the stress of coming out from the store to see scratches or dents left by an errant shopping cart.
Better yet, they aren’t just finned valve covers, they are vintage as are the rest of the visible performance carts. Too many people building “retro” themed cars either buy cheap Chinese knockoffs or seem like they threw whatever cheap used speed parts they found for cheap at the swapmeet. This car looks like it was built with a target date and they were sticking to it.
Steve R
Russ as was mentioned in another write up a short block is just a block and rotating assembly. It’s a buzz word that’s used incorrectly more times than not. Also is it legal to offer a gift letter to beat the tax man there? I don’t think I’d openly advertise that.
Don’t think the 700r4 replaced a Powerglide as there’s a clutch pedal still in the car
3 on the tree ? it has the clutch
What happened to my post,I asked Russ if knows what a short block is, and it’s gone no answer.
A complete assembled engine block….without heads , intake, distributor etc.
Love the 55 year…
The brown above headlights hopefully doesn’t mean bondo as some had that issue. I am sure repairable etc. if its true…
I would put back original color combo.
I had a tri five black Belair hardtop in HS with a 327 @ 340 hp engine from a C2.
The four speed and 12 bolt did well in the 1/4 mile on the street.
GLWS !
Very rough Bondo work on the fender eyebrows you can see in the pics. I assume the same down low all around. Would like to the frame.
I think he means small block? Sometimes I can’t think of the word too..
Back in the previous century 1966, I was gifted a 55 Bel-Air 2 door hardtop as my first car. It had over 100k on it.
My dad and I worked on it, just the body. We had tons of Bondo in it. My dad said this is the closest thing to a Corvette you’ll ever own it’s got an all plastic body. I couldn’t deal with all the rust and primer everywhere as my first car even though it was desirable. I sold it to a gentleman who used it as a commuter car between Poughkeepsie New York and Albany. Everyday. It lasted over a year and a half. The gentleman finally traded it in on a Jeep my dad had for sale. Dad asked him what do you want me to do with the Chevy? He said junk it. He drove it into the backyard. It sat there for a day and somebody said is that for sale? it was sold for $150 . I’m thinking I should have kept it.
An “ungraded front suspension package” indeed. At first, I thought that this was another dreamer that thought 55 and Chevrolet together would be the same as “big money” but I actually don’t think that this is that far out of line. It’s overpriced for sure, but depending on the quality of the work already done, I don’t think it’s crazy. (of course, that assessment could change drastically depending on where the reserve is set at)
Drive it. Don’t touch a thing.