Enthusiasts seeking a classic from Chevrolet’s legendary Tri-Five range to park in their garage have typically focused on the two-door variants. However, a growing group of individuals view cars like this 1955 Bel Air Sedan favorably. These cars retain the inherent charm of a Tri-Five with a level of practicality that is unavailable in those with two doors. This classic is an original survivor that the new owner could preserve in its current form. Alternatively, it is an ideal candidate for a faithful restoration. The Bel Air is listed here on Craigslist in Loveland, Colorado. It could be yours for $23,000 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this fantastic survivor.
The 1957 Bel Air in various forms has been a market favorite for decades, although the rest of the Tri-Five range has experienced growing popularity in recent years. Apart from a few exceptions, values generally haven’t quite reached parity at this stage. However, the gap is closing rapidly. The first owner ordered this ’55 Bel Air Sedan in a classy combination of Regal Turquoise and Indian Ivory. The seller doesn’t mention restoration or repairs, claiming that the paint is original. The exterior retains a warm glow that is typical of aging paint from this period, with a close inspection revealing minor chips and marks that I consider acceptable on any vehicle of this vintage. The panels are straight, and since it is located in an area with a climate that is excellent for steel preservation, the lack of visible rust is unsurprising. Apart from some bumper imperfections, the bright trim looks impressive for its age, and the glass is clear.
Buyers ordering a ’55 Bel Air received the company’s 235ci “Blue Flame” six as the standard engine. However, many found the lure of the 265ci V8 irresistible, with Chevrolet offering three versions to accommodate varying tastes. I am unsure which we find under the hood of this classic, but it should send at least 150hp and 243 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a two-speed Powerglide. The seller indicates that apart from a new exhaust, shocks, tires, and a gas tank, this gem is mechanically original. The engine sparkles impressively, suggesting it has been treated to at least a cosmetic refresh at some point. They state that the Bel Air has a genuine 49,000 miles on its odometer, and although they don’t mention verifying evidence, the car’s overall condition makes it plausible. There is no information supplied regarding its mechanical health, but I see nothing in the supplied photos to cause concern.
The originality of this Bel Air extends to its interior, which is trimmed in a Code 513 combination of Turquoise cloth and Ivory vinyl. There is a visible split on the driver’s side front seat’s outer edge that a competent upholsterer could address with a blind patch to prevent further deterioration. Otherwise, there are no glaring problems. It isn’t showroom fresh, but genuine enthusiasts would be impressed by the fact that it looks so nice after nearly six decades if the new owner rocks up to a Cars & Coffee. There are no aftermarket additions, with the factory radio occupying its rightful place in the dash.
Regular readers know my preference for originality with any classic, and this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan ticks that box. It might not be a Hardtop, but any enthusiast with a young family will confirm how difficult it can be to maneuver a toddler into the back seat of a two-door. That makes this car extremely practical and attractive for those in that situation. The low odometer reading adds to its appeal, but are those factors enough to tempt you? I will understand if they are.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Nice car, but at least turn the RWLs inside or preferably replace with narrow stripe whitewalls. Wide whites would be too gaudy.
55 was the first year Chevy offered the V8 engine, most tri five V8 were also automatics. I personally never saw a tri five six automatic or V8 stick.
Leroy, I’ve dismantled several 6 cyl powerglide 55’s, even a 265 V8 column shift belair wagon with factory AC. People used to order a car of their taste and wait for them to be built. Don’t know if you can do that today, you pick and choose from what the dealers have for sale.
These are sturdy cars. I had a ‘55 210 that got side-swiped on the freeway. We rolled over and the car landed on its roof. Four of us crawled out with minor scratches. These are built like tanks.
When I was 10, in 1966, my Grandfathers cousin passed, & he wanted to give her identical car to this one, to his sister some 80 Mi south. I was asked to ride up with him & drive it home, as I’d been driving down to Cincy as a tall skinny kid, starting @ age 9. That car had Power Brakes but Armstrong Steering, I’ll never forget it. It would stop on a dime, but take a 1/2 mi to turn it around. I waxed that car for her, & drove her to the grocery all the time. We took her ’46 Dodge to the service station in town to give to the boy who loved it. Those were good times, then afternoons watch Peyton Place….
A little pricey, but at least it has the “proper” number of doors!!
I still remember the shock when these first came out, after the frumpy lines of the 1954. And that GRILLE was somethin’ ELSE! (too bad that they scrapped that grille for a more “ho-hum” type in the 1956). This car, when new, would have had wide whitewalls — not the SUPER-wide kind — but definitely not narrow. If I had the money, I would happily own this car, replace its tyres with the period-correct dressy style, have an expert upholsterer meticulously repair that front seat, clean and oil the clock to excellent operation, carefully restore that fine original A.M. factory radio, do something about the bumpers if I think they need it, and then drive it just the way that it is.
The only weakness with the 1955 v8 is that full flow oil filtration wasn’t available yet, hence the dealer installed cannister on the front of the manifold. I still like it.
Amen Fordor…
I still remember the shock when these first came out, after the frumpy lines of the 1954. And that GRILLE was somethin’ ELSE! (too bad that they scrapped that grille for a more “ho-hum” type in the 1956). This car, when new, would have had wide whitewalls — not the SUPER-wide kind — but definitely not narrow. If I had the money, I would happily own this car, replace its tyres with the period-correct dressy style, have an expert upholsterer meticulously repair that front seat, clean and oil the clock to excellent operation, carefully restore that fine original A.M. factory radio, do something about the bumpers if I think they need it, and then drive it just the way that it is. To Fordor: you’re singin’ my song! “Edsel” Al Leonard, so are you!
:>)
To “”Edsel” Al Leonard: I always WANTED a 1960 Edsel! Beautiful car — much prettier in front than the 1960 Ford Fairlane. I never liked the look of the ’59: they were working with a new body shell, and they tried to adapt ’58 Edsel styling cues to it — didn’t work. The 1959 Ford Galaxie four door was a work of art: the 1959 Edsel, NOT so much; neither the Mercury, nor the Lincoln — the lowly Ford that year out-shown them all!
She’s a fabulous ride…and rare!!!
To “Edsel” Al Leonard: I wish I HAD one (though I would pick a different colour). I wanted one in 1959 when they came out, but they vanished before I could raise the money. They were essentially a ’60 Galaxy or Mercury in different dress; in fact, from behind the wheel, the 1962 Ford or Mercury dash were the same also (the ’61s were dog-ugly, so I never looked — sorry!). They all were nice-driving cars (as most full-sized Fords tended to be). But I simply loved the LOOK of the 1960 Edsel.
How did we go from talking about Chevrolets to Fords?
Real car guys do that!!!!!
No Joke… I think this was my Grandfather’s who passed it to my Dad… I had always wanted him to pass it to me but he sold it while I was off in the Army. I begged my father for years to let me drive it and even offered to hand wash it so I could use it on prom night. No luck, always wondered where it went, Loveland isn’t far from the city he sold it in. Is it still for sale? I know exactly where to look to see if it’s the same one.
Still listed..no phone number but has an email…give it a shot!!!