There is a fear quietly lurking within the classic community that the supply of genuine barn find projects will eventually trickle to a halt. However, vehicles like this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air prove that there are still some hidden gems waiting to be discovered. This car spent more than thirty years in storage, but it is a complete and original candidate for a restoration or project build. The seller’s price looks pretty competitive, considering what it offers potential buyers. The Bel Air is listed here on Craigslist in Assonet, Massachusetts. It could be yours by handing its owner $8,500. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this promising project.
Chevrolet released its Second Generation Bel Air in 1955, and it remained in production until 1957. It became known as the Tri-Five range among enthusiasts, and the ’57 Bel Air spent years as the preferred model in the classic community. This was true as far back as I remember, although those built in ’55 and ’56 later came to the party. All can command impressive prices in the market if they are in good order. The story behind this ’55 Bel Air is unclear, but it spent more than thirty years in storage. It recently emerged, revealing itself as a complete and solid vehicle begging for love. I believe it wears the Code 617 paint combination of India Ivory and Gypsy Red. It looks tired, meaning a repaint will almost certainly form part of this build. The panels wear a few dents and marks, but they all look repairable. What surprises me is the general lack of significant rust problems. The exterior looks clean, and the only visible issue is exposed in this trunk pan shot. It is common for these beauties to develop rust in the spare wheel well, but what we see in this case looks like it would patch successfully. If the floors are in a similar state, the new owner won’t face much grinding or welding. The car’s exterior trim is all present, although some items require restoration or replacement. The glass looks okay, meaning the early indications with this car are positive.
One notable inclusion in the 1955 Bel Air range was a new OHV V8 engine. Its capacity for the first model year was 265ci, although larger versions would emerge in subsequent model years. With the seller emphasizing the originality of this classic, this motor should be a 265, but it is unclear which version. The entry-level offering produced 168hp and 257 ft/lbs of torque. If buyers were willing to splash their cash, those figures could climb as high as 180hp and 260 ft/lbs. The power from this sweet little eight feeds the back wheels via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The seller indicates the car doesn’t run and probably hasn’t since it went into hibernation. Although three decades have passed, revival may not be difficult or expensive if the motor turns freely. I would inspect everything thoroughly before hitting the key, but it may be that a fuel system clean and a fluid flush is all this V8 needs to roar once again.
As with the rest of the vehicle, this Bel Air’s interior is complete but needs some love. The factory radio and clock are intact, and I can’t spot any additions in what are pretty limited photos. The upholstered surfaces are beyond their “best before” date, meaning a retrim will form part of this build. The buyer needs to check the Trim Tag if they plan a faithful restoration to ensure they select the correct color and material combination. Prices for complete kits range from around $2,200 to $3,900, but installation is something the new owner could tackle themself to achieve a “showroom” presentation.
Although I always respect a well-executed custom build, regular readers know my preference will always be for faithful restorations. This 1955 Bel Air offers its new owner the chance to pursue either path, and the finished product could be an eye-catching classic guaranteed to attract admiring glances and comments. It will be fascinating to read your comments on this beauty and whether most of you would pursue a restoration or whether you have another vision. I hope one of you makes a play for this old Chevy because at least we can be sure it is going to a good home. Come on, what do you say?
This is the stuff you restore to original. Bare shells, rusty frame cars, or just plain misused, unkept close to junk cars are what you make restomods etc. out of. Nice old car here.
Car does show a V8, could it be a born with 265 ? The rear quarters under the tail lights should sport the ” V ” emblem. Could they have been removed or, is it a factory 6cyl car ????
At first blush I thought it was a pretty decent ‘original’ 55. A closer look and I see all sorts of stuff around the car:
Rear V8 emblems are gone and, by the look of the surrounding area, I’m guessing the holes were bondo’ed when the rust repairs were made;
There should be about 2 inches of body showing above the rear bumper;
Headlight rings don’t mount correctly, nor do the parking lights due to rust/bondo repairs (?);
The upper windshield trim looks like rust hiding behind it;
The hood is toast.
When going to inspect this car one should take a magnet to see where it does/doesn’t stick,
Depending on frame rot it is not priced bad at all.
I agree. This was badly rusted at some point and quickly bondo’oed back together.
Plus, that all-black vinyl interior isn’t factory. At least complete interior kits are available for these now. This one needs it bad.
These cars have one of the best looking instrument panels ever made. I love the wide sweeping speedometer. This is a rare find to see a complete car in the 4 digits range.
I was excited when I saw the BF headline, not so much after seeing the pictures! ROUGH body under that scruffy paint for sure.
Also, if it is in Assonet Mass, why is it listed on Los Angeles Craigslist ?
Sellers (flippers & scammers especially) do that all the time,
figuring there’s more of a chance of finding a buyer.
I thought that there was a rule on craigslist about post out of
your area.Does anyone know if that’s true?If it is,it’s obviously not
enforced.
I liked it when you could post,& warn others that the ad’s a
scam.Now you have to pay $10 to post in “Cars & Trucks For Sale”
section.
While looking on craigslist all over the US for a nice Dodge-
Dakota,I’ve seen the same ad for a pristene looking Red Dodge full-
size pickup for something like “$2988” turn up in almost every area.
“If it’s too good to be true…..”
This was my High School car and I have always wanted another one. If my plan was to recreate that car, this one would be perfect. It would also have to be a labor of love, because it wouldn’t take long to become a gigantic money pit. In a perfect world ,I would have the money, time and resources, to do a reincarnation of my High school love. Oh well, we all know how this fantasy ends.
Shouldn’t it have the gear select readout at the bottom of the speedometer cluster? I bet this car was born with a six and a stick.
Just a general comment: the 1955 Chev started the Chevy wave for years to come. This was a car that everyone wanted back in my day… this car has a lot of rough spots that need to be worked on… but the stand back a few yards still brings a lump to the throat of “those good ole days”.
My nickname has been my fav car 55chevy since we got computers in the late 1980s, I had a 2dr Hardtop I got for $250. Had another one after that, I sold to buy a Porsche 911 late 1990s. Finally in 2016 I got another one, along with a 1956 Nomad, both projects for $4500, a great deal even for that time. I put the Nomad on Ebay and got $4200 for it, was November so not the best time to sell, but it still gave me a 55 hardtop for $300. I’m gone fixit up sumday ;). I’m in Hampton Road area of Virginia with active duty wife, the most plentiful car at shows around here is a 55 Chevy, followed close by 1st Gen Camaros. Funny, I have a 67 Camaro project here.
This one looks good at first glance, kind of like having beer goggles, you sober up and take a closer look and say I’ll pass.
Too bad it’s located so far up north. Otherwise I would make a quick trip the check it out. I always loved my 55 Chevy and would love to score a replacement, even if it has to be a hard top. I had a perfect sleeper rag top that could almost fly. Then “Uncle Sam” arrived and my Mom talked me into selling it. Worst mistake I ever made
This car reminds me of a ’57 convertible I bought a few years ago. One of the past owners had it “restored” with a cheep’o paint and upholstery job and they were not happy with the finished product so it got parked in a barn for the next 30 years. Seen this happen many times where someone tries to go cheep on a restoration of a car they love but when it’s done it does not look as they had dreamed it would so instead of enjoying it out on the road they just tuck it away in a barn or garage. However if this ’55 were closer I’d be a player.
Widening the view of the trunk doesn’t show the “V8” emblem that is standard on ’55 Chevies with a 265 ci.
Can’t be the original engine, where’s the oil filter housing? I agree that the hood looks like scrap too.
I am pretty sure that first year 265’s did not have an oil filter canister and were added on as half year options. Something like that is in the back of my memory anyway.
Geno, believe it or not, the oil filter was an option for 55 Chevies. This one also has a 210 steering wheel, and the dash trim is from a 1956, the 55’s had little bow ties on the trim, a neat detail.
My 2 fer one 56/55
As I recall the first 265’s didn’t have an oil filter at all.
Seems that I read that somewhere awhile back.
I certainly could be wrong been known to happen.
The guys on this website are extremely knowledgeable. And that’s the understatement. I would buy a car based on their opinions. Would like to relate a true story. In 1965 I graduated from HS needing a car. My dad knew a regional sales rep for Chevrolet. Told my dad I could have his ’56 for $500. Late in the model run, he ordered a ’56 for his wife but had a ’57 283 installed from the factory. At the time there were plenty of 283’s on the shelf waiting for the ’57 Chevy. His wife died of cancer shortly after taking delivery, so he just kept it in his garage for nine years, driving it seldom. So, somewhere out there is a ’56 with a factory 283. I drove it about a year and my dad sold it to help my going to college.
Whatever this Chevy sold right after this article was posted some one saw it as a bargain
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I have questions about the engine? I don’t see the external oil filter, and the air cleaner is not the correct oil bath variety. 55Chevy engines did not have a cartridge oil filter underneath, but an external AC type on top. maybe a later 265, or a 283.
There are a million of these cars still around. Look for a better one. It snows, man does it snow, in Mass. And humid year round. This car, a 30 footer, needs work, but below 20 large, could be a worthwhile project.