Chevrolet hit gold with the redesign of their 1955 automobiles. Over the next three years, they would sell nearly five million copies of what would become known as the “Tri-Fives” (1955-57). The Bel Air continued as the upscale model compared to the 210s and 150s. The seller’s car has the feel of a survivor, but the paint and interior look nicer than that. Located in Prosser, Washington, this 4-door beauty is available here on craigslist for $14,500. Thumbs up to “Curvette” for another Bow-Tie tip.
The big news for ’55 was the resurrection of a V8 engine, the first one in a Chevy since 1918. It displaced 265 cubic inches and would eventually grow to 400 as a small block. The seller’s car didn’t get treated to one, instead being built with the 235 CI “Blue Flame” inline-6 (which was also the starting engine in the Corvette). Out of 1.78 million Chevrolets produced in 1955, 366,000 were Bel Air 4-door sedans like this one.
This Bel Air has been with the seller since 2020, taking it out for jaunts to local car shows. The odometer says 40,000 miles, but the counter has turned over, so it might be one of the best looking 140,000 classics out there. Besides the economical six-banger, this Chevy also has the standard “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. We’re told this is a solid running ride, ready for the next show.
The two-tone white over blue paint looks great, and we assume all the body panels have no issues. The interior is equally sweet, though the seat covers have probably been redone. Sporting aftermarket wheels, this could be a great car for a first-time vintage car owner. Does that include you?
I’ll spare the readers the “stick schtick” and focus on the car. Look at the very next post, the red ’55 convertible,,,about 2 of the most opposite ends of the spectrum if I ever saw it. Take this car, basic as plain toast, but in ’55, this was a major deal for the family. Manufacturing was full steam ahead by 1955, and the folks that got out of their war torn countries after the war, by ’55 finally saved enough for a new Shevelay. At $1.65/hr., the average wage then, it took a while. They checked a few boxes, trim mostly, but not much else. This car cost pa just over $2grand, a lot of money in 1955. Got a chuckle out of the seller, who clearly knows nothing about the car,,,”3 speed on the wheel”? ON THE WHEEL? IT’S COLUMN, 3 SPEED ON THE COLUMN”….I hope you got as much enjoyment as I did. I don’t think the price is too out of line, but little chance of any sale with the stick. And that’s the way it is.
While the 2 door hardtop ’55 BelAir is my favorite in the looks dept. I’m very drawn to the 4 doors. And one like this, even with the 6 and the stick is right up my alley. I’d be very happy to own this one. Love the chrome smoothies too maybe just add a set of more period correct white wall tires.