Want a Tri-Five Chevy without paying a mint? This tidy six-cylinder 1955 Bel Air sedan is offered here on eBay, with bidding at $11,200, reserve not met. It’s located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Harley Earl presided over several styling changes across GM’s lines for 1955. Wraparound windshields, hardtop body styles, and slab-sided sheet metal modernized everything from the Bel Air to the Star Chief. Add these cosmetic updates to GM’s new V8, and some say 1955 was GM’s best year ever. This example is represented as very original, with the seller indicating it was purchased at auction in 1984 from its first owner and meticulously maintained since. This story would be better if it were supported by factory documents or maintenance receipts, but some of the car’s details do uphold the seller’s contention. Let’s investigate …
That 235 cu. in. six-cylinder looks pretty lonely in the big engine bay. But it’s good for 136 hp, and given the spacious underhood real estate, conditions were set for the installation of a V8 – if you checked the right box and opened your wallet a bit wider. In 1955, that would have delivered a 265 cu. in. eight, good for up to 180 hp with the four-barrel option. A variety of transmissions were available; this example has a two-speed Powerglide. The seller notes an odometer reading of 32k and says the car runs and drives well. The “jacking instructions” sticker is present in the trunk, and it’s quite spiffy back there otherwise: the spare, jack, and original rubber mat are all present.
The interior is slightly worn but still looks good for its age. We’re not shown the entirety of the seats, though. The Bel Air received a host of niceties unavailable to 150 or 210 buyers, including carpet, a three-spoke steering wheel, a richer array of accessory options, and more elaborate exterior trim. Later in Tri-Five production, seat material differentiated trim levels, too – with vinyl standard on the Bel Air.
A few rust spots are gearing up to cause trouble around the body, namely near trim strips, but also across the top of the rear fender (I always wonder how that happens – car cover and condensation?), and below the rear glass. Nothing is too bad yet, but the new owner should attend to that issue promptly. The chrome and glass are good, and this color combination is sharp. Its condition issues are largely minor, and it does run and drive, but it’s got four doors, a six-cylinder, and an automatic gearbox. In the marketplace, V8s with manuals, and coupes, hardtops, and convertibles are holding strong – costing tens of thousands of dollars. This example should sell for something under $15k. Could you overlook this car’s demerits to find it a spot in your garage?
Here they come,,,,so many cars being exposed like this as the owners pass, hopefully to a caring 2nd owner, as displayed here. While a “Bel Air”, the top of the line, it is an oddly optioned car. I read( Conceptcarz) this car cost about $2065 new, about $2200 with a V8. They didn’t get many options, from a list a mile long. The Powerglide was $178.00, heater $48,( not that fancy recirculating one for $72) 2 tone paint, $12.85, maybe some trim, but not much else. Couldn’t sport for the oil filter at $11.95? Pa said no, just change the oil. Power steering for $91?? No way, Bessie. The clock, full wheel covers and steering wheel were standard on the BelAir and clearly a gift to ma. It’s a great find, plausible price( did I say that?) and be a wonderful addition to a family.
1.How much rust does it have?
2. How’s the A frame and front end.
3. Is it an automatic or 3 on the tree.
4. Does it have the radio that comes in that model.
5. You recommend places to buy additional parts and supplies.
Fritz, if you click on the red “eBay ad” in the text, it is automatic, shows areas of surface rust near taillight, though no photos of under. Many places to find parts for these. This one looks to be a nice #3 driver. The engine compartment needs a relatively easy clean and paint.
This is one sharp looking ’55. I’m really thinking its original too. The 6 and the Powerglide is probably one of things that helped save it. The 2 door hardtops are beautiful cars, but truth be told, I really like the 4 door sedans too. To add to what Howard said, they sprung for two tone paint as well. The black and white make a nice contrast. I don’t know what the reserve is, but if bought right, you’re getting a great old car. I really hope it goes to a good home and gets preserved like its been all these decades. Thanks Michelle, your write up is great, and I enjoyed it with my morning cup of coffee.
Hi Dave, I read, this car was the most popular ’55 Chevy, with 366,293, 4 door Bel Airs sold, 2nd was the 210 4 door with 340,222 cars sold, no breakdown on 6 or 8. That’s a lot of cars.
Been there..done that….wish I had it back :<(
ditto , to both previous posts
if this is all original it is an outstanding example it sells at a decent price you would in with a great survivor
I had a ‘55 , 210. A sturdy beast , 6 cyl, manual. 18 gauge sheet metal, built like a tank. Son, had an early Kia Rio. Front tire blew out, and took the fender with it. Paper thin. They didn’t worry too much about weight back then.
I owned a 55 Chevy as my first car in high school and I’m trying to get my hands on another one.
What Howard says…
Currently at 15K and the reserve is off. Someone is getting a sweet ride!
SOLD for $15,600.
10 bids.