We are off to a great start! A 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air in magnificent original condition. Not hot-rodded, resto-modded or customized. It even has a V8 engine and a manual transmission! OK, so what, if anything, is the rub? It’s a four-door sedan. But let’s be objective and dig a little deeper. This Chevy is located in Des Moines, Iowa and available here on eBay for a BIN price of $10,500.
Hot-rodding ’55-’57 Chevies is about as old as ’55-’57 Chevies themselves, the movement started a long time ago. By the late ’60s, when these were just old, used cars they had a very strong cachet with the go-fast set, street or strip, and it has continued onward and upward. If you want some film documentation to put it in perspective, check out “Two-Lane Blacktop” (1971) or “American Graffiti” (1973 but depicting 1962) and you can witness a ’55 Chevy as the Best Actor in one case and Best Supporting Actor in the other. One note, however, they were two-door models (and the one in American Graffiti is actually one of the three ‘55s that starred in Two-Lane Blacktop). So, there’s an early inkling that the two-door versions rule supreme.
The seller indicates that this ’55 is not entirely rust-free but what problems it has, rust in a rear-door dog leg and some around the trunk latch, are minimal. The bodywork on this Bel Air certainly shows very well, there is no outward evidence of corrosion. The color combination of Gray on Canyon Coral, which is a repaint according to the seller, is outstanding, it just shouts 1955. The seller includes that the floors and frame are sound and rust-free.
Under the hood is the engine that started it all for Chevrolet, a first-year 265 CI V8 that develops 162 HP. Interesting to note is that the original 265 engines were designed and built without oil filters. Chevrolet quickly realized their error and created an external, dealer installed filter to correct the blunder. The same filter was also incorporated into the assembly line process too. If you look closely at the passenger side of the engine compartment you can spy the round black lid of the filter next to the valve cover. By ’56, the 265 had a more traditional canister style oil filter that attached in the customary location. Instead of the frequently found Powerglide automatic transmission, this Bel Air features a three-speed manual transmission. The seller adds that he has a manual floor shifter that can be installed. How’s this combination run? The seller says that he drove it from Montana to Iowa trouble-free. Also detailed is a list of the parts that have been recently replaced.
The interior, on first blush, looks fine. Actually, according to the seller, the headliner is the only problem and it needs to be replaced. The seat upholstery is free of rips or tears and the original carpet is good. Though not mentioned, it is good to see that lap belts have been installed.
The mileage on this Bel Air is listed as 67,000 miles which is entirely possible assuming that this sedan has been well stored. While I don’t know for certain, I imagine that the seller bought this car in Montana and drove it to Iowa for the purpose of a sale. And he feels pretty good about his price as he states, “PRICE IS FIRM…$10000…IF YOU WANT A SHOW CAR SPEND MORE MONEY….THIS CAR IS ORIGINAL with a few flaws…I will turn this into a great car for very little money…so I just wanted to say…. I don’t need to sell it I can make more money by improving what I have……I have 4 other cars I can sell….” I guess this is his way of saying that he’s not coming off of his price though it is stated at $500 less than the main listing price. But where things really get strange is the comment, “great car to transform to a two-door for big money” Huh? I’m not sure that I understand that statement or how that would be even possible. But here we are and that is the elephant in the room, this ’55, even in the eyes of the seller, is considered less desirable than a two-door model – it is an inherent bias methinks. I respect the originality of this Chevy sedan for what it is. I’ll admit that for cars with a sporting or high-performance nature, I do prefer a two-door model. But for collectible cars like an older Chrysler Imperial or a Lincoln Continental, four-doors are the way they flew and they are just right that way. Let’s start a conversation, two or four, what’s your preference and why?
I’ve never been one who thought that 4-doors were worthless. Especially 4-door hardtops or hardtop wagons. Some cars look great with all four, and certainly are more useful.
I’m confused by the sellers comment about it being a good candidate for a two door conversion. We’ve all seen them. They look awkward, and would be worth much less, I would think.
Love this car the way it is. Should stay just as-is. No floor shift, and no butchering.
Agreed. I don’t get the 4-door hate when it’s a safe bet most of the people who badmouth them probably drive something today with at least that many doors.
Go on youtube, converting these to 2 door is not all that difficult but does require some welding skills. I’m not saying it’s easy but compared to doing this conversions on other cars, 55-57 Chevy’s seem straight forward.
But why would you? The numbers/body code would tell someone it’s not a real 2-door
‘62-‘65 mopar “B” bodies can be converted from four door to two door by a typical local body shop. The shell is exactly the same, and the two doors had a “plug” tack welded into place which included the rear side window and the window frame for sedans. It requires getting those plugs from a 2 door either sedan or hardtop, removing the rear doors and the rear door posts from the car to be converted and going from there. One of the Mopar magazines documented such a conversion at a pro shop; the basic job was done in one work day by two guys. Possibly the same thing works with tri-five chevies I don’t really know.
No issue with the number of doors as far as I’m concerned. This one looks nice and, if it turns out to be as good as the photos suggest after a personal inspection, I’m not even sure it’s overpriced….
I would never willingly give a car a Coral/Gray paint job, but I wouldn’t change this one. It looks about as original as can be. The seat upholstery appears to need a good cleaning, or eventual replacement, but that’s minor.
Convert it to two doors? If nothing else, by the time one spends enough to do it right (is that even possible?), you’d be better off just buying a two-door ’55.
I’m sure the BF reader who took his driving test in this exact car — only painted blue — will jump on this!
Agree with you on the colors on this 55 but a superb car nonetheless. Your last comment totally cracked me up! Of course he took his driving test in a blue version of this. Lmao!
This car is in very good, and very original condition. Great vintage color combination with the gray and coral 2 tone. 3 on the tree is totally appropriate. I’d buy this car, as is, today for the money. It’s a straight up good buy that can be maintained and driven, as is.
If I’ve heard the oil filter story before, I’ve blocked it. GM didn’t think an engine needed an oil filter in 1955? I can imagine the conversation in accounting: “One in a hundred customers asks where the oil filter is in the showroom.” “We can leave it off now to save $1.92 on each of the millions of cars we’ll sell, and we can sell millions of more cars when the engines seize!” And they didn’t go bankrupt until 2008. Good grief.
I’m not nuts about the sellers attitude. I don’t need to sell it. Turn it into a 2 door. You would think the seller would be more friendly. You guys think its worth 10.5? I say turn the key and drive. 265 3 on the tree whats not to like. Cruises and trips for ice cream, As you guys have said, maybe wife said get rid of it, gee honey, I tried, nobody would buy it. Nice unmolested 55. Good luck if you can put up with the bs from the seller.
Cheers
GPC
The seller isn’t so much a car guy as he is a money guy.
4 doors. 4 doors all the way. Preferable with small blocks and 4 speeds!!
I’m from the 2 door only camp…until today…if this car is everything stated, it’s a bargain…and you can keep that floor shifter, buddy…the three on the tree is just fine, thank you…
The vehicle looks great. Price is correct, good buy. The buyer’s attitude could improve, maybe he related to Bloomberg. Who knows.
More likely the Orange Anus ;)
I like this car, but im not crazy about the extra doors or that funky color combo (to each his own). I do appreciate its condition but I second the comments on sellers attitude. If he had a 2 door, a much more desireable model, and was asking 10k, it would sell despite the vinegar. In this case, its the not so popular 4 door in a not so popular color combo. So he might want to start shifting his own, personal, gears if he’s serious about selling. Otherwise, the one converting this into a fake 2 door (big money/bigger investment) may very well be himself.
FYI that color combo was factory. I like it, but to each his own.
Funky color combination?? WTF? That is an iconic Chevy paint job from the 50s. There were thousands of them with the gray and coral design, one of the best IMHO. Wish I had room for it under the house but my 3 spaces are occupied and I would never let a car like this sit outdoors, even under a cover. Happy Saturday all
Belair. Mid-premium slotted between the Blair & Bel Air in the lineup.
Were these colors available on a ’56? I’ve never seen one making me think they are exclusive to ’55. I like it a lot.
I don’t know but I remember one just like this toolingd around in the neighborhood “way back then”
Great Commentary Guys, this is what makes BF so Great! OT, I saw an article on on of the of the other forums. The guy went step by step thru changing a 55 4dr over to a 2dr sedan. Not for the faint of heart but an interesting project. You even have to go up into the roof. One of the guys said the finished project looks strange; I’d have to wonder if its worth the trouble, unless you had some parts cars laying around. What say Y’all?? Anyone have any experience with this?? Isnt it funny that we couldn’t wait to switch every 3 speed column shift to a floor shifter, Now we long for a good ol 3 on the tree!!!
cheers
GPC
I’d say turning this into a coupe males about as much sense as the jokers who cut the roof off sedans to make a “custom convertible”.
You need to some research on two door conversions
It seems that chopping 4-doors to convert them to two doors is a growing trend. It would seem you’re going to have to be on your toes if you buy a two door, that it’s the real thing.
If that’s a ‘growing trend’ it wouldn’t surprise me if we in 20 years will see unmolested 4door prices have skyrocketed – as a result of every angle grinder-owning bubbas’ massacres on whatever 4door they could lay their hands on…
My dad bought a dealer demo of this same model with the same colors in 1956. The only difference was ours had the 235 six cylinder engine. Plenty of room for a family of five. Long trips in the summer were done at night due to no air conditioning, and you were pretty wind whipped after any summertime drive.
I would love to have this one just for the nostalgia.
I like 4-doors, they’re generally affordable and this one typifies what was popular back in ’55. Not as sporty as a 2-door but I like that it’s an original, unmolested survivor. It’s got a lot going for it; great colors, a V8 and it’s the top trim level Belair. I had a ’57 4-door 210 with the 283 auto and power steering. It was all original with one re-paint in a non-original color. It generated it’s fair share of attention as 4-doors aren’t as common as the 2-doors. This ’55 is family-friendly and looks like it’s ready to enjoy.
I daily drive an all-original ’64 Ford Fairlane 500 4-door on nice days. It was a lot cheaper than a 2-door and with a 289 3-speed auto it’s a pretty decent performer. I don’t care that it has 2 extra doors because it’s a great car and it’s fairly rare to see one these days. Apart from a few 4-doors I saw at the Ford Nationals last summer, I haven’t seen another 4-door ’64 Fairlane since I bought it. I prefer a classic car that stands out on the show field and my 4-door Fairlane fits that bill nicely.
This color combo is EVERYTHING!
Pure 50’s!
Bargain, bargain bargain! This car is undervalued by at least 50% It is priced lower than where a non Bel Air 6 cylinder would be. I can’t see any reason why, (except it isnt red/white or turquoise/white) in fact it is priced so low that it makes me wonder. These typically sell in the $15-$24,000 range.
Personally I only like the 1957 Belair hardtop (no post) 4door. It has the lower roofline that actually accentuates the body styling of the car. So this car is not for me, even at this great price.
I own several and think the 4 door tri-five has to be the most underappreciated classic on the market. There is no difference once you slide behind the wheel, and at a low acquisition price you will drive it more without worrying about your investment. People love 4 doors, they are more approachable and you will get talking to people everywhere you go.
If it were spring it would already be gone.
The only thing it’s missing is overdrive. OD really made these fun to drive: second gear to 30+ mph, let up on the gas it shifts to OD, and away we go! Been there done that….
You haven’t lived until you drive a 3 speed overdrive column shift!
My first car (55 Chevy 2dr) had a 3 speed overdrive and I’ve had at least 1 ever since (49 years) My daily driver through college was a 67 ElCamino 3 spd OD and my 55 Nomad has had one since 1975. So many combinations of engine RPM and vehicle speed to get the nicest sound out of the dual
exhaust and to get the sweet spot for acceleration. Definitely worth your while to drive one if you have the chance!
“So many combinations of engine RPM and vehicle speed to get the nicest sound out of the dual exhaust and to get the sweet spot for acceleration.”
Could not have said this better myself, especially with glasspacks. There is a certain melodic pulse that is memorable and satisfying. Like Johnny popper tractors and Huey Helicopters. Pure American sound. 57 in a ’57!
Great price, good period original colors, the right drivetrain. What’s not to like? I drove a ’55 Belair convert. in high school and college and have never had any desire for a 4 door. But cruisin’ with the family and friends is a lot easier with 4 doors. And don’t cut a hole in the floor for that shifter! Besides removing another passenger position. The floors on these cars are the thickest/toughest floors I have ever seen! Comparable to pre-1973 bumper thickness.
This would be very tempting if not for the current project and vehicle count.
Favorite color combo for this great 55’ Chevy, many were sold with this combination. 2 color combos were the rage for auto makers these years, check out Fords, Chrysler line, Studebaker, Packards, etc….. 4 doors are no problem!
These four door models in such good shape should be preserved as such. So many of them were sacrificed for restoring 2 door models. And let’s face it, most of us are older now and getting in and out of the back seat of a 2 door car is a PITA!! 4 doors are much handier for passengers!
2 doors more attractive. Hold their value better.
Final weined my Dad off 4 doors in 1967.
He never regretted it.
Back in the day I had a 55 2 door with the same paint scheme . 6 cyl 3 speed. High light of the cars life was after I put a Hurst floor shifter in it. I beat a 57 Ford Fairlaine with a 312 supercharged engine at a dragstrip and won a class trophy. (supercharger blew an oil seal and fouled the plugs.
A very nice car and I do agree that it would be fun to drive, but I am unable to get over my own 4 door bias in cars of the 50s and 60s. 3 on the tree is better than an automatic, but I had enough of them growing up. Neat car, and the price seems fairly reasonable, but this car is not for me.
2 doors are way cool ,4 doors,4 speeds,8cylinders bumping in time,long roof lines,and GM logo,and rally wheels,wind down most rear window are the way to go.Cant beat cruising in above mentioned hunk of iron. Man I love my old chevy.😁
I had a four door 57 Belair, stick and overdrive and loved it. I eventually replaced the 4.11 rear end with a 3.73 and it would fly and low rpms. The engine was I believe a 283 with a 4 bbl great car.
Though I’m generally partial to 2 doors, a clean 4 door should stay a 4 door. I’ve seen a few of these turned into2 door sedans, as well as a 67 Chevy II and currently there’s a guy who is turning a 68 Bel Air 4 door sedan into a 2 door sedan. With Chevy models most times the roof was the same on both the two and four door sedans. The weirdest one though has to be where a guy took a very clean 60 Dodge Dart 4 Door sedan and cut it apart to save a very rusty 60 Plymouth Fury coupe. Here’s a link to one of a series of his videos on It. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X7Rsv8e3VU0&list=PL3naAFlKUN6ch8jaT92XqbsNxUNW5RqNH&index=3
Never been a 4 door guy but this car is too original and its condition too good to be messed with. Just do the things it needs to look new and drive it.
here in New Zealand these chevys were assembled in RHD 4 door pretty sure 2 drs werent assembled here to see one that had been assembled here in this order would not be listed under 50k ,people love their 50s 60s chevs especially 50s 4dr NZ assembled.even this US assembled 4DR LHD would be huge hit here
Charcoal Grey and Coral Pink = THE Fifties color combo for sure! I’ve seen a lot more Chrysler and Ford cars with it, but I’m not sure but what Cadillac had one as well. Clothing, houses and boats all came with it too.
Nice car, good price. Kinda glad in a way that I’m out of the market until we lose a car …
I had a 55 2 door Belair.Fast car. My friend had a garage and a liitle older but had a 4 door 55 with a 1965 327 375 horse 4 speed and it would really hook up fast off the line.Do not know what he did to it but maybe it was the extra weight.
My first car was a 55 BelAir 2 door with a 6 and 3 on the tree on green over green. Bought it for $50 in 1967 and had it for 3 weeks before I wrecked it driving into a 51 Chevy sitting in the middle of the road.
This and any ‘Merican car up to the early Sixties is an absolute exception to my no more than 2 door policy.
Beautiful colors which just scream mid fifties. The idea that someone would make a 2 door out of this is just nuts.
But then comes the rub. Having bought these for a couple of hundred dollars back in the day, I have a real problem with the ask, I’d say half the ask would be fair today if only for the originality of it. But in todays world, I’m sure there is someone with an IRA burning a hole in his or her pocket that will pony up.
I like it the way it is. Just wish I had the money.
Nice drivable car with a decent price!!
Not my cup of tea (4 dr.) But this car is what a ’55 Chevy looked like in ’55. I hope the new owner keeps it original.
Perfect as is And it is SOLD!