Choosing to part with a classic that has been a member of the same family for more than six decades can’t be easy, but it is the one made by the owner of this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. It is an unmolested survivor that presents well, and with only 65,000 miles on the clock, it should offer its new owner years of enjoyable classic motoring. It has no immediate needs, making it ideal for someone wishing to hit the road for summer adventures. The Bel Air is listed here on eBay in Huntingtown, Maryland. Bidding has raced to $31,626, although that figure is below the reserve.
This Bel Air exudes an air of class, from its Code 605 paint combination of Sea Mist Green and India Ivory to its sparkling trim and wide whitewall tires. It has been part of the same family since the day it drove off the lot, drawing me to it like a moth to a flame. I always view a long-term ownership history favorably, and this Chevy ticks that box. The paint shines impressively, with only a few minor marks and chips that might be expected on a genuine survivor. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence or mention of rust in the photos or listing text. The chrome is acceptable for a survivor, although there are scratches and marks on a few pieces and a small dent in the rear bumper left of center. There are no glass issues, and while this Bel Air would benefit from a light restoration, there is no shame in preserving it as-is.
This Bel Air’s interior is a mixed bag, but it is serviceable. The front seat wears a later cover that doesn’t match the remaining trim. The back seat is in good order, as are the remaining upholstered surfaces. There is carpet wear, but with no visible holes, it could be left untouched. The wheel is in good order, as is the painted steel. Some chrome items show tiny bubbles and a meticulous buyer might think that sending them to the platers is a good move. That is a matter of choice, but retaining them as part of the survivor look is valid. The original radio is missing one control knob, while an 8-track player and matching speakers are aftermarket additions.
Lifting the hood to find an original V8 occupying the engine bay of a vehicle of this vintage is always welcome. This car’s 265ci powerplant sends 162hp and 265 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. Although most buyers weren’t concerned about outright performance figures, this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 17.4 seconds on its way to the magic 100mph mark was considered respectable in 1955. The seller indicates the Bel Air is numbers-matching and has a genuine 65,307 miles on the clock. They don’t mention supporting evidence, but its ownership history means it might exist. The car runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Tri-Five Chevrolets continue to enjoy popularity in the classic market, and this ’55 Bel Air is no exception. It has attracted twenty-five bids in three days. There is scope for that total and the price to climb substantially before the hammer falls, and I believe it will. Its overall condition and originality justify it, so it should comfortably top $35,000. I wouldn’t rule out a higher figure, but it makes me wonder whether we have any readers willing to join the battle to own this classic.
WOW! Incredible discovery, Adam-hopefully the new owner will appreciate being family by proxy and leave it just as it is, save a new seat cover.
It amazes me that a unmolested 55 survived all this time. And it looks great! I only thing I would do is try to match the rear seat cover for the front. And leave it alone. Maybe add duals and that’s it! Price between $35,000 to $40,000. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
The matching upholstery is available. Agree on the dual exhausts. These early small blocks make music with them. Beautiful car.
Probably was offered to the “kids” in the family in a estate settlement if I had to guess and they had no idea why there were 3 pedals on the floor and a shifter on the column.Wheres my touch screen …I don’t want this thing. I wouldn’t change a thing on it.Just cruise it.Hope she goes to a good home.Nice car Glwts.
I’m confused. The is is the ad in its entirety: 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe in good running condition with the original v-8 265 engine. 65,307 miles. Family-owned and garage kept for its entire life.
It doesn’t say if it is being sold by that family, or even if it is the same family, whether it is numbers matching, how ( or if) it starts and runs, whether the upholstery is replacement, if the paint is original, or any of the things in this BF write up. It is a bunch of assumptions and $35K is too much to pay for a 1 line ad. It is reading like a flip.
You evidently did not read the entire article, it says number matching and runs and drives great.
See next post, the ’56.
The only thing wrong I see that needs fixing is the front seat upholstery and the spare tire and wheel. Obviously that wheel was from an earlier GM car.
It’s in the right rear taillight assembly. You pull it down
No, that’s on a 1956 chevy…the 1955 has a door on the drivers rear quarter panel…..the 1957 had a chrome cover in the drivers side rear fin stainless that pivoted on a hinge from right to left revealing the gas cap…
No
OK. Which is it? Seller says turquoise and barn finds says sea mist green. I’d like to see under body. Drivers side shows a lot of bondo shadow in the sun.
Dual exhaust and torq thrust or Radir wheels.
Also a skull or shrunken head hanging from mirror.
Another beautiful car from the 50s…. ah, the good ol days… LOL.
I WANT THIS CAR! In high school I had this exact car, but mine was originally brown and white. I painted the brown green to match the interior better, and it looked great. These 55 were shades of green, blue and turquoise , from pictures its hard to tell their exact color. I painted mine the shade of the dash and moldings and it was just a little more metallic than the factory green for the body. I have a car I want to sell, if it happens soon, I don’t think anything could stop me from buying this car. I am turning 80 and with this car I would have the two cars from my teenage years. One “the car” (I never sold it ). This 55 would be as close as I could get to my high school car which would be very close. I would make it a clone and its so close it would be difficult. In my 80’s everyday I drove I would be in my high school cars. How cool would that be.
I don’t see a gas door.
Left rear taillight or under it. The 56 definitely had it in the taillight but not sure if the 55 did too or it was a door under the light above the bumper.
55s have gas door on driver side rear quarter.
When I retired to God’s waiting room,five years ago, I sold my “high school” car…a 1929 Model A Ford Murray-bodied Town Sedan with 63,000 original miles on the clock. I received it for my 12th birthday and kept it for 62 years. I’ll miss it until I breathe my last. I can understand what
the 55 Chevy owner is feeling.
Gas door is left quarter, couple feet front of tail light.
Very obvious
55 had a door on left rear quarter panel for gas filler. Car is good looking, 8 track player and wedge speakers on the back shelf remind me of my old 57, Bel Aire. Dad had me sell it when i went into the Army centuries ago.
“Numbers matching”? The engine is newer than 1955 (oil filter). Nice car anyway! A real find!
where did you see an oil filter? I did not see a bottom view to see a later style oil filter, and I did not see the 55 bypass filter next to the top radiator hose?