Chevrolet’s cars would be all new for 1955, including the Bel Air which continued as the automaker’s top-line series. It was called “The Hot One” in General Motors’ advertising, partly because a V8 would be available for the first time since 1918. This 4-door sedan is a one-owner car that we’re told is both drivable and ready for restoration. Located in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, this original automobile is available here on eBay for $12,500, although the Make Offer function is optional.
The 1955-57 Chevies would become known as the “Tri-Fives” and sell nearly five million cars. In 1955, 1.8 million units would leave the assembly line and the most popular model and body style was the Bel Air 4-door sedan, like the seller’s machine. It saw a production of more than 366,000 copies, including the two-tone example here, painted India Ivory and Regal Turquoise. This one is powered by the 235 cubic inch inline-6 that would be shared with the Corvette sports car. It’s paired with Chevy’s venerable 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.
This automobile has only had one owner in 67 years, a rarity in itself. Though far from perfect, it qualifies as a survivor, having been garaged when it wasn’t being used. While we’re told it’s a running Chevrolet, its operation can be finicky as it relates to the delivery of fuel to the carburetor, so perhaps the latter needs to be rebuilt or the system flushed out back to the gas tank. The odometer reads approximately 70,000 miles.
Though the paint and bright work look tired, the seller says rust is not a big problem. A small dent in the lower left quarter panel will need attention as well as the right front fender. Also, the left rear window is broken. Photos of the interior are in sections, so it’s hard to determine what work may be needed there besides new carpeting and maybe seat covers. If you were looking for a Tri-Five to restore, this might be an easier example to work with – providing it doesn’t have too many doors to suit your tastes.
I’ll bet the seller wouldn’t take my offer.
Ah, that brings back memories. We had a ’55 4-door, same color as this one, but no two-tone. It had a 265 with Powerglide, and we christened it “Green Dragon”. It shared the driveway with our blue ’53 Chevy, known as “Blue Betsy”.
I could have bought a restored 56 4 door a couple of years ago for 7k.
This isn’t a couple years ago. Woulda, coulda, shouda. Times change.
I like it just fine. Straight 6 and all. No issues with 4 door cars from me.
Me too…I’d take it on . I hope it ends up in caring hands…
OK, as president of the 4 door haters club, too me, it is an aveage parts car at best. I know to some that is not a popular opinion, but it is a fact, just about anything with 4 doors is worth less. You can dispute it all day long, but I did’t make the rules, but it doesn’t take a genius , to see how it works.
I remember taking driver education class in high school/ We had a 1957 Chevrolet 4 door with standard shift. A beautiful two tone. The other driver ed car was a 1956 Plymouth 4 door with automatic push button drive. Driver ed cars were changed every year. I believe the local dealers supplied them with the factory providing financial support. Wonder why this does not continue?