Pole Barn Fire Project: 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

This 1955 Chevy Bel Air was apparently a nice restomod before it got caught up in a pole barm fire. Over the years, it had been treated to a 350 cubic inch V8, custom interior, and a vinyl roof, some of which became victims of the fire that burnt the structure to the ground. Located in Union Mills, Indiana, this project is available here on eBay as the owners are getting up in years and don’t want to start over. The current bid is $6,300, and the reserve (which is $10,000) is unmet.

Between 1955 and 1957, Chevrolet sold more than 4.5 million copies of the 150, 210, and Bel Air cars, which would become known as the “Tri-Fives”. 1955 was the first year for the 265 V8, which was also the GM division’s first V8 since 1918. A 2-door sedan was offered across all trim levels, including the seller’s ’55 Bel Air. The seller bought this one about 10 years ago, and some of the updates were made before the purchase, with many afterwards. They had five cars in the pole barn when the fire broke out, which ruined the paint job, vinyl roof covering, and a lot of the chrome bits.

There is no mention of running condition for this Chevy, so we assume it does not. It was solid enough to win some trophies such as Best of Show. The car has been partially cleaned up since the catastrophe, and we wish there were photos of it while in the barn. Before the seller’s ownership, a body-off restoration was done, including a more modern interior. Other non-1950s goodies include four-wheel disc brakes.

The sale will include a folder that documents the work that was done to the Chevy over the years. But now much of it will have to be tackled again, hence the seller’s apprehension. The seller has a video of the car in motion, but you’ll have to contact him/her as the YouTube entry won’t post in the listing. Since this Bel Air is associated with a fire, a personal inspection is recommended to avoid some after-the-purchase surprises.