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.
I’ve heard that metal that’s been burnt cannot be painted. If that’s true this might not be worth it. If not, then it seems like it wouldn’t be too difficult to get back into shape.
Metal that has been in a fire can also be weakened. This may be a much bigger project than it appears to be.
It can be prepped and painted and the damage seen in the photos is not enough to cause much, if any molecular disturbance
eBay listing has more photos. The VIN plate is 100% not correct, it’s been issued a new VIN and could cause problems for the next owner. Stolen or salvage title? Make sure all the paperwork matches and know it’s lost a lot of value because of that, might get impounded if you’re ever pulled over
It had a vinyl roof?
My thought as well. Why vinyl? To each there own I guess.
What is with the VIN? Nothing like any 55 Chevy VIN I’ve seen before…
I believe the burn smell will always be there….sorry
parts car from the looks of it. shame it happened .
Vinyl roof on a tri5? The owner pissed off the tri5 gods that’s why it was a victim of fire.
A friend owns a body shop that used to only do custom cars. (They finally broke down and started doing insurance work later on) For many many years the cars featured on advertising for Hot August Nights were cars he had done. He had a very customized ’55 Nomad (suicide doors, wild paint, the works) that somehow sprung a fuel leak on the weekend in the winter and when the furnace turned on the place went up in flames. He did repair/rebuild the car. But we teased him about not being able to see the “active flame job”.
Sold on 8/30/2026 for a high bid of $18,300, there were 68 bids from 14 bidders.
Steve R