Don’t be fooled by the layer of dust because this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. It does have some areas that would benefit from some TLC, but the work could be performed when, and if, the buyer wanted. Barn Finder Ikey H spotted this affordable classic for us. So thank you so much for that, Ikey. The Bel Air is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. Hand the owner $8,000, and you could be calling this Bel Air your own.
The Bel Air is an interesting proposition because there is a lot to like, but a few detail changes could boost its appearance to the next level. I believe that the paint combination that it currently wears isn’t original because there is some evidence that it might have rolled off the production line wearing Glacier Blue paint. This combination looks tidy, and there are no significant flaws or issues visible. The photos are a bit limited, but there is also no evidence of any rust problems. The owner makes no mention of any issues with the floors or frame, so hopefully, all is well on this classic’s underside. The glass and the majority of the trim appear to be in good order, but I would need to do something about the bumpers. These have been painted black, and they look completely at odds with the rest of the exterior. I would either send them off to be restored, or I’d try to source a replacement set.
There’s no getting around the fact that the Bel Air will be no fireball in a straight line. What we find under the hood is the original 235ci 6-cylinder engine, which is backed by a 2-speed Powerglide transmission. This combination would offer up 136hp and would allow the Bel Air to cover the ¼ mile in 20.2 seconds. That doesn’t sound that inspiring, but there are times when owning a classic car isn’t all about a sizzling potential ¼-mile ET. This is a car that offers a relaxed motoring experience, and if what the owner says is true, it is ready to provide that experience immediately. He uses the word “amazing” when he describes how the Chevy runs and drives, which sounds like pretty positive news. It seems that this is a classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed.
The Bel Air’s interior is tidy for a survivor, but it might feel like a bit of a mish-mash for a more discerning enthusiast. There is a mismatch of colors between the seats, door trims, dash, and carpet. It would benefit from a refresh to have it looking at its best again. However, it is serviceable and could be used unchanged until (and if) the buyer wants to make changes. The attraction here is that most of the work could be complete in a home workshop, and there are few things more satisfying than an interior restoration. Trim kits can be found for around $2,000, and the finished product would nearly knock you off your feet.
There’s a lot to like about this 1955 Bel Air, and one of its strongest attributes is that it is a classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. We will have readers that will state that it has too many doors, and with the popularity of 2-door variants, this is easy to understand. However, there are times in life when a 4-door is the most practical option for people looking to buy a classic. Anyone with a young family can attest to just how hard it can be to maneuver an infant into the rear seat of a 2-door hardtop. For those individuals, this is a car that offers a viable option at an affordable price. If that sounds like a winning recipe to you, perhaps you should consider pursuing this one further.
Definitely affordable and who doesn’t like the styling of a ’55 Chevy? Sure, it has two extra doors but it’s still a good-looking classic car. Best thing is you can drive it and enjoy it and take your time freshening up the interior and whatever else needs to be done. I hate painted bumpers, though. Sometimes it looks OK if painted the same as the body color sometimes but a re-chrome is needed here. I had a ’57 Chevy 210 4-door and with the 283 V8 it was a great driver and cruiser. I like to see four door sedans at car shows and cruise nights; it’s a welcome change from the more common two doors.
People paint the bumpers because a couple $7.99 cans of spray paint are a lot cheaper than a trip to the chrome plater. At least paint them silver or aluminum color so it looks good from 10 feet away.
This is not a Belair. Look at the dash-paint only no trim=210, it has a 210 steering wheel, the emergency brake handle doesn’t look right and the dead giveaway is the front fenders have the Chevrolet emblem on each side near the front. No way is this car a Belair. There is no Belair emblem on this car from the pictures posted. The painted bumpers would have to go first thing.
It’s not a Belair it’s a 210 look at the dash & seats. If you are going to talk cars learn about.
My first car was a 70 Chevelle. bought and sold it when I was young wish I never did. I’m up for some money soon if I get it I would love to bid on this and get it I would clean it up and drive it just the way it is every day thank you for showing it.
I like this car but I think those are the plainest door cards I have EVER seen. The fact that this is a 4-door bothers me not at all…
4 doors suck regardless yr make and model.
It is not a bel aire
Nice looking car. Although 1955 was never my favourite year for the Tri-Five Chevy, 1956 and 57 are my favourite years, it’s nice to see a 4 door sedan posted here. It’s nice to see a solid survivor, one that hasn’t been molested in any way.
BelAir? Looks like a 210 to me. Not 100% sure but cannot recall ever seeing a 55 4dr. BelAir. Over the years owned two 2dr. BelAir sedans and have seen lots of 4dr. 210’s. Maybe it’s my age and I’m losing it if I am incorrect.
Plenty of 55 BelAirs with 4 doors.
It is great to see an honest 4dr. Iv’e had a 55 Bel-Air 2dr ht since 93, and you know, like was said earlier, a guy with a young family could get into this car reasonably, and do a little work at a time as time and money permits. Remember, there are a lot of car guys (and gals) out there that have jobs and mortgages and utility bills, etc. Take the little spuds to ice cream once in a while. Go to some local show and shines that have a carnival or other family friendly things to do. Who knows, might be the start of the next Chip Foose
Actually blind Freddy with one eye closed could tell it’s not a BelAir. No chrome around the windows, no white insert in the moulding on the rear door and fenders, no chrome mould on the front fenders and door, and that’s before you even look inside.