Chevrolet enjoyed a huge sales increase in 1955 thanks to all-new styling and the company’s first V8 engine since 1918. One of the most popular models and body styles was the Bel Air Sport Coupe, of which the seller’s long-stored example is ready for a new home. Garage-kept for 30 years, it’s an unfinished project that includes a newer interior and rebuilt motor/transmission. Located in Vancouver, Washington, this Tri-Five Chevy is available here on eBay for $19,500 OBO.
This Bel Air had the same owner for 38 years, so the partial restoration work seen here must have started on his/her watch. We’re told there is no rust on this classic, so we have to assume the front clip doesn’t match with the rest of the car because of an accident. And since a spare front fender comes along for the ride, we assume its counterpart needs replacing.
We don’t know what engine/transmission combination was in this machine originally. But a rebuilt and blinged-out 283 cubic-inch V8 is ready to be installed along with a reworked M20 Muncie 4-speed manual tranny. The seller isn’t wedded to the idea of selling this Chevy as a complete car as he/she will entertain letting the drivetrain go separately.
On the plus side, the interior has already been nicely redone with bucket seats added to the package. One piece of glass is cracked, but we’re told the rest is good to go. Almost everything is there for the buyer to finish this project, which could be a great Tri-Five when it’s ready to hit the road again.
It’s a nice looking Belair sport coupe you don’t see slot of them anymore.If the engine and transmission go with the car by today’s standards that’s not a bad price.
The only thing I’d want to take a good look at is the frame. If it needed a whole front clip it must have taken a pretty hard hit.
This brought back memories. In high school I bought a 1955 BelAir convert. It was red with the white two tone paint. But because of an accident before I bought it. It had a blue front end (the same color blue as this car) for a couple of years before I was able to paint it. Lots of fun with that car. And many miles through college. (Girl friend lived 100 miles away. ) Previous girl friend loved to drive with the top down in the rain!
$20K for a project with clear previous collision damage seems like a lot to me. Unless you can do ALL the work yourself, I think you’re better off spending $50K for a properly done car that you can drive and enjoy! And this is from someone who has ALWAYS done all of his own work! Sorry to be a wet blanket…
where is the shifter?
That’s a price for a running project. But not running, take the first $10,000 offer.
I think he’d be better off selling the tranny and engine. Get more for it.
I’d rather have the stovebolt 6 and a PG
Sans drivetrain—4500 tops if the frame isn’t all bent to hell.
buy 1 done. way easier especially if this guy is selling driveline separate
Sold 4/11/2025.
Steve R
I bought it without the engine, but with the 4 speed. I have a 409 that’s going into it. I’m going to make a 60/70’s hot rod out of it. The seller is a straight up guy. The only damage to the frame was to the very end of the frame horns, which have been straightened out.
I’m having it shipped from Vancouver Washington down to San Diego County and will have it soon, and will post updates after that.