LOT 808 ¤
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop Chassis no. C550085329
Estimate: US$50,000 - US$70,000Lot to be sold without reserve
Lot 808¤
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop
Chassis no. C550085329
Chassis no. C550085329
350ci OHV V8 Engine (see text)
Single Four Barrel Carburetor
(Est.) 400bhp at 4,400rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Superb example of a customized classic Bel Air
*Restored to a very high standard with performance and drivability in mind
*Race built 350 small block Chevrolet engine
*Finished in dark Candy Apple Red over two-tone grey custom interior
*Modern amenities for driving comfort including air conditioning and modern stereo
*Adjustable airbag suspension for immediate adjustments on the fly, ideal for low stance
THE CHEVROLET BEL AIR
"Harley Earl and company attended to Chevrolet's first post-war restyle after all other General Motors cars except Pontiac, so these two makes used pre-war 'shells through 1948. But when change came it was dramatic - the '49 Chevys were some of the best-looking GM products ever, and were precision built as well" - Collectible Cars, Richard M. Langworth.
Originally applied to a two-door hardtop coupe version of the Styleline Deluxe, the evocative Bel Air name was subsequently used to signify a top-of-the-range luxury trim level rather than a separate and distinct body style. Introduced in 1950, the second-generation Bel Air, so named the 'Tri-Year' for its iterations in 1955, '56, and '57, would go on to define not just Chevrolet but the era of 1950s American motoring. Divesting itself of any vestiges of pre-WWII design, the all-new 1955 Bel Air, called the "Hot One" in GM's advertising, was a crisp, cleanly designed full-size model with an egg-crate grill inspired by the likes of Ferrari. Under the hood was the all-new 265ci V8 that was transforming Chevy's model range and cementing legends like the V8 Corvette.
With its powerful optional Power Pack V8, the big coupe could scoot from a standstill to a mile a minute in 12.9 seconds, while still providing such creature comforts as power windows and power steering. Redesigned slightly for '56 and more famously for '57, the Tri-Year Bel Airs have lived on as enduring symbols of Americana in pop culture, as few other cars have.
THE CAR OFFERED
This Bel Air is certainly one of the nicest examples around. This car has been fully restored and customized although it has been done to a very period correct look. Apart from the aftermarket wheels and the very low stance, the body of the car is the same of that you would find as it rolled out of the factory, of course this one was chosen in a beautiful color that was not offered from Chevrolet.
Restored to a very high standard, the car was finished in a classy Candy Apple Red with a two-tone grey custom interior. The restoration still shows very well inside and out—the engine is as nicely detailed as the chrome and custom-made interior along with a tidy undercarriage. The car features a very detailed engine bay complete with a Chevrolet 350ci V8 crate engine with some added performance enhancers including Edelbrock intake manifold with 4-barrel carburetor, MSD ignition, tubular exhaust manifolds, large Mattson's aluminum radiator and more. The engine currently only has test miles added to it, so it has minimal use. The car has some added creature comforts as well including a 'Vintage Air' air conditioning system, adjustable airbag suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering and a custom fitted stereo system.
The car currently shows only 281 miles covered, giving this wonderful Bel Air plenty of future enjoyment. While it may not be a complete factory stock example, it is certainly tops in style, comfort, and panache. This Bel Air custom would be a wonderful addition to any car collection.
Additional information
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| ¤ | No Reserve |
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