1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 4 Door Sedan You learn something every day. Did you know the 1955 egg crate grille was inspired by Ferraris? All you have to do is look at a 1952 Ferrari Barchetta to see the obvious inspiration. The grille design didn't last long, but the adoration for the '55 is still going strong! More than 340,000 units were built and the sales leader was the 4 door sedan. For consignment, a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 4 door sedan that's been owned and garaged by the same person for 65 years! Having gone through a recent restoration, this car looks like it just drove through the showroom doors at the same time a hillbilly cat from Tupelo, Mississippi started appearing on stages in the U.S. Exterior Bathed in a beautiful coat of two stage Glacier Blue under an India Ivory roof, this car is wonderfully understated and original looking. As much as we love Candy Apple red and chrome wheels, this one is off the charts with the nostalgic feelings it conjures up. The chrome bumpers, the Ferrari grille, headlight rings, window trim, and iconic side body spears are in spectacular condition. We note the metal around the vent window and side mirrors might need to be brought up to par. But the hood bird, the epic hood ornament, leads the car down the road in glistening glory. The white wall tires and period hubcaps are spotless, and the Bel Air and Chevrolet emblems are great. We note some delamination on the bottom left corner of the windshield along with a small crack in the same area. Interior Shades of blue in angular 1950's patterns greet you as you open the doors. The vinyl door panels are clean and tight and contain a metal trim piece that recalls the exterior design. Vinyl over cloth covers the front bench seat which is mirrored perfectly by the rear. A blue steering wheel has a silver horn ring and shares the column with the slim shifter. In front, the simple dash is now considered a work of art, with a fan shaped speedometer framed in chrome trim. The bowtie perforated dash panel will never cease to be cool and houses an AM radio before continuing to another fan in front of the passenger where Bel Air is spelled out in 50's font over an attractive clock. The fitted low pile blue carpet is fantastic and clean while the headliner has a few wrinkles but is completely clean and intact. A rubber mat covers the trunk which is clean and houses a spare wheel and tire. Drivetrain A date-correct and rebuilt 235.5ci inline 6 cylinder is under the bulbous hood and is rated at 123 horsepower. It's fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor and driven by a rebuilt 3-speed manual transmission with a rebuilt three on the tree shifter. Power is sent to the rear wheels and 3.70 gears and forward momentum is slowed by drum brakes at all four corners. The engine bay is very clean with just minor occurrences of surface rust. It's definitely show worthy. The underside of the hood, however, would qualify as driver quality. Undercarriage Driver quality under the car as well with plenty of surface rust in the usual areas. The single exhaust flows from the engine to meet a stock style muffler and then leaves the car in style with a chrome tail pipe cover. A drop of oil on the drain plug is not of major concern as we don't see oil coating other parts behind it. Coil springs are found up front on the independent suspension and coil springs are found in the back. Drive-Ability Get your poodle skirt ready 'cause we're going to the hop! It is not unlike stepping back in time as we sit on the big bench seat and roll this big blue bomber onto the test loop. It's the authentic experience without the engine swap, without wide tires, and without any yet to be invented electronics. Pure driving just as our fathers and grandfathers had it. The car runs well, has great visibility, and everything works as intended. This is a beautiful car in a stunning two-tone design that does not stray from its original l