1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop
The Antique Automobile Club of America, (AACA), was founded in 1935 at a location in Philadelphia about 50 miles from the now Hallowed Halls of Classic Auto Mall. Along the way, they've grown with regional representation all over the country and thousands of members dedicated to preserving old cars. And they developed a stringent award system that carefully evaluates cars for originality and lack of flaws, among other things. To win even one award from the AACA is considered an esteemed accomplishment and if you've stewarded a car to multiple wins, it's something quite special.
For consignment, a highly decorated, multi-award-winning 1955 Bel Air. In the classic car world and indeed here at the mall we say, "there's no such thing as a perfect car". Well, some come close and this one fits the bill. The car has won numerous AACA Junior and Senior awards and as well as an AACA Preservation awards along with a multitude of other awards that are far too many to list here.
Exterior
The car was born with Regal Turquoise and India Ivory and nearly 70 years later it wears the original colors in classic Bel Air two tone configuration. The chrome bumpers, grille and headlight rings are impeccable. The bird hood emblem leans forward with gleaming intent. The polished trim of the window is sharp and we notice some minor wear on the door handle, be still our hearts! The exterior trim on the other hand, is flawless. And we could not find flaws in the paint, not without a microscope. The hubcaps and white wall tires are about as clean as a wheel could be.
Interior
The design of the door cards, also two-tone turquoise and ivory, mirror the sharp angles of the exterior trim and have both smooth and textured surfaces along with window cranks for the main window and the vent window. The turquoise vinyl of the seats meet midway down the back with ivory cloth which continues over the length of the bench, which is split on top, solid on bottom. The back bench with its wraparound design continues the pattern of turquoise top and ivory bottom. A shiny turquoise steering wheel with silver horn ring is thinner than contemporary wheels but has finger grooves for easy grip. The glossy dash with bowtie embossed detail, is in showroom condition. The shell shaped dash surround, one housing the speedometer, the other the clock and Bel Air emblem, is such an amazingly bold design feature. The thin turquoise floor covering, hemmed in vinyl piping, is clean and the metal-braced headliner in ivory is fantastic. The trunk contains a fitted rubber mat and a vintage style spare wheel and tire...looking right at home
Drivetrain
The original 235.5ci inline six cylinder engine is in place and has a 1-barrel carburetor. Naturally, the original transmission is here too and it's a 3-speed manual sending rotation to the rear wheels and 3.70 gears. Drum brakes would be standard in '55, so they're here too. As far as condition, the engine bay appears as if it is one hour old. It's literally spotless and original and presents with a vintage style battery. We see our share of greasy engines, this one takes your breath away.
Undercarriage
In line with the rest of the car, the underside is food safe, you could practically eat off the surfaces it's that clean. We note some surface rust on some washers of the U-bolts but that probably occurred on day 2 of this car's life. The single exhaust is gleaming as is the stock muffler. Independent coil springs up front and leaf springs in back and again, clean as can be.
Drive-Ability
A short lap just to confirm a running car, and run it did! Quiet, smooth, and rattle free, this is a trip right back to 1955. The car runs as good as it looks, and the brakes are fine but we did notice it pulls to the right upon braking. Also noted, the heater blower is inoperable, but everything else worked as it should.
Here's a car for the discerning collector, museum or anyone who wants to start with a turn key show winner. If this car was a pure bred dog, it would be the national champion and repeat winner at Westminster, if it was allowed to return. This is a rolling piece of automotive history that captures in great detail what a new car looked like 70 years ago. We don't make sales predictions at the mall, but we're confident this one will not last long.
C55B132428
C-2400 Series Bel Air
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
132428-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 55 1037D-1955 Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY M14150-Baltimore Body #
TRIM 522-Beige & Turquoise Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 612-India Ivory & Regal Turquoise
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
