1955 Chevrolet BelAir V8 4-door

Highlights

• Magnificent ‘Tri Five’ Chevy in two-tone blue and white
• Highly presented across interior and exterior
• Subtle upgrades like chrome alloys but retains standard features
• 2025 service, including distributor, leads, battery and plugs
• New ignition switch and barrel recently fitted

The Appeal

The ‘Tri Five’ nickname is a little play on ‘high five’, and it is appropriate, because the ‘55, ‘56 and ‘57 Chevies, particularly the BelAir, were the high-water mark for Detroit’s imperial years. If you’re not sure what we mean, take a look at this magnificent ‘55 BelAir four-door.

Finished in two-tone ‘baby blue’ and white, which carries across the interior and exterior, it is a paean to the American post-war automotive designer’s art. There’s lots of everything, from metal to chrome, and it’s clear that someone has thought carefully about every aspect of it. The same applies inside, where a stylish dashboard faces two-tone fabric and vinyl seats.

The VIN confirms this car as a factory-built V8 with the 265CI ‘small block’ 4.3L V8. It is all in very good condition. The car arrived in the UK in 2009 and has passed through just four keepers since then. It is clear they are enthusiasts. We love the little details like the American-style plates that reference the car’s build factory in St Louis.

During 2025 the car has received a full service and new ignition switch and barrel. The service work included distributor, leads, plugs, oil, filter and a new battery.

This BelAir is an evocative slice of classic Americana and a people magnet wherever it goes.

History and Paperwork

• First registered 1955
• VIN number VC55S165318
• These details confirm car is a 55 Bel Air built with factory V8 at St Louis plant
• Imported to UK and registered here in April 2009
• Four keepers since arriving in the UK
• Current keeper acquired the car earlier this year
• Full service in 2025 as detailed above
• Ignition switch and barrel replaced this year
• Various invoices for work since arriving in the UK including a new exhaust
• V5C in current keeper’s name

The Condition

• Highly presented car that appears to be an older restoration and repaint
• Two-tone light blue and white paintwork in very good order as shown
• Bodywork presents at a high level with only minor localised points to note
• These include a couple of areas of bubbling to base of the nearside rear door and the edge of offside sill
• Extensive chromework appears complete, bright and without obvious deterioration
• Chrome seven-spoke American Racing alloy wheels in very good order
• Whitewall tyres as shown in good order
• Faux spare wheel mounted on boot with steel spare located inside boot
• Underside as shown in photos
• Two-tone vinyl and fabric blue and white interior in very good condition
• Interior is impressive and appears to be largely standard
• Light blue dashboard and wheel with former accented in white as shown
• Matching two-tone door cards with slight wear to one as shown in photos
• Classic radio fitted
• Auxiliary dials mounted under knee roll with a custom blue painted holder

The Mechanics

• Factory fitted 4.3L 265CI small block V8
• Two-speed ‘Powerglide’ automatic gearbox with column shift
• Chrome Edelbrock carburettor
• Other chrome features under well well-presented engine bay as shown
• Well-maintained car with recent service and a new distributor

BEFORE YOU BUY
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