Slice of Americana: 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
The second generation Chevrolet Bel Air (1955-1957) is so recognizable that it deserves its own spot on the Mount Rushmore of the automotive world. It reminds us of a time when Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley were in their prime and most American families could afford a car to take advantage of the newly constructed interstate highway system. When I see this next car, I just want to take off with the family for places unknown…no navigation, no waze, no cellphones…just a car, a map, and time. Find this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air offered for $8,500 in Monterey, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.
From the seller:
1955 chevy belair
fuel: gas
title status: clean
transmission: manual
1955 Chevy Belair *FULLY RESTORED IN 2002 *CA CARPLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW
https://youtu.be/-9aNN1Ki_o4
For sale is a 1955 Chevy Bel Air sedan. This car was bought in 2002 fully restored. Shortly after it was bought the previous owner got sick and the beliar sat for quite a long time. It’s currently in the condition you see, the engine was rebuilt but has not been started in over 10 years. I have not tried starting it so it is currently NOT RUNNING. It has the original straight 6 with three speed column shift. The interior is in great shape! This is a CA black plate car, there is no rust on the car except for on the roof area. The floors, pans,trunk and body are rust free! The car comes with a bunch of extra trim and chrome pieces. It had the same owner for over 20 years. CA title in hand. I have photos of the car when it was restored, it was stunning, and it’s a shame it sat for so long! Please check out the video for details.
I am located at 2240 Del Monte Ave Monterey, 93940.
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A much better pick than the stubby 2 seater posted a while ago. I’m pretty sure there’s not much that can go wrong with a Blue Flame Six that would cost more than stretching the cut-down example back to its full length.
Decent price. Poor “restoration”. This car wasn’t really restored at all. It was given a cheap “resale red” paint job and interior two decades ago and hasn’t held up to neglect.
There’s a lot wrong (incorrect) with it, but for a cheap cruiser that you can use with little stress and will get compliments from 20 feet away, it’s not bad.
I’d first change the fluids, add a battery, and get it running again. Then I’d take care of the rust on the roof and just respray that panel white and call it a day. With four doors and a straight six, this isn’t the most desirable ’55, so just drive it and enjoy it. If you don’t spend much on improving it you won’t really lose money on this one when it comes time to sell.
I agree with MV only other thing for a Belair to be radio delete is kinda weird looks fairly solid but a 6 and 4 door’s not my cup of tea.
Construction of the interstate highway system was authorized by the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956. So maybe Eisenhower thought “you know, that 55 Chevrolet is a pretty nice car, why not build a highway for it?”