There’s a favorite host on a TV show about cars who always closes with, “Honor the timeless classics.” While there are some in the hobby who might take issue with the word “classic” and what it means, I think the host’s point is that some cars simply never go out of style and that it’s important to keep them circulating. I’d argue that this 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is one of those timeless classics, a car that has been at the top of favorites lists since it was built. The 1955 Chevys were game-changers in every sense of the word, from the introduction of the small block V8 to the modern styling that has attracted fans for generations. Not many cars can do that.

This lovely ’55 Chevy Bel Air sticks to the original recipe: small block V8 up front, comfortable interior, and a flashy 1950s look that remains eminently attractive. These cars were designed for two-tone paint schemes, so the handsome burgundy and white combination used here looks flashy without seeming too out-of-place for something built in the ‘50s. It’s modern two-stage urethane, so the metallic has a deep shine that really contrasts nicely with the simply white roof and trunk. This has never been a rusty car, so panel gaps are excellent, doors fit flush, and there’s no questionable bodywork so the trim lines up beautifully. Nothing was shaved or trimmed during the build, so all the wonderful 1955 Bel Air trim is in place, including the side trim that creates the perfect place for the two-tone break. It was finished some years ago, but thanks to careful maintenance it still looks fantastic and shows extremely well, from the 1-piece bumpers to the custom emblem on the trunk that doubles as the third brake light. Cool!

The plush interior has an awesome OEM look that makes it look as if GM trimmed it themselves. The original bench seat remains, now wearing factory-style burgundy upholstery that looks and feels upscale. There are fresh carpets that are neatly trimmed and bound and the dash was painted to match—a nice touch. A custom tilt steering column wears a modern Grant billet wheel, but the rest looks pretty much the way the factory wanted it. A bright strip of trim runs from end to end and the factory gauges were rebuilt and reinstalled to monitor the warmed-over small block V8. You’ll note the shifter quadrant now has indicators for three forward gears instead of two, and a trio of auxiliary gauges lives under the dash. The ignition key has been moved to the steering column, so the car feels a lot more modern than you’d expect and a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit helps with that feeling. The trunk is beautifully trimmed to match with burgundy carpets, including a matching spare tire cover.

It remains traditional under the hood, too, with a 350 cubic inch V8 that was rebuilt and dropped into place just like the original 265. Wearing Chevy Orange paint and a lot of chrome and billet aluminum dress-up, it’s ideal for shows where you’ll want to open the hood. It also runs great thanks to a set of Corvette double hump heads, an Edelbrock 600 CFM 4-barrel carb, fresh tune-up, and a modest cam inside. There’s also a giant Griffin aluminum radiator, new Edelbrock water pump, SPAL electric fan, and a freshly installed Borgeson power steering system that makes this cool Chevy effortless to drive. Other performance enhancements include a medium-rise aluminum intake, ceramic-coated long-tube headers, and a stainless exhaust system with a pair of rumbling Flowmaster mufflers. The transmission is a TH350 3-speed automatic, which feeds a GM 10-bolt rear end full of 3.08 gears that make this a great highway cruiser. It’s quite clean and solid underneath, not detailed, but just right for driving without worries—you’re not going to have to race home when the sky gets cloudy. Newer shocks, rebuilt power brakes, fresh fluids, and traditional Cragar SS wheels with 225/70/15 Goodyear radials mean it’s ready for the road.

Cars like this have been the backbone of the hobby for decades. Gorgeous to look at, easy to handle, comfortable to drive, it’s a car that does everything well. And there’s nobody out there who doesn’t love the look of a Tri-Five Chevy. Call today!

Harwood Motors recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections on any car in our inventory prior to purchase.