This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air began life as an inline-six-powered two-door hardtop produced in Oakland, California, and it was refurbished and modified prior to the current owner’s acquisition in 2014. The car is finished in two-tone Shoreline Beige and Gypsy Red over a matching interior, and power is provided by a 327ci V8 paired with a TH350 automatic transmission. The body was repainted, the interior was refreshed, and the engine was replaced during prior ownership, while work commissioned by the seller included replacement of the transmission, a front roller-bearing hub conversion, installation of front and rear sway bars, and servicing of the braking system. This modified Bel Air is now offered on behalf of the current owner with a clean Washington State title.
The body of this example was refinished in its factory Shoreline Beige and Gypsy Red during prior ownership according to the seller. Styling touches include a “hood bird” hood ornament, chrome side spears and rocker trim, and Bel Air badging. Close-up photos depicting the paint and trim are provided in the gallery below.
Steel 15″ wheels with covers are fitted with older BFGoodrich whitewall tires. A spare wheel and tire combination is stored within the trunk. The drum brakes were serviced in 2015 with replacement wheel cylinders, and the car is equipped with a front roller-bearing hub conversion along with front and rear sway bars.
The cabin features dual bench seats reupholstered in red vinyl with beige textured accents, and matching upholstery extends throughout the interior. Equipment includes an adjustable front bench, a heater, and an analog clock as well as a push-button AM radio. The seller notes that a portion of left-side window trim does not snap into position.
Factory instrumentation includes a sweeping 110-mph speedometer accompanied by gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The seller notes the speedometer reads inaccurately. The five-digit odometer indicates 8k miles. Total mileage is unknown.
The replacement 327ci V8 was installed in place of the factory inline-six during prior ownership, and it is paired with a TH350 automatic transmission sourced by the current owner. The engine is said to be equipped with earlier 265ci cylinder heads, and a single carburetor is fitted beneath an oil bath air cleaner. The pinion seal and valve cover gaskets were replaced in 2015 according to the seller.
The engine stamping shown in the gallery includes the engine code FI226R, indicating a 250hp 327ci V8 built at the Flint, Michigan, plant on December 26, 1962.
Additional photos in the gallery highlight the condition of the underside.
