1955 Chevrolet Belair Convertible Chevy 55 - Time Capsule / Never Restored!

If you are like me and came of driving age in the mid-1970s, you probably saw American Graffiti too many times to count, fell in love with tri-five Chevrolets and dreamed of someday owning one. You may also remember that, during this time, it was not uncommon to see original, solid 55-57 Chevys still being driven and maintained by their elderly owners. Most of these cars were eventually bought up and disappeared into history. This convertible is a time-capsule preserved from this period!

This is my 1955 Chevrolet Belair convertible, which I bought from the elderly nephew of the original owner! This little gem has been maintained roadworthy and kept close to original since new – Never Restored! Odometer shows just over 52k. I was informed, and the condition indicates, that it has never rolled over. It was built in Van Nuys, CA in May, 1955 and sold new in Phoenix, AZ. In 1969, the original owner moved to dry southern Oregon. In 1970, he sold it to his nephew for $300 ($100 more than he was offered in trade towards a new Chevy)! Because the nephew had a company truck, the convertible was always used for pleasure. He drove it routinely once or twice a month for the next 42 years.

Because of its amazing condition, this convertible was featured in the June, 2017 Chevy Classics magazine with both a Cover Car story and Centerfold picture. I have been a member of the Classic Chevy Club since 1975 and do not remember another unrestored tri-five receiving both of these accolades.

The car is equipped with the high performance “Power Pack” 265ci V8 engine (4bbl carb / dual exhaust) and 3 speed overdrive manual transmission. All numbers match; engine, transmission, carburetor, generator, distributor, exhaust manifolds, etc. The overdrive was a dealer installed unit, confirmed by the original owner’s nephew.

All body panels are original and in incredible shape. When I purchased it, there was a small ¼” bubble in the paint in front of the driver side rear wheel. I was informed it appeared about a year after the car was painted in 1975 and had never gotten bigger. Once home, I removed the interior for inspection. The inside of the doors, rear rocker panels and trunk floor are solid and original. All of these areas were cleaned, treated with POR15 and primed to seal out any rust. The small bubble was repaired with All Metal and primed. The underside is solid and even has the original rubber flap seals on the inner rockers to keep out water … unheard of!

Other original accessories include continental kit, deluxe bumper guards, wonderbar radio (not working), factory oil filter, gravel shields and a dealer installed fender rear view mirror. The Arizona-bound convertible is equipped with a rare (for a Belair) base heater.

Much of the stories of the car's history is included in the Chevy Classics magazine feature, which is included in the pictures section. Please read and enjoy!

Rather than restore this original beauty, I have chosen to continue the legacy of maintaining it in excellent original driving condition and enjoying pleasure / show use of it. Since my purchase, I have performed the following “routine maintenance”;

· Rebuilt the front end

· Replaced the front & rear springs

Replaced the gas tank, straps and sending unit

· Converted the original distributor to non-points internals

· Replaced the convertible top motor & cylinders

· Replaced the 1977 Remington Cushion Aire biased ply tires with Coker WWW radials

· Replaced the exhaust pipes from the mufflers back

· Re-chromed the rear bumper

· Replaced the inner tail lights with brighter led units

· Replaced only four pieces of stainless/chrome; shift & turn signal levers, horn ring and dash bezel

· Replaced the faded hood emblem (rear emblem is bright original!)

· Added original style reproduction seat belts on the front seats

Everything works as it should, except the radio. However, the clock can be finicky. Always starts quickly, runs smoothly and handles just like 1955!

Is the car perfect? Absolutely not. Is it perfectly amazing? Absolutely!

Over the years, I have seen restored cars that aren’t as nice as this gem! Plus, a poor quality restoration can hide a ton of problems. This car visually puts a smile on everyone’s face, runs, drives, and works beautifully. It would be about the easiest frame-off restoration possible. But, I would love to see the new owner continue the legacy of driving, enjoying and maintaining this car as a lasting tribute to the long-departed original owners who loved and maintained these Classic Chevys for us all to marvel over.

I will answer any question and provide any pics that are requested. Buyers are encouraged to see the car in person, or have a qualified inspection performed. The ebay auction winner must make a $1000 non-refundable deposit via paypal within 5 days of auction closing. Full payment required within ten day of closing, via bank transfer, bank check, or cash. Transportation is the responsibility of the buy. I will assist the transportation company. I can deliver the car in my enclosed trailer, within 500 miles of Bend, OR, for $2/mile one way. Car must be paid in full before it will be loaded onto any transportation, or released to the owner.