Lot 250 - 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Two-Door coupé
| Lot Number | 250 |
| Registration | 871 UYV |
| Chassis Number | B55TO10728 |
| Engine Number | 383CVI |
| Odometer reading | 5,092 miles |
| Estimate | £38,000 - £45,000 |
America's best-selling auto maker at the time, Chevrolet did not make any major changes to its post-war line-up until 1949, rationalising the range into two Series, Special (basic) and Deluxe, both of which featured Styleline (notchback) and Fleetline (fastback) body styles. Chevrolet's sole power unit at this time was the famous 'Stovebolt', 3,549cc overhead-valve six, which had continued unchanged for many years prior to the introduction of GM's Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission in 1951. Originally applied to a two-door hardtop coupé version of the Styleline Deluxe in 1950, the evocative Bel Air name was subsequently used to signify a top-of-the-range luxury trim level, commencing in 1953, rather than a separate and distinct body style. Top of the Chevrolet range, six Bel Airs formed the 1955 line-up, though the bewildering multitude of engine, transmission, and convenience options meant that a customer could order a vehicle direct from the factory that was tailored specifically to his or her taste. The Bel Air's basic engines comprised the 235.5ci (3,861cc) overhead-valve six and a 283ci (4.6 litre) V8. Like all contemporary Chevrolets, the Bel Airs offered style at comparatively modest cost.
This fabulous example of this iconic American marque was an original west coast car that was sold to a Chicago collector where it was rotisserie restored to a very high standard. The previous owner who was an Orthopaedic surgeon for the US Ski Team purchased the car from the Chicago collector and had most of the modifications done in San Rafael, totalling allegedly circa £110,000. Its 383ci Chevy V8 engine has Edelbrock carburettors and polished Edelbrock performs alloy intake, headers with twin exhausts, also power steering with Eibach front suspension, vintage air conditioning, power assisted dual chamber four-wheel disc brakes, four speed manual transmission, Ford nine inch differential, tilt steering column with custom steering wheel, digital dashboard, stereo CD sound system, leather/cloth seats done to original pattern, cut pile carpets and very nice headliner. Its two-stage paint with Black Cherry and Pearl White combination looks fantastic.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.