1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air Convertible Overall original and hard to find unmolested 55 Bel-Air Convertible First year for the second-generation Bel-Airs Original and correct 265 CID V-8 engine (code T55F) Powerglide Automatic Transmission Correct optional oil filter #3712500 White over red exterior with a white power-folding top Red and white interior Rear fender skirts Known as the Hot One and the first of the Tri-Fives, Chevrolets 1955 full-size cars proved to be a major turning point for the company and a smash sales success. This marked the first successful Chevrolet with an optional V-8 engine. The Bel-Air was the top-of-the-line trim and the Bel-Air Convertible was the crme de la crme of the Bel-Air line. The cars paint and trim are in overall very good order from an older restoration, with few minor imperfections visible upon close inspection. The glass looks clear and clean while the cars lights are haze-free and intact. This 55s bodywork is in very good order while the shiny chrome bumpers fit well to the cars body, the engine bay is very tidy, the battery appears new and white vinyl roof is in very good order. The car rolls on wide whitewall tires, size G70-15, surrounding factory wheel covers. Under the hood is the original and correct 1955 265 CID 170HP V-8 (code T55F), the V8 which helped breathe new life into Chevys sales that year. It was Chevys first V-8 engine since 1918. Here, its mated to the correct code F Powerglide automatic transmission. This 265cid V8 is equipped with the optional 1955 oil filter! Inside, the red and white front and rear bench seats are in great shape, while the red carpet is in similar condition. The original three-spoke steering wheel faces the driver and is in above-average shape while the instrument panel and inner door panels, which echo the interiors overall theme, are all in very good order. Rounding out the interior is a factory AM radio. The wipers and horn are inoperable. The convertible top has recently been professionally installed and looks great! For 1955, Chevrolet'sfull-sizemodel received all new styling and power. The 1955 Bel-Air weighed 3,456pounds and 15feet long. It was called the "Hot One" in GM's advertising campaign. Chevrolet's styling was crisp, clean and incorporated a Ferrari-inspired grille. Bel Airs came with features found on cars in the lower models ranges plus interior carpet, chrome headliner bands on hardtops, chrome spears on front fenders, stainless steel window moldingsand full wheel covers. Models were further distinguished by the Bel-Air name script in gold lettering later in the year. For 1955, Chevrolets gained aV-8 engineoption and the option of the two-speed Power-glide automatic, or a standard three speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission with optional overdrive. The new265CID V-8featured a modern,overhead valvehigh compression, short stroke design that was so good that it remained in production in various displacements for many decades. The 55's top trim offering was the Bel-Air, which had more chrome than the 150 or 210. The Bel-Air and 210 could be bought with a post between the front and rear passenger windows, or without a post. Without a post it was known as a "Hardtop," which came only in a two-door and was not offered in a four-door hard top until 1956. The two-door hardtop was also known as the "Sport Coupe." Since the Sport Coupe had no post between the two side windows, it had a slightly shorter roof and longer rear deck and was available with either the Bel-Air trim or the 210. Chevy also offered a convertible, with the same shorter roof and longer rear deck as the sport coupe, and it was offered in Bel-Air trim only. The base V8 had a two-barrelcarburetorand was rated at 162hp (121kW), and the "Power Pack" option featured a four-barrel carburetor and other upgrades yielding 180bhp (130kW). Later in the year, a "Super Power Pack" option added high-compression and a further 15bhp (11kW). "Idiot" lights replaced gauges for the generator and oil pressure. Motor Trendmagazine gave the Bel-Air top marks for handling.Popular Mechanicsreported acceleration for a V8 Bel Air with Power-glide as being 0-60mph in 12.9 seconds, plus a comfortable ride, and good visibility. On the other hand, the horn ring blocked some of the speedometer, regular gasoline made the engine knock, and the first V8 engines off the line burned too much oil.Front legroom was 43.1".Brakes were 11" drums. A new option for V8-equipped 1955 models was air conditioning, with outlets on each side of the dashboard; a heavy-duty generator was included on cars equipped with this option; in 1955 and 1956, air conditioning could be installed on cars ordered with the standard three-speed manual transmission, overdrive or Power-glide. The small block Chevy V-8 became so popular that Chevrolet still sells it today as an over-the-counter replacement engine or better known as a crate engine. There have been various changes made to the engine to modernize and enlarge it since its introduction in 1954, however, the basic design of the original 265 remains in place. Competition to this Chevrolet convertible in 1955 was Fords Fairlane Sunliner and Plymouths Belvedere Convertible. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR YOU TUBE VIDEO! OR COPY AND PASTE THE LINK BELOW INTO YOUR WEB BROWSER: https://youtu.be/AveeGCUIfTM This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 12,794 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!! VIN: VC55F177138 Note: Please see full terms and conditions listed below that pertain to the purchase of any said vehicle, thank you.