Chevrolet redesigned its automobiles for 1955 and introduced a small-block V8 that would help usher in performance for stock street cars. The stylish Bel Air Sport Coupe would be quite popular, and you could get one with the “Power Pack” option for that new 265 cubic-inch engine. That upgraded the carburetion from two to four barrels and added dual exhaust for an increase from 162 to 180 hp. The seller’s car appears to have had that option and looks to be a solid machine but far from perfect. Located in Vacaville, California, this Chevy is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $18,100 (but not the reserve) and the BIN price is $24,500.
The seller describes this survivor-quality vehicle as a barn find, though no photos indicate that it ever lived in one. The two-tone white-over-red paint may or may not be original and the same can be said for the nice interior. But it’s the kind of auto you could take to Cars & Coffee and not have to worry about getting it scratched or polishing it every five minutes.
We’re told this vehicle drives “pretty well” which suggests that its 83,000 miles are starting to kick in. But the engine doesn’t smoke or overheat (and we assume it doesn’t leak, either). It’s a well-equipped Bel Air with power steering and brakes, and an aftermarket air conditioner resides under the dash (does it work?). From all indications, this is a “drive while you work on it” opportunity.
The Fisher Body is straight, and the only rust appears to be some bubbling in the driver’s rocker panel, which isn’t going to get any better on its own. The chrome presents extremely well, and the windows all roll up and down as they should. If you’re in the market for an imperfect but solid Tri-Five Chevy, could this one fit the bill?
Nice car. Engine compartment does look like it’s been in a barn. Good car to fiddle with as you daily drive it and have some fun with it.
I may be wrong, but my knowledge of the power pack came out in 57 on the 283 cu. In.
Not really as you could get the “Plus-Power Package” 4 barrel/dual exhaust setup on the ’55s (180 hp). The ’56 had higher compression heads and 205 hp with the so-called “Power Pack” option and you could even get the Corvette’s dual 4-barrel 265 with 225 hp on the ’56.
I had a great aunt who bought a 56 210 Coupe.new. Very neat car, 265 power pac motor. powerglide transmission. Very quick car Unfortunately we did not realize she was having problems and totaled it out The whole front end sheet metal and frame done for. Ended up parting it out. This was early 70s
The all vinyl interior was apparently done some years ago, but the seats at least have the same pattern. The good part is, replacement OEM interior packages are available for the tri-5’s.
Correct me if wrong but is the power steering pump built in or attached to the generator
You are correct. Power steering pump was driven off the generator for a 55 thru 57
Ho-chi-mama! This has potential. ‘56, the best of the tri-fives.
Actually, mid fifties Chevys weren’t that much of a dog when it had a power-glide transmission and a V8 engine. The early fifties PG Chevys were sluggish but that changed when the V8 was added to the mix. This car looks pretty decent and if someone gets it for a fair price I think they will have a nice car. My first chore would be making it run, drive, and stop like it should, then fixing the a/c would come next. GLWTS