383-Powered 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Sedan Hotrod

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Chevrolet achieved a significant milestone in 1955 with its improved chassis and stunning styling in the model range. However, the engineers at Ed Cole's team decided to take it up a notch. The base model was equipped with a standard 150 cu-in inline-six engine, with an optional 210 cu-in engine available for those who wanted something more powerful. But for those looking for a sportier option, the engineering department, with the assistance of Zora Arkus-Duntov, introduced one of the first overhead-valve V8s into their entry-level class of cars. Dubbed the "Turbo-Fire V8" by the marketing department, this revolutionary 265 cu-in V8 engine breathed new life into the passenger-car line and can be seen as the beginning of decades of V8 engine development at General Motors, culminating in the current generation of LS engines.

This car is part of the George Foreman Collection, which comprises over 50 cars from the 1930s through today, with a focus on American classics and late-model sports cars.

Highlights

• Offered from The George Foreman Collection

• Powered by a 383 cu-in small block Chevrolet V8 with mated to a Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 automatic transmission

• Finished in copper metallic over a tan leather interior

• Upgraded with V8 Vintage Air air conditioning

• American Racing double-five spoke chrome wheels shod with Sumitomo HTRZ tires

• Upgraded radio with a retro AM/FM cassette head unit and additional speakers

• A New Valucraft 24F-VL battery was installed in November 2023

• Full detail conducted by Dr. D’Tail in December 2019 at a cost of $1,449

• Chassis number decodes as

  • V - V8

  • C - 2400 Bel Air Models

  • 55 - 1955

  • S - St. Louis, Missouri

  • 199805 - Sequence Number

• Please note that while the odometer displays just over 83,000 miles at the time of listing, the true mileage is unknown

Features

• Tilting steering column

• Painted dashboard with chrome trim

• Pivoting vent windows

• Shaved hood and trunk badges

• Billet aluminum three-spoke steering wheel

• Column-mounted gear selector

• Dual sun visors

• Manual crank windows

• Front bench seat with split back

• Bumper overrides

• Aluminum door sills

• Analog clock

• Door-activated dome light

• Window tint

• Dakota Digital electric antenna

Known Imperfections

• Please note that the vehicles in The George Foreman Collection have been in long-term static storage and will benefit from additional mechanical attention prior to being driven. Bidders are encouraged to review the Additional Documents section of each lot for any recent mechanical service rendered to help return certain vehicles to running condition. Additionally, bidders should carefully review the photos of each lot in the collection, which may highlight the oxidation of metal components certain vehicles sustained as the result of a garage fire caused by a golf cart battery in March 2019. Although none of the vehicles sustained fire damage from the fire itself, the negative cosmetic effects of the corrosive soot vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle and can be observed in the photo galleries of each lot. All lots are sold as is, where is, and bidders are responsible for any desired diligence before placing a bid.

• Oxidized exterior interior and trim

• Driver’s door lock is inoperable

• Driver’s side tail light is inoperative

• Paint chip near the upper right corner of the trunk lid

• Paint bubbling near the driver’s side tail light

• Driver vent window handle is not affixed

• Worn trunk carpet

• Small crack in the passenger side quarter window

• In running condition, yet it could benefit from a full mechanical refurbish

Included

• Small history file

Ownership History

This 383-powered 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Sedan Hotrod entered The George Foreman Collection 16 years ago when it was purchased by George Foreman in 2007.  

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.

Contact: Marvin Waters Phone: 910.315.2918 email: mwaters@hagerty.com