Restored red-and-white ’55 Bel Air convertible offers V8 power, period details, and recent service—now live on Bring a Trailer.
A beautifully restored 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is now live for bidding on Bring a Trailer, showcasing classic 1950s style combined with thoughtful preservation and recent maintenance.
Refinished in a striking Gypsy Red and Shoreline Beige combination during a reported 1990s restoration in Harold, Louisiana, this Bel Air presents with all the hallmark design features that have made the Tri-Five era legendary. These include a hood ornament, egg-crate grille, chrome bumpers and trim, rear wheel skirts, and a Continental kit. A white convertible top complements the nostalgic red-and-white exterior.
Riding on 15-inch color-matched steel wheels with bowtie covers and BFGoodrich Silvertown whitewalls, the car also features a matching spare mounted in the Continental kit. Recent mechanical updates in May 2025 include repacked front wheel bearings, new power steering hydraulic hoses, steering stabilizer mount, front shocks, and drop links. Power-assisted drum brakes provide stopping power.
The interior is finished in red and white vinyl with a split-folding front bench seat, power windows, push-button radio, heater, vent windows, and a bowtie-themed dashboard with a 110-mph speedometer. The five-digit odometer shows 12,000 miles.
Under the hood is a 265ci V8 paired with a two-speed automatic transmission. In May 2025, the battery hold-down and spark plugs were replaced, and a compression test was performed.
Trim tag decoding confirms it as a true 1955 Bel Air convertible built in Lansing, Michigan (Body L20684) with factory trim code 525 and paint code 615. However, the VIN (VC55J115492) points to the Janesville, Wisconsin plant, creating an interesting detail for collectors to consider.
With its combination of midcentury flair, modern updates, and convertible fun, this Bel Air is a nostalgic American icon ready for a new chapter.
