Arizona Survivor: 1955 Chevrolet 150 Two-Door
For decades, the 1957 Bel Air was the undisputed king of Chevrolet’s Tri-Five range. However, its siblings have begun to claw back the lost ground, with original and unmolested examples becoming highly sought. That description could apply to this 1955 Chevrolet150 Two-Door because nobody has performed major modifications during sixty-seven years of active service. Adding to its appeal, this classic has spent its life in a dry climate that has protected it from the ravages of rust. A new home beckons for this Chevy, with the owner listing it for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and it could be yours by handing the seller $32,500. They may also consider a trade for the right vehicle. A big thank you goes to Barn Finder T.J. for referring this fantastic survivor to us.
The seller believes that a previous owner may have treated this Chevy to a repaint in its original Regal Turquoise. It has spent its life in Arizona, making its rust-free status no surprise. The state of the paint suggests the car has led a sheltered existence because the same climate that protects classic steel can exact a high toll on paint. It certainly presents well, with no significant flaws or issues. The panels are as straight as you could hope to find on any car with sixty-seven years under its belt. Considering the 150 represented the entry-level model of the Tri-Five line, the lack of chrome trim and ornamentation is no surprise. What is present shines warmly under the Arizona sun, while the glass looks flawless. Nobody has yielded to the temptation of upgrading the wheels, with this Chevy rolling on its original steelies with dog dish hubcaps.
Chevrolet conceived the 150 as affordable family transport, and while it offered buyers the option of a V8, the original owner didn’t spend the extra cash. Its engine bay houses the iconic 235ci “Blue Flame” six-cylinder engine that produces 123hp. The power feeds from the motor to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, giving this classic the ability to cover the ¼ mile in 19.4 seconds. For purists, the news with this car seems to be nothing but positive. It is a numbers-matching vehicle in sound mechanical health. All electrical items function as they should, the car runs and drives well, and the transmission shifts smoothly. It is a turnkey proposition ready for some classic summer motoring.
In keeping with its entry-level credentials, the 150’s interior isn’t loaded with luxury features. However, I believe this interior wears custom trim. I have never seen vinyl upholstery of this type in a 150 of this vintage, and the carpet is undoubtedly a later addition. It doesn’t look untidy, although some of the stitching on the seats is of a lower standard. If the buyer considered this purely as a driver-grade vehicle, it remains serviceable. If they prefer a more stock appearance, trim kits retail for around $2,000. Considering the asking price for this classic, I find the added expense disappointing. Otherwise, the dash looks good, and the car features a factory radio.
This 1955 Chevrolet 150 would seem a tempting proposition for a buyer seeking a turnkey classic. It could not be classed as a cheap option, but the reality is that unmolested examples command premium prices in the current market. That raises the question of whether the price is justified in this case, and I can’t help but feel that the seller may be stretching slightly with this vehicle. However, values continue to climb, and it seems the day will come when these cars move beyond the average buyer’s reach. It is difficult to say what the upshot will be when that happens. If owners find themselves with a diminishing pool of potential buyers due to the price, it could conceivably force values down. It isn’t common, but it does happen occasionally. I wouldn’t stake my house on that because such situations are rare. Therefore, if you have the available funds and aren’t willing to play the waiting game, maybe this Chevy is worth a closer look.
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Comments
Too much for this “Plain Jane”
Your right ,way too much for a “Plain Jane”. Very bad hack at the interior, wrong radio, wind lace shot, and bottom of passenger door has something going on.
This guy must be crazy to ask that much money for this nothing special 55 Chevy. About $7,000 max is more like it.
32 Large for a STRIPPER!
“PlainJane” is an understatement. Sweet car but oh for the days of 500.00 strippers…and I’m not talking about the kind whose hips move. I want to meet the individual who buys this at 32 large. I have some things I want to sell them.
Like some land in Florida.
“Mountainwoodie” I wish you luck. I have a feeling that the guy who would pay this price is going to be out of money long before you can get to him.
Obviously had a respray and those rockers under the doors look pretty funky. Interior has been redone and not very well. Always makes me roll my eyes when the author describes a car as “original” “unmolested” “survivor” then goes on to write about how molested and unoriginal it is. Just call them what they are you don’t have to try to gloss the car over.
I bought one of these in 73 for $150
My how things have changed’
The buck is worthless!!!!!!!!!
It is not the buck, it is supply and demand. Car prices are up because people that want them rationalize the cost as an “investment” because they say the dollar is dropping. Is it? Sure, but not enough to justify recent car prices. Personal economics is 10% science and 90% emotion. Pro economics is 90% greed and speculation, nothing more. Read Noam Chomsky and become enlightened.
I totally agree ! And why write “original” when anyone can see that the “custom” interior has been badly and cheaply redone and the obvious repaint which isnt even the right color
Dang, this would be a hard car not to mod, like a big block, 4 or 5 speed and some fat tires. It would be a super fun car with a big block !
Uhoh here come the guys with pitchforks moaning that they’re only original once lol.
Mm-hmm. That’d be guys like me and my buds who dig automotive history beyond the “look-at-me” tire-squealer types.
but this isn’t still an original unmolested car it was just an entry level, low buck car that someone has tried to get a wall flower ready for a big dance but on a budget. big block it and straight axle for the gasser look and the value at an auction will go up.
– oh, please ,,,
Mike I concur
It has rat written all over it
to the BF author … that radio that someone hacked the factory radio delete plate to install is NOT even close to being an “original”
Yes it needs a V8,but not a big block where have modify,hack,beat things with BFH to fit,pull the six install a small block , preferably built 283/327 no mods to do
this, could return to stock iffen you want.
Especially appealing with rising gas prices and compared to even a modest offering today being yet another example of excess and feature bloat.
Quebedeaux still sells cars here in Tucson, if its the same organization.
Those motors were not that fuel efficient.
Where’s the side chrome trim?
It’s a model 150, no side trim on that model…
I’ve yet to see a 150 without a single spear down the quarter panel. except for this one of course.
My grandfather had this car but in black. Absolutely no options. Radio delete, 3 on the tree. We had some wonderful chats in that car. All his cars were strippers and black. He was a no-frills cheap Yankee. I miss him. :)
WOW!!! $32.5 tor a 6 cylinder bottom-feeder 55! Way too much money even though the Tri-5’s are hot!
I totally agree ! And why write “original” when anyone can see that the “custom” interior has been badly and cheaply redone and the obvious repaint which isnt even the right color
Must be one of a few with no side trim. Every one I saw on the net has some. :)
150’s had no trim. 210 had a bit more and Belair was decked out.
While this is “my” car there is no way I’d pay that kind of money when more desirable vehicles are out there for the same money, or less. We must also face the facts. Guys, like me, are getting scarce and cars like this are not the hot thing today. In my area the “hot” cars are now well into the 60’s. I owned 3 of these so I know them well and would love to have “one more” but for that price I’ll pass.
I hate to date myself but in the 70’s I payed $250.00 for just like it.