California Garage Find! 1955 Chevrolet Hardtop
According to the seller, this 1955 Chevrolet hardtop has been stored in a Dublin, California garage for the past thirty-five years. It hasn’t been started or driven since it was parked, but the chassis, engine compartment, body, and trunk all look like they are in great shape. It is being offered by Dusty Cars LLC in Pleasanton, California, and can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $16,600 and a buy-it-now of nearly $27,000. With unrestored shoe-box Chevys becoming rarer every day, this car will bring strong bidding. Have a closer look at this brown beauty!
The ad says the engine is a 283 cubic inch V8 mated to an automatic transmission. Aside from the new air cleaner, the entire engine compartment appears to be the same age. Any maintenance items or new parts clearly haven’t been addressed. Hopefully, the engine will fire up with some fresh ignition, fuel, and air.
I’m not sure if the floors have been replaced or if the floor covering has been removed to show how great the original sheet metal looks. Toward the bottom of the ad, there are quite a few pictures of the undercarriage. It appears to be in amazing condition for a nearly 70-year-old vehicle.
Overall, this would be an awesome project. I would probably just drive it as-is and not worry about rock chips or where I park. How about you? What would you do if this was your car?
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Comments
I’m out of touch with reality. I’d think that would be a $15K car.
$15K is generous
This one wonders by what feat of magic did a1955 Chevy acquire a 283 c.i. Engine especially since there was no such option in 1955, the only V8 that the Chevy’s I had in 55 were 265 c.i. But maybe I missed something was there an option for an engine upgrade.
Well 90% of the 55s on the road today have a 350 in them and they didn’t have that option either. Its not surprising that a engine swap was done in the last 67 years
I always wonder. Why would a ’55 Chevy, with a seemingly decent body and paint job, wheels and a sort of modern V-8, be mothballed for 40 years? I’d like to hear the backstory.
Unrestored? I don’t believe the paint colors are original, top of cowl looks to be white with surface rust, not the exterior colors. 283? I don’t think that came out until 57. If this car is a sweet as claimed, why not make it run, instead of saying with fresh ignition, fuel and air. I’m betting the fuel tank needs replaced, along with the fuel lines, and probably the fuel pump. With today’s prices, I’ll bet it brings 26/26K.
Just also noticed that the interior appears to be turquise, which doesn’t go with the exterior colors at all. It may be nice, but it still needs work.
Bet the car was turquoise and white. That brown was not available in 55, along with the 283 and the interior it has.
Needs work I like the color combo Brown and Gold I believe.
would need full resto. I would yank the motor drop in a 383 stroker or 396 BB.
Excellent metal making for an easy restoration.
I see most guys just don’t get the importance of the condition this car is in.
My Dad bought a 55 2 Dr post,210,400 sm block,4sp, vintage air,PS ,4 wheel disc,new paint, interior,etc ,3 days ago for 52k,it’s basically a new car and very very nice.
Personally I like thew idea that the engine might not be original to the car, because that leaves it wide open for dropping in a modern turbocharged, electronically controlled power plant and tremec transmission. plus you can do things like ad A/C 4 wheel disc brakes and so forth since the body on this one is very clean but needs new paint to shine like a real show car I see this as a real nice weekend driver and local shows.
God Bless America
It appears to be a Belair. Has Belair she trim and dash insert but steering wheel is from a 210.
VIN indicates the car was born as a 6-cylinder. So obviously not the original engine!
Someone must have paid the BIN price, $22,995.00 cause it is gone. It was priced right and I’m not surprised.
Looks like it’s relisted
Anyone who pays $27K for a non runner needs his head examined. For that kind of money this car needs at least to be in running condition, if not completly restored!!! I used to own 3 – 55 Chevy’s 2 were convertibles and one was a 4dr. 6 Cyl.. I am sorry I ever let my mom talk me out of the last conv. but I was working for Uncle Sam and Mom did not like the car in the front yard covered up. She bugged the daylights out of me until I agreed to sell it. Worst decision I ever made!!!!!