The idea of “trust” is often considered lost in this modern day. But Fred L. does not think it dead, but just hard to find. Well, at least in much of America. But he found it in Kansas. In 1998 he was searching for a Tri-Five (1955-1957) Chevy. 1955 was the year that Chevy moved from a rounded, older look to a bold, straight design and Fred loved them. However, he wanted an original car, which was difficult because they have been so popular for hot rodding almost since they were built. After spending time searching eBay and other popular Internet sites, he found one that sounded interesting. It was in Salina, Kansas. Although the owner was not very communicative, he did find out that this was only the second owner and that it had about 12,000 original miles. As a matter of fact, when he asked about its condition, the owner kept repeating, “It only has 12,000 miles.” So Fred flew to Kansas. The owner’s wife met him and gave him the keys to the Chevy, their house and even loaned him the keys to their Cadillac to drive, saying she and her husband would see him that evening. That’s trust. The car was in great shape for its age, although the paint was oxidized, the engine was covered with grime and the steering did tend to wander. It was a Bel Air two-door post, with an in-line six engine, three-speed manual trans with overdrive and not much else in extras. After meeting the neighbors (including a cop) who came by to welcome him, the owner and his wife returned and they went to dinner. The next day, the owner took him to the airport. On the way, Fred made an offer on the car. The owner just clammed up. No response. After he got back to California, Fred talked to the owner’s wife on the phone. The owner was afraid that Fred, being from California, was going to make it a hot rod or even a low rider. After sending pictures of his ‘61 Chevy pickup and making many promises, Fred and the owner finally made the deal and the Chevy came West. Since he bought it, Fred has redone the front suspension, cleaned out the gas tank, polished the paint, refurbished the engine compartment and replaced hoses and belts. But he left it bone stock. Since then he has only put about 6,500 miles on his Chevy, including a 2,700 mile trip along Route 66, and plans to go on cruises with fellow Roamin Angels. Although wife Gayle rides shotgun with him, she refuses to learn to drive a column shift. They have sent pictures and Christmas cards to the original owner, proving that the car has not been hot rodded. While the Chevy may not be in Kansas anymore, Fred has proved himself worthy of the trust the previous owner gave him.

The newly-redesigned Chevy had long, straight lines in 1955 and 1956. They have become a favorite Chevies for the Fifties among both rodders and collectors..

Chevy’s famed Blue Flame six had 123 HP for standard transmission models in 1956. Except for dual exhaust, this one is stock. It does not have an oil filter, optional for 1955.

This Bel Air has a clock and a radio, although not the higher-cost Wonderbar signal-seeking one.
Fred added seatbelts and a CB radio for cruising with the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America.

©2010 Ron Cherry