1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupé, Registration no. 941 UYY Chassis no. to be advised

• Imported from San Francisco, California in 2017
• 4.6-litre V8 engine
• Automatic transmission
• Front disc brakes fitted

America's best-selling auto maker at the time, Chevrolet did not make any major changes to its post-war line-up until 1949, rationalising the range into two Series - Special (basic) and Deluxe - both of which featured Styleline (notchback) and Fleetline (fastback) body styles. Chevrolet's sole power unit at this time was the famous 'Stovebolt', 216.5ci (3,549cc) overhead-valve six, which had continued unchanged for many years prior to the introduction of GM's Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission in 1951 when a 235.5ci (3.9-litre) version became available.

Originally applied to a two-door hardtop coupé version of the Styleline Deluxe in 1950, the evocative Bel Air name was subsequently used to signify a top-of-the-range luxury trim level, commencing in 1953, rather than a separate and distinct body style. Top of the Chevrolet range, six Bel Airs formed the 1955 line-up, though the bewildering multitude of engine, transmission, and convenience options meant that a customer could order a vehicle direct from the factory that was tailored specifically to his or her taste. The Bel Air's basic engines comprised the 235.5ci (3,861cc) overhead-valve six and a 283ci (4.6-litre) V8. Power output of the six-cylinder models depended on the transmission specified, and if the stock V8's 162bhp wasn't enough, there was a 'power-pack' option that boosted maximum power to 180bhp. Like all contemporary Chevrolets, the Bel Airs offered style at comparatively modest cost: the V8-engined two-door coupé selling for $2,166 new.

Americana at its best and one of the most desirable of all standard Chevrolets, this 1955 Bel Air Coupé was purchased last summer when the vendor was in San Francisco. He used it for a few weeks while on holiday there, preferring this charismatic classic to a boring rental car. At the holiday's end, the Chevy was shipped to the UK. Apparently, the dealer it had been purchased from - MyHotCars – had sold the car to a gentleman eight years previously who drove it regularly and then sent it back to them for sale. Once in the UK, the Bel Air was fitted with front disc brakes; the provision of Torque Thrust 15" wheels is the only other notified deviation from factory specification. Described by the private vendor as in generally very good condition, this beautiful 'Classic American' is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate.