Hard To Find/327ci V8/Updated Interior/Good Driver/Muncie M20 Manual

1955 Chevrolet 150 Sedan Delivery

The Sedan Delivery, (also sometimes referred to as a Panel Delivery), for the uninitiated, is a relatively obscure body style of a van built on a car chassis. Typically, these take the form of a station wagon body, but with steel panels where the rear windows would be. Historically, sedan deliveries had two doors, but modern versions typically have four. In the beginning, back when it was enough just to have four wheels and an engine, all light duty trucks were essentially sedan deliveries. A Model T with a car body was a car; one with a truck body was a truck. Even up until the 1940's, light duty trucks were basically beefed-up versions of their donor car chassis, (Model TT, AA, and BB, continuing the Ford analogy).

***Note: The VIN on this vehicle is incomplete. It is missing the series designator as the first digit, (A,B,C,D), which in this case would be a letter D. However, the title matches the VIN plate on the vehicle.***

You never know what's going to come through the door next has become our mantra here at the Classic Auto Mall. So, when this 1955 150 Sedan delivery with some hot rod touches added came through the door, we were all smiles. Some snappy 17-inch polished 5 spoke wheels on all 4 corners, and a lack of a lot of chrome bling trimmings. It's a bit scary to think this car will deliver, but it does in many ways!

Exterior
Painted in a sedate and very 1950's shade of powder blue with some white accenting for the cargo area window covers and roof, nobody will think it's still working for a living. A ton of small styling cues have been incorporated into this project, the two-tone paint still shines up well but does have its share of paint imperfections and chips. The addition of side trim gives a nice look along with the chrome trimming around the fuel door, but now sans its Jet-Age hood ornament and cloisonné badges, the look of this particular panel delivery is a big part of its appeal. Clean dent free chrome bumpers, a nice-looking Ferrari inspired grille, and the louvered hood all flow together well to give this car "the look". 17" Vision wheels adorn all 4 corners and the whole package screams Delivery!!! Delivery for Classic Auto Mall!!!

Interior
When you climb inside, you'll find yourself swept back to a time with no formed plastic nor gadgetry that now adorns modern cars. A pair of bucket seats, with blue cloth tuck and roll inserts and white vinyl bolsters flank the center hump and float in a sea of darker blue carpet. The original door panels are now simple blue vinyl along with chrome handles and cranks and black armrests. The dash is a mixture of old and new, with original 1955 gauges and stereo speaker in their factory dual fans. A white insert band has been added between the upper and lower body matching light blue steel of the dash giving just the right custom touch. An original steering column and black plastic steering wheel complete with its full circle chrome horn ring. The cargo area is finished on the sides with more blue steel with white window inserts while the cargo floor is done in a blue painted plywood with a fold up area for storage and a foldable rear bench seat.

Drivetrain
The consignor stated 327 cubic inch V8 power plant already has plenty of chutzpah, it's augmented with an Edelbrock intake manifold and 4bbl carb, chrome valve covers, chrome air cleaner assembly and supple hoses and wiring. It's backed by a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission circa 1966/1967 and 3.36 geared rear axle so it was clearly designed to be driven.

Undercarriage
All 1955 Chevrolet here, including front coil sprung and rear leaf spring suspension, 4 wheel drum brakes and it handles better than you'd expect. Lots of patina and a heavy coating of surface rust have taken over the undercarriage but most remains solid. The rockers show signs of repair from invasive rust, as do some of the body hangers. Dual exhaust is noted snaking its way rearward and passing through a pair of Cherrybomb mufflers.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and a surprising amount of power which seems to go on and on with this engine. It was definitely not expected, and handling and bias free braking was second to none. A smooth cruiser, head turner, and all functioning interior accouterments, return to sender!

All buttoned up and modified both inside and out. A perfect throwback to with some updates and upgrades along with the timeless look of the first year Tri-Five cars. No phone booth necessary to turn this everyday delivery into a Superman…Look up in the sky!!!..actually on the test track at Classic Auto Mall…

VIN DECODE
55B141552
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
141552-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
STYLE 55 1271-1955 150 Series Sedan Delivery
BODY CL7325-Lansing Body #
TRIM 501-Straw & Brown Vinyl
PAINT 683-Cashmere Blue