This was the year it all began for the now-famous Tri-Five Chevy. In 1955, Chevrolet released the first model year of this iconic line. The 150 and 210 models were certainly well-received, especially when outfitted with the optional V8 engine. However, the flagship Bel Air was truly a sight to behold. Its carpeted interior, chrome trim, stainless window moldings, and script emblems set this '55 Chevy apart from the rest of the line, and made it memorable to this day.

1955 was an important year for Chevrolet. It marked the first year of the iconic model that would eventually become known by fans as the Tri Five. The top-trim version of this Chevy model was the Bel Air, which could be ordered as either a standard two-door "post" version with a B-pillar at the midpoint of the roof, or a pillarless "hardtop" version. The '55 Bel Air also featured extra chrome trim and a selection of more than a dozen eye-catching two-tone color combinations.

The 1957 Bel Air is one of the most iconic and recognizable cars of all time. Its sleek exterior, aircraft-inspired styling touches, and abundant chrome trim have caused this model to be featured on countless TV shows, movies, album covers, and posters. Chevrolet made a lot of cars in 1957, but when someone mentions a "'57 Chevy", this is almost always the model they're referring to.

Be it your ’57 Bel Air, or Hemi Road Runner, classic vehicles have become more than just mere transportation…they’re investments. While car insurance is protection for your transportation—trying to get a standard run-of-the-mill insurance company to protect your “investment” can be problematic, at best.  As some would say in the medical field: You need a specialist.

Classic Industries Understands Collector Car Enthusiasts

Classic Industries understands the needs of enthusiasts, and are experts in filling the gap when there’s a need for high-quality parts and accessories. So, when it comes to insurance for your classic car, who better to understand the issues associated with classic car insurance, than Classic Industries? Using their vast experience, they have developed the Classic Industries Collector Car Insurance Program.

The Tri-Five Chevy Bel Air has a distinctive look that appeals to just about everyone, whether you're a classic car fanatic or someone who knows very little about these vehicles. The sleek curves, bright chrome,and finned rear yield an appearance that has stood the test of time.

The '56 Bel Air seen here is beautiful to look at and nice to drive, and the top-of-the-line 265ci engine originally available on this model was certainly quick for its time. However, by modern standards, the 225 horsepower produced by the 265 V8 isn't exactly blistering. This is why many Tri-Five owners have restomodded their vehicles with newer, more powerful engines, upgraded suspension, and disc brakes.

Take a good look at this 1955 Chevy Bel Air. This pristine ride belongs to Joel Sellers, of Garden Grove, California, and it's a beautiful example of a first-year Tri Five.

Of all the details to be found on Joel's '55, the thing that stands out the most is undoubtedly its Candy Apple Red paint. The hue is deep and rich, and the gloss looks so wet you might think it was painted yesterday. However, that's not the case. Far from it, in fact. Joel tells us that this paint was applied in 2000 — it sure doesn't look like a nearly 17-year-old paint job.

The '57 Chevy Bel Air is a timeless piece of Americana. It's one of the few vehicles that's identifiable to even those who wouldn't consider themselves automotive enthusiasts. It has been featured in countless songs, TV shows, and movies. Even if you're not a die-hard classic car fan, the '57 Chevy is simply cool.

This 57 Bel Air convertible belongs to Steven Miller, of Hawthorne, California. Steven tells us he's part of the Rollerz Only car club, and picked up the Chevy as a restoration project after finding it for sale in Texas. Rather than gradually replacing bits and pieces, he dove in headfirst, and completed a full frame-off restoration of this classic convertible.

The 1955 Bel Air seen here has a history of long-distance travel, and it's about to depart on a new voyage. According to owner Milan Dokic, this Chevy was originally built here in the United States, but spent most of its life south of the border in Mexico. About 10 years ago, it returned to California, after being purchased by a Los Angeles resident. More recently, Milan purchased the car here in California, and will be taking it back home with him—all the way to Melbourne, Australia.

Larry Wikert, of Riverside, California, likes to turn heads. So, when it came time to repaint his prized 1957 Bel Air, Larry chose a red, white, and blue color scheme that's certainly eye-catching. When this unique hot-rodded '57 pulled into our Showroom parking lot, we simply had to go outside and learn more about it.

Here at Classic Industries, we love to see what customers can do with the restoration parts we offer. Sometimes, they simply put the finishing touches on project vehicles that are nearly complete—other times, they rebuild classic cars from the ground up using parts from our catalogs. Daniel Brito, of Montebello, California, falls into the second category. His stunning 1956 Bel Air started out as a $500 husk of its former glory, but he restored the car over the last 15 years, leaving it in the beautiful condition seen here.