The Finest Handyman in the Country?
Exceptional “Nut & Bolt” Rotisserie Restoration of a California “150”
100% Professionally Built with a Cost No Object Philosophy
A Beautiful Blend of Modern Technology and a Vintage Classic!
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We are proud to be celebrating our 25th year as Classic Cars Ltd.’s premier boutique classic car facility. We have been very fortunate to represent a wide range of collectible cars ranging from sports & high performance to street rods, classics, and unique vehicles. Occasionally, we come across a truly exceptional example that represents the “best of the best” in class. Frankly, this 1955 Chevrolet 150 is one such vehicle.
The Chevy was not only constructed at considerable expense, but was a sympathetic, extremely high level restoration that was completed by the owner during his 9~ year ownership. Perhaps, most notable is the fact that the owner/builder is a professional street rod/custom builder who is recognized as a premier hot rod builder in Northern California and built this special car as his personal use vehicle. It has been used very sparingly, only on dry California days, for the occasional Goodguys or other show(s), and maintained in “As Built” condition in virtually every respect.
When introduced, the Chevy Handy Man 150 was intended by Chevrolet to be a budget, entry level wagon to be used by families, or even as a commercial, or work vehicle. Needless to say, this is no longer your “Father’s Handy Man” but has been transformed into an example that retains the stock body and charm of the ’55 Chevy Wagon but that can be driven all day at highway speeds, offering excellent performance, a high level of comfort, and exceptional reliability. For those who seek the classic appearance of a mid-1950’s Chevy without the negatives of dated technology, this ’55 truly represents the best of both worlds.
While the extensive list of upgrade and high quality components provide an indication of the exceptional quality of this ’55, we ask that you review the 100 photos carefully. This is a prime example of the old adage “A photo is worth 100 words” with the photographs showing attention to the smallest detail and a goal of building not only an incredibly good looking, unique Tri-Five Chevy, but one that rides, performs, and offers “creature comforts” that equal those found in modern automobiles. Finally, the high build quality can be seen in the excellent body panel fit / gaps, custom built chassis, modern drive-line, extensive interior chrome window surrounds and other trim, highly detailed engine and rear cargo compartment, and too many other areas to list. This Chevy Handyman epitomizes a turn-key, no excuses, reliable, custom built Chevy Handyman that can not only be enjoyed but taken to shows with an excellent possibility of receiving show or “People’s Choice” recognition.
Details of the build include, but are certainly not limited to the information found below. The Chevy’s new owner will receive a comprehensive file that documents the work performed over the years that clearly exceeds six-figures. The asking price represents a fraction of the investment in the build, and nowhere near what it would cost to undertake a project and duplicate a Chevy of this quality (not to mention the time commitment!).
– 1955 Chevrolet 150 2 Door Original California Wagon with stock body (no flares or external modifications)
– Comprehensive Rotisserie, “nut & bolt” restoration on an original California car (Previous registration documents “Sold in 1955”, supporting California history back to 1955
– All work done with metal including new steel floor, new rocker panels –professional modifications to the spare tire well to accommodate the Corvette rear and custom gas tank
– Custom, professionally built chassis with significant strengthening & highly detailed (refer to undercarriage photos)
– Entire underside undercoated, painted black, and highly detailed
– Fully insulated including Dynamat over POR 15, Firewall insulation over Dynamat
– C4 Corvette front & rear suspension, coil over shock conversion – Ride Tech coil overs
– C6 Corvette Power brakes, power rack & pinion steering, steel braided lines
– 17″ American Racing wheels with 235 / 50/ 17” matching tires
– Crate 350 high output (330hp) engine with turn-key kit
– 2 1’2” exhaust routed through frame
– 700R transmission
– Custom stainless steel 19 gallon gas tank
– Highest quality two-stage base coat / clear coat in custom blue with ivory white top portions
– Exterior trim polished, re-chromed, or new
– Polished stainless steel grill
– All new weather stripping, felts, fasteners – everything replated, new or NOS
– Vintage Air & Heat with in dash controls
– Bow tie radio speakers in doors to match interior
– American Auto Wire
– Flaming River tilt
– Dakota digital gauges including clock – all fully functional with proper readings (refer to photos with vehicle running)
– Glide seat with custom interior & matching seat belts (front & rear)
– ½” carpet with underlayment over Dynamat to provide incredibly quiet ride
– All interior garnish trim moldings chromed including front and rear window surrounds
– All seat & cargo trim chromed
– Power windows (operated by original crank handles…very cool!)
– Power locks
– Tinted glass
– Remote alarm
-Highly detailed engine compartment and underside
Too Many Upgrades to List…Refer to Listing for Details
THE “NUMBERS”
We feel that it is important to decode the significant production numbers, particularly on unique vehicles like this 1955 Chevrolet. Please let us know if we can clarify any of the decoding or provide additional information.
VIN #: A55L027369
A = 1955-1957 Series 1500 (Model 150) – Note: 6 Cylinder begins with “A”
55 = Year of Vehicle (1955)
L = Assembly Plant: Los Angeles
027369: Sequence / Production Number
TRIM TAG
Style Number: 55-1263F 55 = 1955, 1263F (Assigned by the Fisher Body Plant)
Body Number: S (body produced in St. Louis) 746 = Assigned by the Fisher Plant – Non duplicating number
Trim: No 524 (Original interior color – light green with dark green texture)
Paint No: 599-LA (Chevrolet Neptune Green Metallic)
Top: None ACC: None
1955 150 HANDYMAN WAGON
The One-Fifty was mainly conceived as a fleet model and little effort was spent marketing it to the average car buyer of the day, although sales weren’t limited to fleets. It was most popular with police, state governments, small businesses, economy-minded consumers, and hot rodders. Chevrolet sold substantially fewer One-Fifties than Two-Tens or the Chevrolet Bel Air in every year of its life.
True to Chevrolet’s vision, the 150 was no-frills basic transportation. It had limited options, stark trim, solid colors, plain heavy duty upholstery and rubberized flooring. Small things like ashtrays, cigarette lighters and even mirrors were extra cost options. Compared to the mid-level Two-Ten or premium Bel Air models, the One-Fifty was stark and bland.
Body style choices were also limited to sedans, Handyman wagons (four-door in 1953–1954, two-door in 1955–1957) and (until 1955) the club coupe. The only body styles specific to the One-Fifty were decidedly fleet oriented — the sedan delivery (a 2-door wagon without rear windows and the rear seat removed) and the business sedan — a 2-door sedan with immobile rear windows and back seat removed. Powertrain choices were limited to manual transmissions and low output engines until 1954.