Offered for the very first time in nearly half a century is an extraordinary, highly authentic piece of global and Australian GM automotive history. This is an original, US factory-built, right-hand drive (RHD) 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air V8 4-Door Sedan, manufactured at General Motors' Tarrytown, New York assembly line explicitly for international export. This vehicle is not a modern left-hand drive conversion, it is a genuine, documented export survivor, bearing its original, never-removed Fisher Body under-hood cowl tag and matching A-pillar Chassis VIN plate (VC55T161836). The Factory Specification: o Chassis / Body: Style 55-1019D (The elusive "D" suffix explicitly designates a US-built Fisher export-market model). The body remains exceptionally straight, tight, and well-fitted with all original stainless brightwork beautifully preserved and original factory fitted E-Z-EYE glass. The only missing items are the Fisher Body sill plates on the passenger side. o Bespoke Luxury Interior: Stamped ACC: RHD-LEA-1, this vehicle was delivered from the US line with a factory right-hand drive dashboard framework and a full, genuine pleated blue leather interior (matching Trim 539). The interior remains in almost "as delivered" condition (some careful restoration is needed where the driver sits). o Original Paint Scheme: Finished in its original, factory-coded Paint 682 S two-tone theme: India Ivory (upper) and Cashmere Blue (lower). The car retains an irreplaceable level of factory paint originality and authentic patina. o Period Enhancements: The vehicle features an array of rare, period-correct factory accessories, including bumper bar end guards, a front grill protector, and decorative chrome fuel filler trim. A vintage-look AM/FM radio is currently fitted, but an early factory radio is included with the sale. History: First registered civilian-side in New South Wales in late 1977, this vehicle was purchased by our family in 1978 and has remained strictly in our continuous possession and care ever since Mechanical Status: The car runs smoothly and all electrical systems are fully functional, with the sole exception of the factory clock. In the interest of full transparency, the powertrain was upgraded early in its life with a period-correct, highly reliable 1959 283ci Small-Block Chevy V8 — a common upgrade that resolved the early 1955 265ci oil filtration limitations - but still retains the original oil bath air cleaner. By the numbers: engine 3756519, 9V169598, Intake 3840905, Gearbox 3845122, Diff 3707306. The car will require a complete overhaul of the braking system before returning to regular road use. A right front mudguard kangaroo incident was properly repaired a long ago using a factory-correct replacement guard, ensuring the vehicle's body lines remain clean, fitted, and correct today. The car comes with GM sales and advertising literature, assembly manual and other documentation. This is an unrepeatable opportunity for a classic car purist, investor, or serious Tri-Five collector to acquire a globally, highly unique, structural survivor with rock-solid, long-term family custody. This is a car for preservation rather than restoration.
