Full details & bid : bringatrailer.com
This 1955 Chevrolet 6500 flatbed pickup represents a robust piece of American trucking history, reportedly remaining within the current owner’s family since 1995. Under their long-term care, the vehicle underwent a multi-year refurbishment completed in 2005, breathing new life into this classic workhorse. The refurbishment included repairs to various body panels, a repaint of the cab in a light blue hue, and the installation of a replacement 350ci V8 engine paired with a more modern five-speed manual transmission. Riding on sturdy 20-inch steel wheels and equipped with a two-speed dually rear axle, an aluminum headache rack, and a hydraulic liftgate, this ’55 Chevy 6500 is ready for work or display. Additional features include a windshield visor and a distinctive exhaust system with short-tube headers and dual stacks. The black vinyl-trimmed bench seat interior offers functional comfort, complemented by a cab heater and an updated digital radio. Now offered on dealer consignment with partial service records and removable bed stakes, this 6500 flatbed comes with a clean Washington State title in the owner’s name.
Refurbished Cab and Functional Body: The cab of this 1955 Chevrolet 6500 was repainted in a light blue during the 2005 refurbishment, which also addressed bodywork on the hood and front fenders. The truck retains classic styling cues such as a windshield visor, dual mirrors, and V8 fender badges, along with a white-finished grille, front bumper, and headlight surrounds. The fixed-position 16-foot steel flatbed features a durable diamond-plate floor and a practical aluminum headache rack for added protection. A hydraulically actuated liftgate at the rear enhances its utility, and removable bed stakes provide flexibility for various hauling needs. Rear mud flaps and auxiliary lights are also present. Note that some paint bubbles are visible on the windshield visor, and cracks and rust are present on various body panels, reflecting its age and work history.
Modernized V8 Power and Transmission: The original engine has been replaced with a 350 cubic inch V8 engine, reportedly sourced from a 1970s Chevrolet pickup and installed in October 2004. Enhanced Performance and Drivability: While specific horsepower and torque figures for this replacement engine are not detailed, the 350ci V8 is a well-regarded engine known for its reliability and respectable power output, offering a significant upgrade over the original engine options. The exhaust system features short-tube headers and Flowmaster mufflers, leading to a distinctive and powerful sound through the dual stacks. A significant upgrade for drivability is the New Process five-speed manual transmission, providing more gear ratios for better control and potentially improved fuel economy compared to the original transmissions. The truck is equipped with a two-speed rear end, offering versatility for both hauling heavy loads and highway driving. It is noted that the shift knob shakes intermittently when the transmission is in neutral.
Sturdy Underpinnings and Braking: This 1955 Chevrolet 6500 is equipped with a dually rear axle, emphasizing its heavy-duty capabilities. It rides on white-finished 20-inch steel wheels fitted with 8.5-series Highway MRF tires up front and 9.0-series Road Service tires at the rear, chosen for their durability and load-carrying capacity. The brake master cylinder was replaced in August 2024, indicating recent attention to the braking system.
Functional and Updated Interior: The interior features a practical black vinyl-trimmed bench seat, offering seating for multiple occupants. The exposed metal surfaces in the cab are finished in a tan color. Rubberized flooring lines the footwells for durability. Comfort is provided by a cab heater, essential for colder climates. An updated push-button digital radio offers modern entertainment options, and a DC power outlet adds convenience.
Instrumentation and Mileage: The driver is faced with a three-spoke steering wheel, a column-mounted 4,000-rpm Datcon tachometer, and a horizontal-sweep 100-mph speedometer, along with auxiliary gauges for coolant temperature, amperage, oil pressure, and fuel level. Additional readouts for battery voltage and coolant temperature have been added below the dashboard. The five-digit odometer shows 76,000 miles, but the selling dealer notes that true mileage is unknown, as the cluster was repaired in 2008. Approximately 100 miles are stated to have been accumulated since the completion of the build in 2005.
Summary:
- 30-year family ownership with a 2005 refurbishment.
- Replacement 350ci V8 engine (from a 1970s Chevrolet pickup).
- New Process five-speed manual transmission.
- Two-speed dually rear axle.
- 16-ft steel flatbed with hydraulic liftgate and aluminum headache rack.
- Repainted light blue cab.
- 20-inch steel wheels with heavy-duty tires.
- Updated interior with digital radio and auxiliary gauges.
Disclaimer: True mileage is unknown. Some cosmetic imperfections and a transmission issue are noted. Potential buyers are advised to review all documentation and conduct their own inspection.
AI Assistance: Gemini
