70 Years of the 1955 Chevy: How you can be part of the celebration

”As the barn door opened and I saw it was a 1955 Chevy, I just wanted it, and my friend after seeing my face, stepped aside to let me make the purchase. Something I am very grateful for!

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the 1955 Chevrolet, owners of Tri-Chevy cars from 1955 – 1957 are invited to join a special gathering at this year’s NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals on Sunday, 10th August 2025. As the insurance partner for the NSRA, the UK Tri-Chevy owners group and a specialist in American classic and modified vehicle insurance, ClassicLine Insurance caught up with Mike Dandridge, the driving force behind this platinum anniversary gathering.

Why is the 70th Anniversary of the 1955 Chevy Significant?

When you hear the words ‘Tri-Chevy’, people know exactly what you are talking about. The iconic collection of mid-century cars manufactured by Chevrolet from 1955 to 1957.

Starting with the 1955 Chevy, the first vehicle in this three-year succession of models, millions of Tri-Chevys were sold, representing the mid-50s youth with a kick of freedom and rock and roll cool in an affordable package. Available in the 150, 210, Bel Air and Nomad models and in solid and two-tone colours, there are characteristic differences between the model years, from the size of the tailfins and the front grille to increases in horsepower. Lesser known variants such as the Delray Coupe, Handyman, Townsman, and Beauville were also available.

Head to any hot rod or American classic car show today, or even the drag strip, and you’ll likely spot a 1955, 1956, or 1957 Chevrolet. Whether they are in their original form or modified, these American classics have acquired a cult following amongst enthusiasts, hotrodders, customisers, and racers both in the US and here in the UK, making them as popular 70 years on as they were back in the mid-1950s.

As an owner of a 1955 210 2-door Chevy, Mike came up with the idea of doing something to mark the 70th anniversary of the ’55 in late 2024. After celebrating previous milestones with the UK Tri-Chevy owners group at Knebworth House, Brooklands Museum, and Shakespear Country Raceway, Mike tells us he felt it was only right to try and do something for the 70th birthday.

“After a bit of a brainstorming with friends and family at Hot Rod Drags last year, my wife Karen and I were determined to make it happen. I asked the UK Tri-Chevy owners group, and everyone showed interest, but nothing came about, so with the group’s blessing I set about getting something organised,” Mike says.

A conversation with the NSRA followed, who were more than happy to get involved, and Mike and Karen settled on the NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals as the venue for this celebratory gathering. It is an established show with lots of interest and a great central location, making it easier for everyone to get too.

Mike’s personal connection to the Tri-Chevy began at an early age. “My dad, Kevin, is a petrolhead and took my brother, James, and me to all sorts of events when we were growing up: stock car racing, drag racing, even off-roading. But his favourite car was a 1955 Chevy from movies such as Two-Lane Blacktop and American Graffiti, so his influence and toy car gifting played a part in me loving the 1955 Chevy also,” Mike says.

With cars very much in the blood, Mike’s first car was a classic Mini which he recommissioned and sprayed black with the help of his dad, brother, and close friends Andy and Dave. But it was joining a local group of enthusiasts who met at a pub on a Friday night which led Mike to become the proud owner of a 1955 Chevrolet, aged just 19. Mike recalls, “A friend at the group said he was interested in buying the car to do it up and sell on, so I asked if I could tag along when he goes and sees it. As the barn door opened and I saw it was a ‘55 I just wanted it, and my friend – after seeing my face – stepped aside to let me make the purchase. Something I am very grateful for!”

After dragging it out the barn and getting it back to his dad’s garage, the restoration crew reunited and set about getting it back on the road. In his late teens and with not a lot of money, Mike sold most of the spares it came with just to be able to afford to get it running.

“It was yellow and white, but the previous owner hadn’t finished the paintwork, so I made the decision to just rattle can it black. After late nights and long weekends working on it, the ‘55 made its debut in May 2009 but not without teething problems… On the road and going to shows, I learnt a valuable lesson one evening on the way back from the Ace Café: running out of oil on the M3 motorway and making a mess of the engine!” says Mike.

Having found a new engine, Mike and his Tri-Chevy were back on the road, even going over to Belgium for a wet weekend in Chimay. Soon after, the car was refreshed with new wheels, uprated running gear, and even carpet!

With a car he loved driving, Mike eventually met his future wife at a car show. The pair were married in 2023, using his beloved 1955 Chevy as the wedding car.

“I bought a second 1955 in 2017, which is still tucked away as a work in progress… My wife brought a 1955 Chevy Handyman, which she loved driving about in, only recently selling it on to fund other adventures,” Mike tells us.

How to Join the Tri-Chevy Anniversary Celebration at NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals

The Tri-Chevy Display (1955-1957) will take place on Sunday, 10th August 2025, at the NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals at Old Warden Park, Bedfordshire. Coinciding with the show ‘n’ shine and held at one end of the showfield, all Tri-Chevy car owners are welcome to join this celebratory gathering.

Owners of 1955 – 1957 Tri-Chevy cars are welcome to make a weekend of it too. Pre-booked NSRA members can attend from Thursday, and non-NSRA members are able to pre-book or purchase weekend tickets on the gate from Friday 8th August. Mike and family will be attending from the Thursday and do hope to meet up with many fellow Tri-Chevy owners at the event.

At the time of writing, there are over 40 Tri-Chevys confirmed for this commemorative display, and the aim is to have 55 or more Chevys at the event! So, if you own a Tri-Chevy or know someone who does, find out more about the Tri-Chevy Anniversary Display 2025 below. Each car will receive a gift bag and plaque generously provided by Mike and sponsored by Karen’s business, ‘Hug A Bunny Hotel’. Mike and Karen would also like to extend their thanks to Goodale American Speedshop and The Trip Out for their event sponsorship and are excited to announce that there will be trophies will be up for grabs for cars taking part in the display!