The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Value of 1955, 1st series Chevy truck

It's good to find you guys. I'm as new as one can be. This question will be tough to answer due to the many variables but I need a best guess for insurance reasons.
I have a 1955, 1st series, Chevy truck that I gained from my Father-in -law. He was a cotton farmer in the Lubbock area (think dry)and bought the truck, used from the original owner. The engine and transmission has now been rebuilt. It needs paint but very little body work. I want to keep it as original as I can. What throws things off in determining the value is that it has a factory installed, custom ordered automatic transmission.
Where do I start to determine the value?
Thanks much. Looking forward to seeing how this works. Many questions to follow.

I would venture an estimate of between $3k and $4k. The 55.1 is rare in terms of it being the last year of the model but they are not considered valuable due only to that or the fact it has a hydromatic trans. If you are going to restore it and then sell it, then the price might go upwards of $10K.

Value is a highly relative concept as you stated. What I would do is shop for a truck like yours as though you were going to buy one. The cost to replace yours with an equivalent truck plus about 30% would be a reasonable insurance value. FYI buy an "agreed value" policy rather than a "stated value" policy. There are professional appraisers that will give you a written appraisal for a fee.

Thanks for the responses. In my search so far it looks like my 1968, 327, C10 long bed is maybe even worth more than the '55 ???

Welcome to the 'bolt... as others have said, it is in the eye of the beholder.... i would think that about all the wore out old farm trucks are only worth a grand or so before you mess with them... but for resale, after they are "fixed up".. a short stepside bed is nearly always going to get more than a long bed.

Old car price guide shows #5 condition $2580. #4 $4300. #3 $9680. This is what the insurance co,s use. #5 is rough. #4 is needing restoration. #3 is pretty good but needs some work to bring it up to excellant.

A '68 longbed C10, wouldn't be worth anywhere close to a '55 1st series Factory Automatic, in equal condition.

Does anybody have numbers on the # of 1955 1st series
that were produced...my cousin has one, 1st one I've seen
(nice truck), & he said someone told him only app. 2500
were produced but only 1800+ were sold because of the
later year release of the 2nd series !

Try finding one (1955 1st series) on E bay or !!!
That should give you an idication on:
A) how rare they are & B) there value ...
based on that & if it is in either #3 or #2 condition I
would think your insured value should be more towards
the $10m to $13m range (Try buying one on E bay for less)!

I have a 55 1st series, 3/4 ton. My grandfather bought it new and he passed away in 1963, My dad parked it in the barn in 1971. I am now restoing it but after it being in a leaky barn it has some surface rust. I'm not sure of it's market value, but it's priceless to me. just try finding a diecast or a model and they're hard to find also

ya it would bee worth a lot

Rick, Flash, welcome to the "Bolt". Rick your truck could be worth more due to it being in the same family since new. Flash the automatic makes yours more rare. It may all come down to what it's worth to you. They'er all gold plated to a proud owner.

Come on guys, he asked for an insurance value. All this beating around the bush isn't going to help him.

Tiny's advice is what you need. As explained by my insurance agent, an old truck in itself is worth nothing according to an insurer. You need an appraisal to show what it's worth.

Also, if you aren't planning to use the truck daily you can save money by buying a classic insurance policy. These have restrictions though that you need to check into.

There is an excellent "Tech Tip" on this subject on this site. See the link at the top of the page.