1955 BEL AIR / HARD TOP CHEVY
GENERAL:
In May of ’52, Chevy designers were given a blank slate and told to design something totally different. Three years later, the 1955 Chevrolet was the result and a true instant AMERICAN classic car was born.
Destined to become the anchor for what collectors would later call the ‘Tri-5s’ (1955-’57 Chevys), the all-new ’55 Chevy sported dramatic styling changes, improved handling and a new first-ever V8. The media called the ’55 Bel Air Sport Coupe ‘an excellent example of smart profile styling.’
At 10:00 a.m on Nov. 23, 1954, the 50 millionth car produced by GM rolled off the assembly line in Flint, Michigan. It was a ’55 Bel Air 2-Door hardtop Sport Coupe, like the one pictured above, but gold in color. A one day nationwide Open House by GM to celebrate the event drew one million people into showrooms. GM, in its heyday with 114 factories in the U.S., produced more than 1.7 million Chevys during 1955.
THIS CAR:
Acquired in NW Arkansas in July 2009, it had a complete frame-off restoration five years before in Nebraska. It is equipped with a 265ci V8 with a 4bbl carb PowerPak option which produces 180hp. It sports a 3-speed factory-installed manual transmission with column shift. Fender skirts, glass pack mufflers, YOM plates and seatbelts were added after acquisition.
1955 BEL AIR TRIVIA:
For 1955, Chevrolet's full-size model received new styling that earned it the "Hot One" designation by enthusiasts.
The 1955 had a new 265ci (4,340 cc) V8 which featured a modern, overhead valve high compression, long stroke design that was so good that it remained in production in various forms, for many decades.
The Bel Air had interior carpets, headliner bands made of chrome, fenders with chrome spears and chrome window moldings.
FAQs
The 1955 had a new 265ci (4,340 cc) V8 which featured a modern, overhead valve high compression, long stroke design that was so good that it remained in production in various forms, for many decades. The Bel Air had interior carpets, headliner bands made of chrome, fenders with chrome spears and chrome window moldings.
What engine came in a 1955 Chevy Bel Air? ›
The Bel Air's E-ROD system balances the 430 horses of an LS3 6.2L V-8 with emissions equipment designed to help vehicles meet increasingly stringent emissions requirements. All that advanced power is handled by the Hydra-Matic 4L65-E 4-speed automatic transmission.
How much did a Bel Air cost in 1955? ›
When it came to pricing, the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Beauville four-door wagon came in at $2,361, and the popular Bel Air sport coupe cost $2,166. The popular Bel Air convertible, which saw 41,292 units produced in 1955, were priced at $2,305.
How many 55 Chevys were built? ›
How many 1955 Chevy cars were built? General Motors produced approximately 1.78 million '55 Chevy cars. That accounts for nearly 25% of the 7.1 million total new cars sold in 1955!
Why was the 1955 Chevy so popular? ›
The introduction of the revolutionary small-block V-8 engine made 1955 a momentous year for Chevrolet. That engine quickly became the cornerstone of American high performance in all forms of racing and hot rods. The high performance aftermarket owes its existence to the 265-cubic-inch Chevy and its many derivatives.
Why was the 1955 Chevy Bel Air so popular? ›
#1.
At the time of its release, the engine was smaller yet far more powerful than similar vehicles' engines. Additionally, Chevy equipped the V8 with a double-barrel carburetor with 162 hp. Plus, Chevy offered a quad-barrel carburetor option with 180 hp.
What size motor is in a 1955 Chevy? ›
The following engines were available on the 1955 Chevrolet: OHV Inline 6 cylinder: 235 cubic inch, 123 horsepower. OHV Inline 6 cylinder: 235 cubic inches, 136 brake horsepower (SAE) OHV V8: 265 cubic inches, 162 brake horsepower (SAE)
How much did a 1955 Chevy cost in 1955? ›
Prices for a 150 in 1955 ranged from $1,600 to $2,000.
How much does a 1955 Chevy Bel Air weight? ›
VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1955-1957 1955 Chevy Bel Air Curb Weight. Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures high-performance disc brake systems. 3400 pounds.... Use the heavy duty rear axle bearing.
Did 1955 Chevy Bel Air have air conditioning? ›
The Bel Air featured in this story has power windows; power front bench seat and factory, in-dash air conditioning – three options basically unheard of on a Chevrolet back in 'the day. ' They were fairly common on Buicks and Cadillacs but not Chevrolets—that's what makes this one so very special.
To create a more exclusive neighborhood he named it Bel-Air, or Beautiful Air, from the original Mexican Land Grant named Rancho San Jose de Buenos Ayres (Saint Joseph of Good Air) and the Italian word Bellissima meaning beautiful.
What is the nickname for the 55 Chevy? ›
In automobile parlance, Tri-Five refers to the 1955, 1956 and 1957 Chevrolet automobiles, in particular, the 150, 210, Bel Air, and Nomad.
What is the rarest Chevy Bel Air? ›
The rarest model of all is the Bel Air 2-door Nomad Wagon, of which only 6,264 units were ever produced. The most common model is the Bel Air 4-door sedan, with a total of 264,449 produced in 1957.
Did Chevrolet make a 4 door hardtop in 1955? ›
1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM 4 DOOR HARDTOP. Lot #650.1 - 350 engine with an automatic and AM/FM/Cassette. Features shaved handles with remote access and battery cut out switch in trunk.
How many Chevy Bel Airs were sold in 1955? ›
The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door sedan was the deluxe 4-door in Chevrolet's 1955 lineup. It was the most popular 1955 Chevrolet with 345,372 produced.
What year Bel Air is most popular? ›
The most popular Bel Air is indeed the 1957 model. It's one of the most recognizable classic American cars of all time, with the convertible and Chevrolet Bel Air sport coupe versions being the most sought after.
