1955 Chevy

The 1955 Chevrolet, also known as the 1955 Chevy, or just the 55 Chevy. I think every boy growing up at one time or another has wanted to own a 55 Chevy. I know I have. I almost bought one when I was 19, but dad talked me out of it. It was just a $500 clapped out 55 Chevy with fiberglass fenders, more of an ex race car than anything. Jumping forward 20 years to today and I would easily drop $500 for that same 1955 Chevrolet and not even think about it.

The 1955 Chevy also known as one of the Tri Five Chevy’s (55 Chevy, 56 Chevy, 57 Chevy) was the brain child of Edward Nicholas Cole after he was given the go ahead to design the new 1955 Chevrolet in May of 1952. Cole started his design with new bodies, 3 new engines, a new frame, new front suspension, new rear springs and new brakes all around.

The 1955 Chevrolet was available in 3 body trim designs. The top of the line 55 Chevy Bel Air, the middle of the road 55 Chevy 210, and the base model 55 Chevy 150. Of course every body always thinks of the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air when they think of this Tri Five Chevy. Below is a list of the various models and variations of the 1955 Chevrolet models and their factory descriptions.

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

The Belair Sport Coupe two door hardtop was by far the most popular. Bel-Airs were also manufactured as

2 door sedans – 6 passenger, 5 window sedan
2 door sport coupe – 6 passenger, 2 door, 5 window sedan
2 door Convertible – 5 passenger, 2 door, 5 window coupe with folding top
2 door Nomad Station Wagon – 6 passenger, 2 door, 5 window
4 door sedans – 6 passenger, 7 window sedan
4 door station wagon – 6 passenger, 4 door, 7 window

1955 Chevrolet 210

This was Chevrolet’s mid priced vehicle and it was offered in a variety of colors and body styles. The most popular of the 55 Chevy 210 Series was the four door sedan witch included seating for six people and had a base cost of $1819. The most expensive version of the 55 Chevy 210 series was the four door station wagon which had seating for six and would set you back $2130.

The 1955 Chevrolet 210 came standard with a 235.5 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine which produced just over 120 horsepower. An eight-cylinder unit would raise the horsepower to over 160. The three-speed manual gearbox was also standard, but you could also buy an optional 2 speed power glide transmission.

2 door sedans – 6 passenger, 5 window sedan
2 door club coupe – 6 passenger, 2 door, 5 window sedan
2 door sport coupe – 6 passenger, 2 door, 5 window sedan
2 door Nomad Station Wagon – 6 passenger, 2 door, 5 window
4 door sedans – 6 passenger, 7 window sedan
4 door station wagon – 6 passenger, 4 door, 7 window

1955 Chevrolet 150

2 door sedan – 6 passenger, 5 window sedan
2 door utility sedan – 3 passenger, 5 window sedan
2 door Nomad Station Wagon – 6 passenger, 2 door, 5 window
2 door sedan delivery – 2 passenger, 3 door, 3 window panel delivery
4 door sedans – 6 passenger, 7 window sedan

1955 Chevrolet Engines

In 1955 Chevrolet had 4 engine combinations available. There were two six cylinder combinations and two brand new V8 combinations. Below is a list of all four engine combinations and their specifications.

Straight Six Cylinder Engines

235 ci, 7.5:1 comp ratio, 123 HP@3800 rpm, 1 bl carb
3 speed transmission and 3 speed overdrive transmission

235 ci, 7.5:1 comp ratio, 136 HP@3800 rpm, 1 bl carb
powerglide transmission

V8 Engines

265 ci, 8.0:1 comp ratio, 162 HP@4400 rpm, 2bl carb
3 speed transmission, 3 speed overdrive transmission and powerglide transmission

265 ci, 8.0:1 comp ratio, 180 HP@4600 rpm, 4bl carb
3 speed transmission, 3 speed overdrive transmission and powerglide transmission

1955 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

In 1955, Chevrolet with their newly designed model were picked to pace the 1955 Indianapolis 500 race. Below are a few pictures of Chevrolet’s 1955 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car.

The driver of the 1955 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car was Chevrolet sales manger Thomas H. Keating. The other person, standing next to the car holding the checkered flag, is believed to be the Indianapolis Speedway owner Tony Hulman.

Here is a great video of the 55 Chevy pacing the 1955 Indianapolis 500.

1955 Chevrolet Commercials and Promotional Material

This is just Awesome! I love seeing these old car commercials. This one is the 1955 Chevrolet Motoramic – Video Classic TV Commercial. This collection of television commercials for the 1955 Chevrolet have not been seen for over 50 years.