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1955 Chevrolet Bel Air news, pictures, and information
 | Convertible |
This automobile has Power Pack (4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust) for 202 horsepower. The restoration was completed in 2003.
 |  | View more photos Nomad Wagon Chassis Num: VC55L031515 |
The Nomad was added to the Chevrolet line-up mid-year and shared many styling cues in the front from its siblings. In the rear, the Nomad was unique. It also commanded the most money; more than any other production Chevrolets at the time. The base sticker price was $2,571 which was about $260 more than the Bel Air Convertible.
The Nomad had a two-door wagon configuration and finished in attractive, exclusive, two-tone colors. There were slanted B-pillars and a wrap around rear window. Other styling features segregated it from its siblings. Mechanically, the Nomad was identical to the other model lines.
The first owner of this vehicle was a San Diego, California resident. It was later purchased by a collector from Fresno and later sold again. This car has been recently repainted to its coral and gray two-tone original color combination. The chrome accent pieces have also been recently restored to new condition.
The car was ordered with such optional equipment as power steering, power windows, power brakes, and power seats. It is one of only 8,386 Nomads created.
At auction, the car found its next owner, selling for $57,750.
|  | View more photos Nomad Wagon |
 |  | View more photos Convertible Chassis Num: VC55B122655 |
Only ten percent of the buyers selected the Convertible Bel Air which has made them among the most desirable, rare, and collectable of all Bel Air bodystyles. This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook. It is powered by an overhead valve V8 engine that displaces 265 cubic-inches and is capable of producing 180 horsepower. There is a two-speed Powerglide automatic gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes. The elegant body rests comfortably on a 115-inch wheelbase. There are power brakes, power top, and the optional power package. It has been treated to a restoration which included an overhaul of the engine. It has the sought-after Wonderbar radio, the optional chrome package, proper carpet saver mats, and period correct literature and sales brochures. At auction it was estimated to sell between $65,000 - $85,000. Bidding reached $55,000 but was unable to satisfy the vehicles reserve. It left the auction unsold.
 | | View more photos Nomad Wagon |
What does the upcoming Indianapolis 500 have in common with the same race in 1955? Both races at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway were paced by a Chevrolet with a GM small-block V-8 engine. The link between the two pace vehicles bears special significance because the GM small-block V-8 celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
T.H. Keating, a former Chevrolet Division general manager, paced the same race in a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air on May 30, 1955. That Chevy was powered by the first version of the GM small-block V-8 engine ever produced, with a displacement of 265 cubic inches and rated at 180 horsepower at 4,600 rpm.Source - GM
T.H. Keating, a former Chevrolet Division general manager, paced the same race in a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air on May 30, 1955. That Chevy was powered by the first version of the GM small-block V-8 engine ever produced, with a displacement of 265 cubic inches and rated at 180 horsepower at 4,600 rpm.Source - GM
 |  | Convertible |
| | View more photos Nomad Wagon |
The 1955 Chevrolet Nomad was a freshly-styled two-door, hardtop station wagon. It featured a ribbed roof, slanted 'B' pillars, vertical chrome tailgate bars, a chrome spear on the front fenders and doors and a wraparound back window.
This 1955 Nomad is powered by Chevrolet's 265 cubic-inch, 162 horsepower, overhead V-8 that was introduced in 1955. Thanks to Chevrolet's new design, model year production sky-rocketed to over 1.7 million - of new - the highest priced Chevrolet in the 1955 line-up.
| View more photos Hardtop |
1955 was the first year for the V8 engine by Chevrolet. The press called the Bel Air Sport Coupe 'an excellent example of smart profile styling.' Clare M. MacKichon was head of the Chevrolet Design Studio when the 1955 was introduced.
From 1950 through 1952 Chevrolet hardtops in the Deluxe model line were dubbed the 'Bel Air'. It took a few more years before it would become its own distinct series. In 1953, the Bel Air became its own model and was applied to Chevrolet's top-of-the-line model range. By 1955, the cars were offered with an optional V8 engine which greatly improved the cars performance.
In 1953 Chevrolet had three new models and 17 body styles to select from. This was the company's widest range of offerings in its history. The introduction of the Chevrolet was stirring press for the company, but so was the Bel Air, considered the company's Crown Jewel.
The Bel Air Series consisted of a two and four-door sedan, sport coupe, and a convertible coupe. Everything that was standard on the lower priced series was standard on the Bel Air, plus so much more including comfort, convenience and styling options. There was a one-piece curved windshield which added superb visibility. The luggage compartment was massive and the 115-inch wheelbase provided plenty of interior room for its occupants. The 115-horsepower Blue-Flame six-cylinder engine was new and the most powerful engine in Chevrolet's history.
In 1954, the Bel Air was launched as a 1955 model and brought with it a fresh new, elegant look for Chevrolet. With bold features that included hooded headlights, tailfins, wrap-around windshield, and rear fender skirts, the Bel Air was able to out-style the competition. The base engine was a six-cylinder, 115 horsepower power-plant. At a base price of $1095, it was a bargain. It is considered America's first low-priced 'hardtop coupe'. The most famous of the Bel Air engine options was the 283 cubic-inch V-8 small-block, with Ramjet Fuel injection. It delivered one horsepower per cubic inch, a first for production cars. Along with style, the Bel Air was a fast machine. Chevrolet quickly ascertained a reputation for building performance vehicles.
A full-width grill, redesigned front and rear fenders, gas cap behind the left taillight, larger rectangular parking lights, and sweeping side trim were just a few of the changes that set the 1956 Chevrolet apart from the 1955, which had taken the country by storm with its all new body re-design.
For the performance-minded public, the 1956 Chevrolet offered three 265 cubic-inch Turbo-Fire V-8 engine options: base 170 hp, 205 hp 4 bbl and the 225 hp dual 4 bbl.
Chevrolet produced 1,574,740 cars in the 1956 model year, of which 41,268 were Belair Convertibles. The 3,320 pound car cost $2,443 with the base V-8. You could literally load your new Chevy with factory options and accessories and stay under $3,000.
In 1957, the Bel Air grew in length by 2-1/2 inches and received a wider and taller grille. Additional options became available including two-tone interior, power convertible top, shoulder harnesses, tinted glass, seat belts, tissue dispenser, and ventilated seat pads.
In total, there were seven body styles to select from. In 1957, a two-page Chevrolet magazine ad proclaimed that 'Chevy puts the purr in performance'. This Bel Air Convertible, with the optional 245 HP 283 CID small block V-8 equipped with two four barrel carburetors, would certainly deliver on the promise made by the ad copy noted above, delivering a hearty purr from its dual exhausts.
Over the years these popular cars became an icon for the entire generation and they have gone on to become one of the most desirable and collectable post war cars of all. 47,000 Bel Air convertibles were produced in the 1957 model year.
The Chevrolet models grew in length in 1958 and increased in size. The Chevrolet Impala became their top-of-the-line model, followed by the middle-range Bel Air. The front end featured a broad grill with quad headlights.
By the later part of the 1960s, the Chevrolet Bel Air moved into the territory of a fleet vehicle. It was a basic machine built on Chevrolet's large platform and outfitted with few thrills or options. It was a good car though it lacked the prestige of times gone by.
The 1964 Chevrolet Be Air (Series 1600) was Chevrolet's mid-priced line between the basic Biscayne and the Impala.
The Biscayne was discontinued after 1972 and the Bel Air was moved into its place, becoming Chevrolet's low-level model. Production in the United States continued until 1975 though production continued in Canada until 1981.
For more information and related vehicles, click here© 1998-2009. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
In 1953 Chevrolet had three new models and 17 body styles to select from. This was the company's widest range of offerings in its history. The introduction of the Chevrolet was stirring press for the company, but so was the Bel Air, considered the company's Crown Jewel.
The Bel Air Series consisted of a two and four-door sedan, sport coupe, and a convertible coupe. Everything that was standard on the lower priced series was standard on the Bel Air, plus so much more including comfort, convenience and styling options. There was a one-piece curved windshield which added superb visibility. The luggage compartment was massive and the 115-inch wheelbase provided plenty of interior room for its occupants. The 115-horsepower Blue-Flame six-cylinder engine was new and the most powerful engine in Chevrolet's history.
In 1954, the Bel Air was launched as a 1955 model and brought with it a fresh new, elegant look for Chevrolet. With bold features that included hooded headlights, tailfins, wrap-around windshield, and rear fender skirts, the Bel Air was able to out-style the competition. The base engine was a six-cylinder, 115 horsepower power-plant. At a base price of $1095, it was a bargain. It is considered America's first low-priced 'hardtop coupe'. The most famous of the Bel Air engine options was the 283 cubic-inch V-8 small-block, with Ramjet Fuel injection. It delivered one horsepower per cubic inch, a first for production cars. Along with style, the Bel Air was a fast machine. Chevrolet quickly ascertained a reputation for building performance vehicles.
A full-width grill, redesigned front and rear fenders, gas cap behind the left taillight, larger rectangular parking lights, and sweeping side trim were just a few of the changes that set the 1956 Chevrolet apart from the 1955, which had taken the country by storm with its all new body re-design.
For the performance-minded public, the 1956 Chevrolet offered three 265 cubic-inch Turbo-Fire V-8 engine options: base 170 hp, 205 hp 4 bbl and the 225 hp dual 4 bbl.
Chevrolet produced 1,574,740 cars in the 1956 model year, of which 41,268 were Belair Convertibles. The 3,320 pound car cost $2,443 with the base V-8. You could literally load your new Chevy with factory options and accessories and stay under $3,000.
In 1957, the Bel Air grew in length by 2-1/2 inches and received a wider and taller grille. Additional options became available including two-tone interior, power convertible top, shoulder harnesses, tinted glass, seat belts, tissue dispenser, and ventilated seat pads.
In total, there were seven body styles to select from. In 1957, a two-page Chevrolet magazine ad proclaimed that 'Chevy puts the purr in performance'. This Bel Air Convertible, with the optional 245 HP 283 CID small block V-8 equipped with two four barrel carburetors, would certainly deliver on the promise made by the ad copy noted above, delivering a hearty purr from its dual exhausts.
Over the years these popular cars became an icon for the entire generation and they have gone on to become one of the most desirable and collectable post war cars of all. 47,000 Bel Air convertibles were produced in the 1957 model year.
The Chevrolet models grew in length in 1958 and increased in size. The Chevrolet Impala became their top-of-the-line model, followed by the middle-range Bel Air. The front end featured a broad grill with quad headlights.
By the later part of the 1960s, the Chevrolet Bel Air moved into the territory of a fleet vehicle. It was a basic machine built on Chevrolet's large platform and outfitted with few thrills or options. It was a good car though it lacked the prestige of times gone by.
The 1964 Chevrolet Be Air (Series 1600) was Chevrolet's mid-priced line between the basic Biscayne and the Impala.
The Biscayne was discontinued after 1972 and the Bel Air was moved into its place, becoming Chevrolet's low-level model. Production in the United States continued until 1975 though production continued in Canada until 1981.
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