1955 Chevrolet Full Size Cars Fact Sheet
1955 Chevrolet Facts, Figures, and Specifications
The famous Nomad, a two-door station wagon with hardtop styling, was introduced as a mid-year model. Chevrolet thought that it would fill a void where wagons had been too utilitarian.
1955 Chevrolet –
A Huge Change from 1954
Chevrolet drastically changed its body design in 1955.The entire care was redesigned with the famous slab-sided “shoe box” look, but only as Harley Earl could do it.
General Year Information – 1955 Chevrolet Facts
Chevrolet drastically changed its body design in 1955. The new 1955 Chevrolet had smooth straight panels on the sides and hood, a major departure from previous years. Although Ford introduced what would be the first “shoe box” body design in 1949, GM and Chrysler were slow to catch on, only slowly replacing some of their bubble-like hood and side panels with flatter ones each year, without achieving a the popular look by 1954. But in 1955, Chevrolet designed the entire car with the full “shoe box” style. Along with the flatter straighter panels, the 1955 also had modern cues like wrap-around glass on the windshield, and triangular tail lights that jutted outward. This new look, combined with new V-8 power and additional modern engineering, made it an instant hit with the buying public and a critical success for the Division.
1955 also saw the introduction of the Bel Air Nomad, a sporty two-door station wagon which featured hardtop-like door glass and elongated side windows. The unique roof design of the Nomad came directly from the 1954 Corvette Nomad concept car. Although regarded as one of the most beautiful station wagon designs of Fifties, the Nomad did not sell in large numbers, mostly due to its price tag – it was one of the most expensive models in the entire Chevrolet line – selling among the most practical body style – the station wagon.
1955 Chevrolet Factoids
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The Chevrolet Nomad was a two-door station wagon that featured frame-less door glass & unique side windows. The roof came directly from the 1954 Corvette Nomad show car. Regarded as one of the most beautiful station wagons, the Nomad sold poorly, due to its very high price tag. See the Nomad in the Stations Wagons Brochure HERE.
The 265 CID “Turbo-Fire” V8 was designed by Ed Cole’s group at Chevrolet from drawings to production in just 15 weeks. Many of the later touted features were designed to keep costs low, but had a larger impact in performance. Learn about the Small Block Chevrolet V-8 HERE.
1955 Chevrolet Facts – Models Offered
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Series 150 I-6 & V-8. The “150” series was Chevrolet’s lowest priced line. Standard equipment included rubber floor mats front and rear; full-width all-steel seat frames with “S” springs; all vinyl upholstery for station wagons. Exterior bright metal decoration was limited to “Chevrolet” in script on front fender and standard chrome plated bumpers, grille, door handles, hood ornament, head lamp rims and wheel center caps.
Station wagons had their own unique names – with the base two door wagon assigned to the Series was called the “Handyman”.
Series 210 I-6 & V-8. The “210” series was Chevrolet’s mid-priced line. Standard equipment included all 150 series equipment plus stainless steel windshield and backlight reveals, chrome front seat and sidewall moldings, glove compartment light, ash trays, cigarette lighter, arm rests, and assist straps. Additional exterior bright metal decoration included upper belt line and rear fender side and sash moldings.
Two Wagons were assigned to the 210 Series: the mid level two door “Handyman” and the 4-doot “Townsman”.
BEL AIR SERIES: I-6 & V-8. The “Bel Air” was Chevrolet’s top series. Standard equipment included the features found on the lower-priced lines plus carpets on closed body styles, chrome ribbed headliner on Sport Coupe, richer upholstery fabrics, horizontal chrome strip on sides of front fender and doors, narrow white painted insert on rear fender horizontal side molding, gold “Bel Air” in script and the Chevrolet crest behind a slanting vertical sash molding, a ribbed vertical trim plate on sides above rear bumper ends, wide chrome window and door post reveals, and full wheel discs.
The station wagons in the Bel Air Line included the sexy Nomad semi-hardtop wagon at the top, and the 4-door Beauville”.
1955 Chevrolet Facts – Engines
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- 123 HP 235 CID I-6 SMT
- 136 HP 235 CID I-6 AMT
- 162 HP 265 CID V-8
- 180 HP 265 CID V-8
- 195 HP Corvette 265 CID V-8
Base I-6: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 235.5 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.56 x 3.94 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.5:1.
Horsepower: 123 @ 3800 RPM.
Torque: 207 ft. lbs @2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°; Overlap: 26°; Lift: 0.4004″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel Model 7007181.
Base I-6: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 235.5 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.56 x 3.94 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.5:1.
Horsepower: 136 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 209 ft. lbs @2200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°; Overlap: 26°; Lift: 0.4004″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel Model 7007181.
NOTE: The AMT engine received stronger valve springs that allowed higher HP at a greater RPM. The engine was otherwise the same as the SMT version.
Economy V-8 (RPO 325). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five Main Bearings.
Displacement: 265 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.00:1.
Horsepower: 162 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 257 @ 2200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252 degrees, Overlap: 38°; Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings.
Carburetor: Rochester Two-barrel Model (manual transmission) 7008005 or (automatic transmission) 7008004.
Optional V-8 (RPO 410 Power Package). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five Main Bearings.
Displacement: 265 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.00:1.
Horsepower: 180 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 260 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°. Overlap 38°; Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model WCFB 2351S.
Corvette V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 265 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.00:1.
Horsepower: 195 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 260 @ 3000 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 264°; Exhaust 266°; Overlap 50°. Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model WCFB 2218S.
NOTE: The Corvette engine was available later in the year as a RPO.
1955 Chevrolet Facts – Significant Options
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- Accelerator cover.
- Air-conditioner (V-8 only).
- Arm rests for 150.
- Autronic Eye.
- Backup lights.
- Chrome grille guard.
- Chrome sill moldings.
- Compass.
- Continental wheel carrier.
- Courtesy lights.
- Custom Color interior.
- De-Icing wiper blades.
- Deluxe heater and defroster.
- Door edge guards.
- Door handle shields.
- Dual electric wipers.
- Electric clock (standard Bel Air).
- Exhaust-extension.
- Fender guards.
- Floor mats.
- Full Wheel covers (standard Bel Air).
- Glove box lamp.
- Heavy-duty generators.
- Heavy-duty springs.
- Insect screen.
- License plate frames.
- Lighted cigarette lighter.
- Locking gas cap.
- Oil bath air cleaner.
- Oil filter.
- Outside sun visor.
- Parking brake signal lamp.
- Plastic windshield glare shield.
- Power brakes ($38).
- Power convertible top.
- Power seat (except Series 150).
- Power steering ($92).
- Power windows (except Series 150).
- Radio antenna.
- Radios (manual or push button).
- Rain deflectors.
- Rear speaker.
- Rear view mirror.
- Recirculating heater and defroster.
- Right-hand sun visor for 150 Series.
- Seat covers.
- Tinted glass.
- Tissue dispenser.
- Tool Kit.
- Traffic light viewer.
- Trunk light.
- Under hood light.
- Vanity mirror.
- White wall and overs1de tires.
- Windshield washers (automatic or foot operated).
- Wire wheel covers.
1955 Chevrolet Facts –
Related Documents
Files directly related to the 1955 Chevrolet Full-Size Line will appear below:
1955 Chevrolet Deluxe Prestige Brochure
1955 Chevrolet Wagons Foldout Brochure
1955 Chevrolet Portrait Print Advertisements
1955 Chevrolet Landscape Print Advertisements
1955 Chevrolet Factory Specifications Sheets
1955 Chevrolet Road Test – John Wherry Publications
1955 Chevrolet Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase 115 inches.
- Overall length: wagons: 197.1 inches, all others 195.6 inches.
- Front tread: 58 inches.
- Rear tread: 58.8 inches.
- Width: 72.5 inches
- Height: 60.4 inches
- Tires: (station wagons) 6.70 x 15 six-ply on nine-passenger models; (all other models) 6.70 x 15 four-ply; (optional) 7.10 x 15 four-ply.
1955 Chevrolet Facts – Powertrain Options
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- V-8 265 cubic 180 horsepower engine engine. ($65).
- Three-speed manual transmission was standard in all models.
- Overdrive transmission. ($108)
- Powerglide transmission. ($178).
- Posi-traction rear axle with 3.36 or 3.55 ratio ($45).
NOTE: Base 2-barrel 265 CID V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.
1955 Chevrolet Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
- 265 CID V-8: 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
- Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios
- Where Available: 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive 0.70:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.55:1; and Powerglide – 3.36:1; Overdrive SMT – 4.11:1.
- 265 CID V-8 SMT – 3.55:1, Overdrive SMT – 4.11:1, Powerglide – 3.36:1.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.07:1 to 4.33:1.
1955 Chevrolet Facts –
Related Images
Related Images to the 1955 Chevrolet Line will appear below
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible was a hot ticket in 1955 – hot enough that 41,292 were delivered.
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe
The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe was the sharpest closed-roof Chevrolet in 1955. It was quite popular with 185,562 sod.
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad Wagon
The ultimate Chevrolet in 1955 was the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad Wagon. Stylish and sexy, its high price ($200 more than the convertible) kept buyers away. Only 6,103 were built.
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door sedan
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.
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door sedan
The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door sedan was the upscale 2-door, but with both the Del ray and the 210 competing with it stole sales. Still, 168,313 were built.
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Beauville Wagon
The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Beauville Wagon was the top of the line 4-door station wagon. 24,313 were produced.
1955 Chevrolet Series 210 Sport Coupe
The 1955 Chevrolet Series 210 Sport Coupe was a late entry in the Series, trimmed as a Del Ray but as a true hardtop, only 11,675 were delivered.
1955 Chevrolet 210 Del Ray 2-door sedan
The 1955 Chevrolet 210 Del Ray 2-door sedan was the sport version of the Series 2-doors, with a deluxe interior, and available before the Sport Coupe hardtop bowed – and still quite popular. 115,584 were sold.
1955 Chevrolet 210 2-door sedan
The 1955 Chevrolet 210 2-door sedan was a popular choice in that year, with 249,105 delivered.
1955 Chevrolet 210 4-door sedan
The 1955 Chevrolet 210 4-door sedan was a “bread and butter” offering for Chevrolet that year, with 317,724 sold, second only to the Bel Air version.
1955 Chevrolet 210 Townsman Wagon
The 1955 Chevrolet 210 Townsman Wagon was the mid-price 4-door wagon. It was the most popular Chevrolet wagon with 82,303 sold.
1955 Chevrolet 210 Handyman Wagon
The 1955 Chevrolet 210 Handyman Wagon was the Series two-door entry. 29,918 were built.
1955 Chevrolet 150 4-door sedan
The 1955 Chevrolet 150 4-door sedan was the price leader in the Chevrolet line. Only 29,898 were sold, as buyers moved upstream to the 210 model.
1955 Chevrolet 150 2-door sedan
The 1955 Chevrolet 150 2-door sedan was the low-price entry-level Chevrolet. 66,416 opted for this model. V-8 powered versions ended up in NASCAR and USAC racing.
1955 Chevrolet 150 2-door Utility sedan
The 1955 Chevrolet 150 2-door Utility sedan was a three-passenger sedan with no rear seat – used mostly by salespeople and utility companies. 11,196 were sold.
1955 Chevrolet 150 Handyman wagon
The 1955 Chevrolet 150 Handyman wagon was the least expensive station wagon in the Chevrolet line. 17,936 were built.
1955 Chevrolet Resources
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1955 Chevrolet Facts –
Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1955 Chevrolet
| Metallic Bronze | |
| 585 Onyx Black | |
| 586 Seamist Green | |
| 587 Neptune Green | |
| 588 Skyline Blue | |
| 589 Glacier Blue | |
| 590 Copper Maroon | |
| 591 Shoreline Beige | |
| 592 Autumn Bronze | |
| 592 Autumn Bronze | |
| 593 Indian Ivory | |
| 594 Shadow Gray | |
| 596 Gypsy Red | |
| 598 Regal Turquoise | |
| 626 Coral | |
| 630 Harvest Gold | |
| 683 Cashmere Blue | |
| 684 Navajo Tan | |
| 685 Dusk Rose | |
| 689 Anniversary Gold |
1955 Chevrolet – What’s It Worth?
Related valuations for the 1955 Chevrolet Line will appear below