The Car of the Year for 1955
The 1955 Chevrolet was a milestone car and represented a major move forward for the Chevrolet Division of General Motors. The automobile featured in this article is a 1955 Chevy 210. This model which was new from the ground up was named car of the year for 1955. The Bel Air model was marketed as the “Hot One” to appeal to America’s youth, the 1955 Chevy was an instant success.
The style of the 1955 Chevy is what makes it one of the most sought after classic cars today. The design of the 1955 Chevy was considered by many to be far superior to any Ford or Plymouth produced at the time.
For 1955, buyers had the option for a new and smaller 265-cubic-inch overhead valve V-8 Turbo Fire and if they wanted something more than the 236 Cubic Inch Six they could opt for a 283 cubic inch V-8.
The Newly Designed 1955 Chevy
Collector cars from the 1950’s are thought to be the most coveted by many classic car enthusiasts. Many cars from that decade remain popular with collectors fifty years later. Among the top of that list is certainly the 1955 whether it was a Bel Air model or not. Some would say that the 1955 Chevrolet is THE car of the 50’s.
When the 1955 Chevy was introduced, certain auto people were fixing up cars from a generation ago, such as the Model T, as a hot rod or track car. To compete with these improved retro cars, the major car companies had to come up with equally impressive automobiles. Thus, the 1955 Chevy was born.
The new design for the 1955 Chevy was totally different from anything that came before it. The car had a basic shoe box look and had very straight lines from front to back which differed entirely with Chevy’s 54 model. One very big difference from 54 were the straight rear quarter panels. While Chevrolet seemed to always do well in the sales category the cars were often not style leaders, that is before the Tri-Five Chevy’s appeared in 1955. The 1955 model year ushered in the modern era of Chevrolet styling.
The 1955 Chevrolet is today an iconic vehicle many times referred to simply as the ’55 Chevy.
It’s also important to note that along with it’s modern new design the 1955 Chevrolet was converted from a six to twelve volt electrical system.
Chevrolet’s 50’s Tail Fins
The small tail fins on the 55 Chevy’s were not nearly as large as fins would eventually get. The model years afterward would see car fins become much larger. The stylish tail fins of the 1957 Chevrolet make it a real competitor for the top spot.
1955 Chevy 210 Specifications
Standard engine on the 1955 Chevy 210 was a 235 cubic inch Inline Six. Also available as an option was a 283 cubic inch V-8. One with a double barrel carburetor and one with a four barrel.
Transmissions available were a three speed manual and a Powerglide automatic.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Dimensions included a 115.9 inch wheelbase, an overall outside length of 195.6 inches and a weight of about 3,300 lbs.
New car price range for the 1955 Chevy 210 (excluding wagons) was $1,950 to $2,300.
Chevrolet had great success with their 1955 model line up. The brand produced a little under 1.8 million vehicles. The two door Chevy 210 Sedan sold 250,000 units, the Chevy 210 four door sedan sold 340,000 units. The four door Bel Air Sedan model sold a bit over 366,000 units and the two door Bel Air Sedan 168,000 units.
Additional related Auto Museum Online article found on the link below
Reference material for this article includes..Complete Book of Collectible Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide..A Guide to Building a Tri-Five Chevy by Ron Ceridono..Tri-Five Chevrolet by Patrick Hill.
The 1955 Chevrolet Collector Car Popularity and Values
1955 Chevrolet’s remain popular collector cars being a part of the Chevy Tri-Fives which ushered in an entirely new design for Chevy cars and light trucks.
Current asking prices for the 1955 Chevrolet 210 Sedan in excellent to perfect condition are in a range from about $40,000 to $90,000. Much of this depends on degree and age of restoration, overall condition, originality and mileage.