History of 1955 Chevrolet | History of 1955 Chevy
First, a little history leading up to the 1955 Chevy.
During World War II most automobile production was put on hold because manufacturers needed to produce airplanes, trucks, and tanks for the war effort.
It wasn't until the 1950's that auto production was cranked back up.
The New Era - 1955 Chevrolet Promo Film
The big three car companies, General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler, began to make dependable and unexciting models of cars. Chevrolet only gave modest facelifts to their 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, and 1954 models, but Americans were beginning to fall in love with their cars.
However, beginning with the 1955 Chevrolet, Chevrolet radically changed the appearance and the engineering of its models.
Edward Nicholas Cole was mostly responsible for this change because he was the lead and Chief Engineer for Chevrolet.
The change began in May of 1952 when Cole started working on what would become three of the top years for Chevrolet, 1955, and 1956. and 1957 Chevrolets.
The first of classic Chevrolet was the 1955 Chevy, the "Hot One". It was a low price dream car with style, appearance and power. Americans fell in love with the 1955 Chevy.
Until 1955, Chevrolet has a dull old image but that changed with the 1955 Chevy "Motoramic" styling. Chevrolet boasts in their ads and television commercials about the completely redesigned, lots of styling, numerous accessories, and a powerful 162 hp, 265ci V-8 engine.
The 1955 Chevrolet was the most changed Chevrolet since WW II.
The 1955 Chevrolet came in three different models, the Bel Air, 210 and the 150. Between the 3 models the 1955 Chevrolet had 16 different body styles.
The body models were:
1. Bel Air Convertible.
2. Bel Air Sport Coupe 2 Door Hard Top.
3. Bel Air 4 Door Sedan.
4. Bel Air 2 Door Sedan.
5. Beauville 4 Door Station Wagon.
6. Nomad 2 Door Station Wagon.
7. 2-10 Sport Coupe 2 Door Hard Top.
8. Delray Club Coupe 2 Door.
9. Delray 4 Door Sedan.
10. Delray 2 Door Sedan.
11. Townsman 4 Door Station Wagon.
12. Handyman 2 Door Station Wagon.
13. 150 4 Door Sedan.
14. 150 2 Door Sedan.
15. 150 2 Door Utility Sedan.
16. 150 2 Door Handyman Station Wagon.
Along with the 3 different models and 16 body styles, there were 14 solid appealing body colors and 21 new 2-tone combinations.
The 1955 Chevrolet had a V-8 engine, the first V-8 engine for Chevrolet in 35 years.
The "Turbo-Fire" 265 cubic inch V-8 engine came with a 2 barrel
carburetor and 162 horsepower and also the 4 barrel carburetor version delivered 180 horsepower.
You had the choice of three transmissions: a 3-speed standard, 3-speed with overdrive, and the Powerglide.
The new 1955 Chevrolet was a big hit and Chevrolet sold 1,704,667 1955 Chevys which was a production record.
The 1955 Chevrolet is one of the most collectible cars in today's
market.