1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop

Summary

Chevrolet turned its image around in 1955. Its new V-8 engine was light modern, powerful and reliable. Combined with a clean, classic new body style it changed customers' impression of Chevrolet from stodgy and conservative to sporty and youthful almost overnight. This car, in fashionable coral and smoke grey colors, epitomizes Chevy's new slogan, "The Hot One."

Chevrolet turned its image around in 1955. Its new V-8 engine was light modern, powerful and reliable. Combined with a clean, classic new body style it changed customers' impression of Chevrolet from stodgy and conservative to sporty and youthful almost overnight. This car, in fashionable coral and smoke grey colors, epitomizes Chevy's new slogan, "The Hot One."

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1955

Driving America
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

86.113.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Glass (Material)
Chromium
Vinyl
Cloth
Rubber (Material)

Color

Salmon (Color)
Gray (Color)
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Diameter: 3.75 in  (Bore)

Length: 3 in  (Stroke)

Height: 60.5 in

Width: 74 in

Wheelbase: 115 in

Length: 195.6 in

Weight: 3165 lbs

Inscriptions

Rear side panels: Bel Air On front dash, passenger side: Bel Air

Specifications

Make & Model: 1955 Chevrolet hardtop

Maker: General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Michigan

Engine: V-8, overhead valves, 265 cubic inches

Transmission: 3-speed manual

Height: 60.5 inches

Wheelbase: 115 inches

Width: 74 inches

Overall length: 195.5 inches

Weight: 3165 pounds

Horsepower: 162 at 4400 revolutions per minute

Pounds per horsepower: 19.5

Price: $2,166

Average 1955 wage: $4,128 per year

Time you'd work to buy this car: about 6 months

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