1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible was, and is, a highly coveted automobile.

When the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air arrived, Chevrolet enjoyed an all-new image practically overnight. Rather than a car driven mainly by dads and aunts, the sensationally redesigned "Motoramic" models quickly gained a reputation as "The Hot Ones."

In this landmark year, Chevy finally had a bold response to Ford in the performance battle: a lively 265 cubic inch V-8 that would nurture a whole generation of muscular engines. Better yet, that V-8 was slipped into a fresh, contemporary body sporting a rakish beltline dip and a Ferrari-inspired grille.

Chief engineer Edward N. Cole earned credit for Chevrolet's first V-8 in 35 years. Simple in construction and economical to build, the 265 cubic inch Turbo-Fire was a model of efficiency.

Instead of common rocker shafts, for instance, the short-stroke V-8 used independent rocker arms, each retained by a fulcrum ball and lock nut. That meant less reciprocating weight and greater rev potential. In basic trim, the V-8 delivered 162 horsepower, but an optional Plus-Power Package with dual exhausts hiked output to 180 horsepower.

"Try this for sighs," said the sales brochure of the Bel Air's color-coordinated interior. Even a sedan, it continued, "looks as young as you feel behind the wheel." Half a dozen Bel Air body styles went on sale, topped by a glamorous convertible and sleek hardtop Sport Coupe.

Whatever the body style, ads called Bel Air a "blue-ribbon beauty that's stealing the thunder from the high-priced cars." Sales leader was the four-door sedan, with over 345,000 built. A new Bel Air Beauville four-door station wagon ended the season with triple the sales of a comparable '54 wagon.

Those who liked their Bel Airs loaded could order everything from Touch-Down overdrive and Air Temp air conditioning to power steering and brakes, electric windows, Continental kit, and a power seat. A convertible paced the Indianapolis 500 race, piloted by general manager Thomas H. Keating, and a gold-trimmed hardtop rolled off the line as the 50-millionth car built by General Motors.

The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Wagon sold triple the units of its Ford counterpart.

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Facts

• Classic Cars: Learn about more than 400 of the world's finest classic and collectible automobiles.
• Muscle Cars: Look back at tire-smoking Chevys and scores of other machines from the golden age of American high performance.
• Sports Cars: Discover the pleasure of sports motoring at its purest in these captivating articles on the best sports cars from around the world.
• Consumer Guide Automotive: Here's your source for news, reviews, prices, fuel-economy and safety information on today's cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickups.
• Consumer Guide Used Car Search: In the market for a used Chevy or virtually any other pre-owned vehicle? Check out these reports, which include safety recalls and trouble spots.
• How Chevrolet Works: Get the inside story of one of America’s greatest automotive marques in this lavishly illustrated history of Chevrolet, beginning with its founding in 1911.