'56

'57

With styling and performance on its side, the 1955 Chevrolet made it to the top of the chart with record sales of over 1.64 million vehicles. A new optional powerful V8 with a four barrel carburetor boasted 180 horsepower claiming to flatten any hill you could climb. Clean body line styling and color-coordinated interiors made this car a welcome sight for buyers.

Although the 55 Chevy car had the same wheelbase as the previous year (115”), the overall weight of the car was greatly reduced. Besides the V8 engine weighing 40 lbs. less than the 235 six-cylinder engine, there were other weight saving additions. One was the eggcrate style grille, lightening the front end and while combining it with the eyebrow headlights it brought a whole new look. The appearance of the car also looked longer because of the lower flatter roof style.

When the 1956 Chevy was introduced in the market Chevrolet boasted of its power and the 19 different models you could choose from. To name just a few:

• Bel Air Sport Coupe hardtop
• Bel Air Nomad Wagon
• Bel Air Sport Sedan
• Bel Air four door sedan
• Bel Air convertible
• Bel Air Beauville, 9-seat wagon
• Two-Ten two door sedan
• Two-Ten Sport sedan
• Two-Ten Handyman wagon
• One-Fifty Handyman wagon

Parts that fit 55, 56 & 57 Chevy

With 283,125 built, the most popular 1956 Chevrolet was the Two-Ten four door.
In 1957, you could purchase the basic model of the Bel Air convertible for $2611.00. And today, even though Ford sold over 170,000 more cars in 1957 than Chevrolet, the 1957 Chevy is considered a more desirable car by enthusiasts. Why is that? Some of the reasons could be Chevy’s one horsepower per cubic inch, “Ramjet” fuel injection. At 6200 rpm the car boasted 283 bhp. The new Turboglide transmission, available on the 283-equipped cars only, was lighter by 82 pounds. It offered a kncwn feature for passing, activated by pressing the accelerator to the floor. The extreme face-lift with new looks for the front and rear of the car. Attention to detail gave the ’57 Chevrolet a lower, longer look. In actuality it was, 2.5 inches longer and 1.5” lower.