How many 1955 Chevrolets were made?
The total number of 1955 Chevrolets produced is not published as a single figure; production figures are tracked by model line (Bel Air, 150, 210) and by body style, so a precise nationwide total requires summing the individual counts from GM’s historical records. This article explains how to think about the question and how to estimate a precise figure when needed.
The 1955 Chevrolet lineup and the "Tri-Five" era
1955 marked the launch of the so-called Tri-Five era in Chevrolet history, featuring a redesigned body and new V8 options. The year’s lineup was organized into three primary series, each offered in multiple body styles, including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and wagons. Understanding this structure is essential to estimating how many cars rolled off the assembly lines in 1955.
The Tri-Five legacy
The term "Tri-Five" refers to the 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevrolets that shared styling cues and engineering advances. In 1955, the Bel Air was the top trim within the line, followed by the 210 and the base-level 150. Wagons and specialty variants, such as two-door models and, later, iconic versions like the Nomad, were part of this broader family but counted within the same model lines for production purposes.
Before listing the model lines and how to tally them, it’s important to note that the exact numbers depend on official GM data and how a given source defines “1955 Chevrolets.” The figures vary slightly by publication and by whether regional production is included or excluded.
What counts as a 1955 Chevrolet
To understand the scope of “1955 Chevrolets,” it helps to identify the main model lines and the body styles typically included in production tallies for that year. The essential categories were:
- Bel Air — premium trim level with multiple body styles (two-door and four-door sedans, hardtops, convertibles, and wagons).
- 210 — mid-range model line offering similar body styles as the Bel Air but with fewer premium features.
- 150 — base-model line with a full range of body styles corresponding to the era’s standard configurations.
These model lines encompassed a wide array of configurations, including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and combinations like the Nomad wagon, which was associated with the Bel Air in spirit and branding for 1955. Because a single figure would depend on how many units were built for each trim and body style, the total across all 1955 Chevrolets requires summing model-by-model counts.
How to determine a precise total
If a precise figure is needed for research, auction catalogs, or historical study, follow these steps to compile a total from authoritative sources:
- Identify official production records for 1955 by Chevrolet model line (Bel Air, 210, 150) and by body style (sedan, coupe, convertible, wagon).
- Include wagon variants such as the Nomad if the source treats them as part of the Bel Air family or as a distinct variant; decide on a consistent counting method to apply across all models.
- Sum the figures for all included models and body styles to obtain a grand total. Note whether the data refer to U.S.-built vehicles only or include exports and regional variations.
- Cross-check the derived total with credible reference works, such as the Standard Catalog of American Cars or GM’s historical documentation from the GM Heritage Center.
In practice, published totals can vary by source due to counting conventions, regional distinctions, and whether certain specialty variants are included. For researchers, the best approach is to specify the scope (U.S. production, model lines included, and whether Nomads or other wagons are counted) and then cite the data source used.
Summary
There is no single, universally published number for how many 1955 Chevrolets were made. Production is reported by model line (Bel Air, 210, 150) and by body style, with variations in counting practices across sources. For a precise total, researchers should consult GM’s historical records or trusted reference works, sum the model-by-model counts, and clearly state the scope of the data (U.S. production vs. global, included variants, and the exact body styles counted).
