How many 55 chevys were made?
Around 1.7 million 1955 Chevrolets were produced in the United States, across the full passenger-car lineup. The exact tally depends on what is included—export cars, trucks, and non-U.S. production can push the total in different directions.
Understanding what counts as a "55 Chevy"
Historical production figures vary depending on scope and counting conventions. Here are the most common methods used by historians, catalogs, and GM records:
- U.S. passenger-car production for the 1955 model year (the baseline commonly cited by collectors).
- Global production totals for Chevrolet passenger cars in 1955, including exports.
- All Chevrolet-badged vehicles produced in 1955 (including light trucks and regional variants, where applicable).
Across these methods, the baseline U.S. passenger-car figure is the one most often referenced when people ask about “55 Chevys.”
The 1955 lineup that defines the era
The 1955 model year was the launching point for Chevrolet’s Tri-Five era, a redesign that introduced new styling and the era’s famous small-block V8. The size of the total depends in part on which body styles you count and whether you include higher- or lower-priced variants.
Major body styles and variants included in production tallies
Chevrolet’s 1955 lineup encompassed several major series, each available in multiple body styles. These are the variants most commonly counted in production totals:
- Bel Air (the flagship series, available as two- and four-door sedans, hardtops, and convertibles)
- Two-Ten (210) and One-Fifty (150) series (lower-priced sedans and coupes, multiple body styles)
- Nomad (a distinctive two-door wagon, a limited-production variant)
Understanding which of these variants are included in a given total helps explain why the overall 1955 Chevrolet tally can differ slightly between sources.
What the numbers mean for enthusiasts
For collectors and historians, the takeaway is that the 1955 Chevrolet production figure is a reflection of a significant, highly diversified model year. The widely cited baseline—about 1.7 million U.S.-built passenger cars—captures the scale of Chevrolet’s mid-1950s push, the success of the Tri-Five redesign, and the era’s broad appeal. If you include exports or other Chevrolet-badged vehicles, the number can be higher, but the core interest for most discussions remains the U.S. passenger-car total.
Summary
The 1955 Chevrolet model year produced roughly 1.7 million passenger cars in the United States, a figure that reflects the era’s new styling and the broad appeal of the Bel Air, 210, 150, and Nomad variants. Numbers vary by counting method, but the U.S. passenger-car total remains the standard reference for “55 Chevys.”
What is the most desirable 55 Chevy?
Perhaps their most sought-after vehicle is the 1955 Chevy Bel-Air. The Bel-Air offers classic car enthusiasts a number of features worth writing home about.
How much did a 55 Chevy cost new?
When it came to pricing, the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Beauville four-door wagon came in at $2,361, and the popular Bel Air sport coupe cost $2,166. The popular Bel Air convertible, which saw 41,292 units produced in 1955, were priced at $2,305.
How much is a 55 Chevy worth today?
The value of a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $35,775 for a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air in good condition with average spec.
What is the nickname for the 55 Chevy?
Shoebox Chevy
"Shoebox Chevy" Nickname: The 1955 Bel Air, along with the 1956 and 1957 models, earned the nickname "Shoebox Chevy" due to its boxy, modernized styling, which was a significant departure from previous rounded Chevy designs.
