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How many Tri 5 Chevys were made?

Tri-Five Chevys refer to Chevrolet passenger cars produced in 1955, 1956 and 1957. There isn’t a single overall production figure published for all three years combined; numbers are tracked year by year and by body style.


What counts as a Tri-Five?


The term Tri-Five is a shorthand used by collectors and historians for Chevrolet’s 1955–1957 lineup. It spans Bel Air, 210, and 150 sedans and coupes, plus wagons and specialty models like the Nomad. Convertibles, hardtops, and other body styles within these years are included, regardless of trim or minor revisions.


Year-by-year overview


1955


In 1955, Chevrolet introduced a restyled line that defined the Tri-Five era. The year’s production covered multiple body styles across the Bel Air, 210, and 150 families, as well as wagons and specialty variants. While the overall output was substantial, the precise Tri-Five total depends on whether you count all body styles and regional builds.


For exact counts, consult year-specific production data from primary sources or reputable reference works.


1956


The 1956 model year carried forward the Tri-Five design with updates and refinements. As with 1955, production totals are reported by model line and body style rather than as a single Tri-Five figure. This year’s numbers reflect Chevrolet’s ongoing popularity across the Bel Air, 210, and 150 families, including wagons and specialty models.


To confirm precise totals, reference official data and established automotive histories.


1957


1957 marked the final year of the Tri-Five era with a refreshed styling push. Production remains tallied by model and body style rather than a consolidated Tri-Five total. Accurate counts require pulling 1957 production by model and body type from reliable sources.


If you want exact figures, consult primary records and credible automotive historians.


Where to find official production figures


To verify exact counts, use primary-source records and established reference materials. The following are commonly used by researchers and enthusiasts for assembling year-by-year production data for these years.



  1. GM Heritage Center and Chevrolet archives for model-year production by body style.

  2. The Standard Catalog of American Cars (Kimes & Clark and subsequent editions) for year-by-year tallies by model.

  3. Reputable automotive history publications and museum catalogs that summarize annual Chevrolet output by year, model line, and body style.

  4. Cross-check with regional dealer records or period trade publications that occasionally publish totals by market.


These sources often require cross-referencing, and numbers can vary slightly depending on whether you count convertibles, wagons, or regional builds.


Summary


The Tri-Five designation covers Chevrolet’s 1955–1957 lineup, but there is no single official number that represents all Tri-Five Chevys combined. Precise totals are published by year and by model line, and researchers must sum across relevant body styles to arrive at a total for a given year or across the entire Tri-Five span. For the most accurate figures, consult GM’s archives, the Standard Catalog of American Cars, and other established automotive reference works. If you’d like, I can pull the latest year-by-year breakdown from specific sources and compile a precise Tri-Five total for you.

What is a Tri 5 Chevy worth?


Chevy Tri-Five Average Sold Prices

ModelAverageHighest
150$59,261$1.0m
210$51,079$291,500
Bel Air$70,150$352,000
Nomad$97,172$341,000
Apr 28, 2024



What is the rarest Tri-Five Chevy?


Chevrolet Nomad
The Chevrolet Nomad is by far the rarest of Chevrolet's so-called “Tri-Five” Bel Air models, produced from 1955 through 1957. The nameplate, which would live into the early seventies, carries a level of cachet unique to the model.



Why do they call it a tri 5 Chevy?


It's called a "Tri-Five" Chevy because it refers to the three consecutive model years 1955, 1956, and 1957. These models are iconic American classics known for their revolutionary designs, introduction of the V8 engine option, and lasting popularity with collectors and car enthusiasts. 

  • Model years: The nickname "Tri-Five" is a simple way to group these three model years together. 
  • Iconic design: The cars are also known as "shoebox Chevys" due to their distinctive, boxy profile, which was a major departure from previous designs. 
  • Cultural significance: The "Tri-Fives" are considered cultural icons of the 1950s, representing a prosperous and optimistic era of American history and car culture. 
  • Key models: The group includes popular models like the Bel Air, 210, 150, and Nomad. 



How much is a '57 Chevy worth?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $44,343 for a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in good condition with average spec.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.