How much did a 1955 Chevy Bel Air cost in 1955?
In 1955, a Chevrolet Bel Air typically listed for roughly $2,100 to $2,300 in the United States, with the exact figure depending on the body style and options chosen.
This article examines the pricing landscape for the Bel Air in 1955, showing how different body styles and option levels affected the sticker price and what that meant for buyers at the time.
Pricing context for the Bel Air in 1955
The 1955 Bel Air was Chevrolet’s top-trim model, and prices varied by body style, engine choice, and accessories. The introduction of the new 265-cubic-inch V8 engine and other upgrades contributed to higher prices on the upper end of the lineup, while base configurations remained in the lower part of the Bel Air range.
Price ranges by body style (approximate)
The following ranges reflect typical sticker prices for common 1955 Bel Air configurations, based on period catalogs and dealer listings. Actual regional pricing and dealer incentives could shift these figures slightly.
- 2-door sedan: about $2,000 to $2,150
- 4-door sedan: about $2,050 to $2,200
- 2-door hardtop: about $2,200 to $2,500
- 4-door hardtop: about $2,250 to $2,650
Keep in mind that adding options—such as the V8 engine, power accessories, or upgraded interiors—could push the price higher by several hundred dollars, depending on the configuration.
Factors that shaped the price
Key influences on the Bel Air price in 1955 included engine choice (straight-six versus the new V8), body style (sedan versus hardtop), and available options like upgraded radios, power assists, and interior trim. The V8 option, introduced as a performance feature, commonly elevated the overall cost for buyers seeking enhanced power and refinement.
Summary
In 1955, the Chevrolet Bel Air generally carried a price in the low-to-mid $2,000s, with exact totals depending on body style and chosen options. Buyers could expect around $2,000–$2,150 for base configurations, climbing toward the mid-$2,000s for hardtops and models equipped with the V8 and extras.
For precise historical pricing, consulting period Chevrolet catalogs, dealer brochures, and contemporary automotive press from 1955 will provide the most exact figures by model and option package.
How much did a new car cost in 1955?
In 1955, the average cost of a new car was around $2,400, though prices varied significantly depending on the make and model. For example, a new Chevrolet 150 could cost between $1,600 and $2,000, while a 1955 Buick Roadmaster Riviera was about $3,453 and a 1955 Cadillac was approximately $3,977.
- Average cost: $2,400
- Entry-level (e.g., 1955 Chevrolet 150): $1,600–$2,000
- Mid-range:
- 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air sport coupe: $2,166
- 1955 Ford Thunderbird: $2,944
- 1955 Buick Roadmaster Riviera: $3,453
- Luxury:
- 1955 Cadillac: $3,977
- 1955 Bentley S: $12,000
What was the original price of a Bel Air?
$1,741
First-year production reached only 76,662 models built. The car cost $1,741 and weighed 3,225 lb (1,463 kg).
How much did a 1955 Chevy Bel Air cost new?
The popular Bel Air convertible, which saw 41,292 units produced in 1955, were priced at $2,305. Many automotive historians have said that, if Chevrolet had it's greatest year, this was it.
How many 1955 Chevy Bel Airs were made?
Approximately 800,968 1955 Chevrolet Bel Airs were made, but production numbers vary by body style. The most popular body style was the 4-door sedan with 366,293 units, while the convertible had 41,292 units produced and the two-door hardtop Sport Coupe had 189,269 units produced.
- Total production: Approximately 800,968 for all Bel Air models.
- Body Style Breakdown:
- 4-Door Sedan: 366,293
- 2-Door Hardtop Sport Coupe: 189,269
- 2-Door Convertible: 41,292
- 4-Door Beauville Wagon: 25,772
- 2-Door Nomad Wagon: 8,530
