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What are the different types of 55 chevys?

The 1955 Chevrolet lineup, part of GM’s celebrated Tri‑Five era, included several core model lines—Bel Air, 150, and 210—as well as wagon variants like Nomad and Suburban, plus the Corvette as a performance option. These form the primary categories people refer to when discussing 1955 Chevys.


In 1955, Chevrolet introduced an all‑new full‑size design and packaged it across multiple trim levels and body styles. The lineup blended passenger cars with specialty wagons and a sports car, giving buyers a broad range of choices from economical sedans to premium coupes and a performance roadster.


Core model lines of the 1955 Chevrolet lineup


Below are the principal passenger-car and premium lines that defined the 1955 Chevrolet range. Each line offered several body styles to suit different needs and tastes.



  • Bel Air

  • 150

  • 210

  • Nomad

  • Suburban

  • Corvette


These six designations represent the main categories of 1955 Chevrolets, spanning premium sedans and coupes, base transport, family wagons, and a dedicated sports car.


Body styles and configurations common to 1955 Chevrolets


The 1955 lineup covered a wide range of body styles across the different model lines, from three primary layouts to wagon variants. This helps explain why collectors refer to a broad mix of body types when talking about Tri‑Five Chevrolets.



  • 2-door sedan

  • 4-door sedan

  • 2-door hardtop (sport coupe)

  • 4-door hardtop (sport sedan)

  • Convertible

  • Wagon (Nomad, Suburban)


Across Bel Air, 150, and 210, buyers could choose from several of these body styles, while Nomad and Suburban provided wagon-specific configurations.


Details by model line



Bel Air was the top‑of‑the‑line trim for Chevrolet’s full‑size cars in 1955, featuring more chrome, premium interior appointments, and a selection of body styles such as 2‑door hardtops, 4‑door sedans, and convertibles. It epitomized the era’s stylish, upscale family car.


150


The 150 was Chevrolet’s entry‑level line in 1955, offering practical transportation with fewer trim extras compared with Bel Air. Body styles commonly included 2‑ and 4‑door sedans, with options aimed at affordability and reliability.


210


The 210 sat between Bel Air and the base 150, delivering a balance of features and price. It shared many body styles with the other lines, but with slightly upgraded trim and options to appeal to buyers seeking a mid‑range full‑size Chevrolet.


Nomad


Nomad was Chevrolet’s two‑door wagon that carried distinctive Bel Air styling cues into a sporty, family‑friendly wagon. It combined the practicality of a wagon with a more station‑wagon‑style silhouette popular in the mid‑1950s.


Suburban


Suburban, known as the Carryall, was a larger wagon designed for families needing substantial seating and cargo capacity. It offered more room and durability for travelers and crews, often featuring multiple seating arrangements and heavier trim for a work‑horse wagon.


Corvette


The Corvette was Chevrolet’s dedicated two‑seat sports car, introduced with a small‑block V8 and a lightweight, performance‑oriented chassis. In 1955, the Corvette represented Chevrolet’s entry into modern American sports cars, complementing the full‑size Tri‑Five lineup with a high‑style, high‑performance option.


Summary


In short, the 1955 Chevrolet lineup encompassed Bel Air, 150, and 210 as the main passenger‑car lines, plus Nomad and Suburban as wagon variants, and Corvette as the performance flagship. Together, these models offered a wide array of body styles—from sedans and hardtops to wagons and a dedicated sports car—defining Chevrolet’s Tri‑Five era for that model year.

What is the difference between a 1955 Bel Air and 210?


The main differences between a 1955 Chevy 210 and a Bel Air are the trim levels and interior appointments, with the Bel Air being the higher-end model. While both were available in similar body styles like sedans and hardtops and offered the same engine options, the Bel Air featured more stainless steel trim on the exterior, upgraded interior upholstery, different dash trim, and a more upscale steering wheel. 

Feature 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 1955 Chevrolet 210
Exterior Trim More extensive stainless steel trim running the full length of the side from front fender to rear quarter panel. Less trim, with chrome accents on the front door only.
Interior More premium interior with upgraded upholstery, different headliner and carpet materials, and special dash trim. Standard interior with vinyl trim, but also offered available upgraded upholstery.
Wheel Covers Standard equipment. Not standard, though they could be added as an option.
Steering Wheel Often featured a more upscale steering wheel. Standard steering wheel.
Dash/Speaker Grill Included a unique dash trim and speaker grill badge. Standard dash and speaker grill.
Body Styles Available in sedan, hardtop, and convertible body styles. Available in sedan, hardtop, and convertible body styles.
Engine Options Available with both six-cylinder and V8 engines, including the new 265 cubic inch V8. Available with both six-cylinder and V8 engines, including the new 265 cubic inch V8.
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How many 55 Chevrolets were made?


Approximately 1.7 million 1955 Chevys were produced, with specific models like the Bel Air Sedan and 210 Sedan being the most popular. Total production reached 1,713,478 units according to MotorCities National Heritage Area, while other sources cite slightly different numbers, such as 1,775,952 units Classic Industries.
 

  • Total production: Sources cite either 1,713,478 or 1,775,952 units.
  • Most popular models: The Bel Air 4-door Sedan and the 210 4-door Sedan were the most popular, with 366,293 and 340,222 units produced, respectively.
  • Other models: Production numbers for other models varied, including the Bel Air 2-door Sedan (168,826) and the 210 2-door Sedan (250,000).



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.



What are the different types of 1955 Chevys?


The 1955 Chevrolet (sometimes referred to as '55 Chevy) is an automobile which was introduced by Chevrolet in Autumn 1954 for the 1955 model year. It is considered a huge turning point for the manufacturer and a major success. It was available in three models: the 150, 210, and Bel Air.


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Kevin Bennett

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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.