What are the trim levels for the Tri-Five?
Across Chevrolet’s Tri-Five era—the 1955, 1956, and 1957 models—the lineup was defined by three trim levels: Bel Air, 210, and 150. Bel Air was the luxury tier, 210 was mid-range, and 150 was the entry level, with features and chrome varying by year and body style.
Overview of the Tri-Five trim lineup
The Tri-Five years share a common body architecture, but the trim levels carried distinct styling cues, equipment packages, and interior touches that differentiated top-tier Bel Air from mid-range 210 and base 150 across all three model years.
The following three-tier lineup defined the Tri-Five era and described how Chevrolet positioned its cars within the catalog.
- Bel Air — the top-of-the-line trim, featuring the most chrome, upgraded interior options, and a wide range of body styles.
- 210 — the mid-range trim, offering a balance of features and price with less chrome and simpler interiors than Bel Air.
- 150 — the base trim, the entry point with essential equipment and fewer aesthetic upgrades, available across body styles with optional upgrades.
Across 1955–1957, buyers could select from these trims and add options or sub-packages that varied by year and body style, creating many combinations within each level.
Details by trim level
Bel Air — premium trim
Bel Air was the flagship trim across the Tri-Five years, distinguished by more extensive chrome trim, brighter interior fabrics, and a broader range of body styles, including two-door coupes and four-door sedans, as well as wagons and convertibles. It was marketed as the top-of-the-line model, often associated with higher resale value and a more stylish appearance.
210 — mid-range trim
The 210 trim offered a step down from Bel Air in chrome and interior detailing while still providing a wide array of body styles and engines. It served as Chevrolet’s practical middle option for buyers who wanted a balance of price and equipment without going all-in on Bel Air features.
150 — base trim
The 150 was the entry-level Tri-Five model, with simpler trim and fewer chrome accents. It provided essential transportation with the option to add certain upgrades, and it was often the most affordable way to own a Tri-Five Chevrolet, particularly in fleet or basic-family configurations.
Summary
In summary, the Tri-Five lineup for Chevrolet from 1955 through 1957 centered on three core trims—Bel Air, 210 and 150—each offering different levels of chrome, interior quality, and features. The Bel Air represented the premium tier, the 210 the mid-range, and the 150 the base model, with yearly variations in available options and body styles.
What is the difference between the Chevy trim levels?
Chevy trim levels are different versions of a vehicle that offer varying features, amenities, and price points. They generally range from base models like LS (Luxury Sport) and WT (Work Truck), which provide essential features for a lower cost, to more advanced trims like LT (Luxury Touring) and RST (Rally Sport Truck) that add technology and style. Higher-end options such as LTZ, Premier, and High Country incorporate premium materials, luxury features, and advanced technology. Off-road focused trims, like Trail Boss and ZR2, add rugged equipment such as a factory lift and all-terrain tires.
This video explains all the trim levels for the Chevy Silverado: 1mErnie Dean Chevrolet Buick GMCYouTube · Oct 8, 2025
Base trims (LS, WT)
- LS (Luxury Sport): The most basic and budget-friendly option, offering essential features like a rearview camera, a basic infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and standard safety assists.
- WT (Work Truck): Often the base trim for trucks, this is a no-frills option designed for heavy-duty work and reliability.
Mid-tier trims (LT, 2LT, RS, RST, Trail Boss)
- LT (Luxury Touring): Steps up from the base by adding more convenience and tech, such as a larger touchscreen, upgraded interior materials, and often a power-adjustable driver's seat.
- 2LT: Further enhances the LT with more premium comfort and safety features.
- RS (Rally Sport): Focuses on a sporty appearance with unique design elements like blacked-out accents.
- RST (Rally Sport Truck): Similar to the RS but often combines sleek design with utility, making it a blend of style and performance.
- Trail Boss: Designed for off-roading, it includes features like a factory-installed suspension lift, specialized tires, and skid plates for rugged terrain.
Premium and luxury trims (LTZ, Premier, High Country)
- LTZ (Luxury Touring Z): A premium trim level that emphasizes comfort and advanced technology, often including leather upholstery and enhanced driver-assist features.
- Premier: Provides a luxurious experience with features like leather seating, advanced tech, and premium audio systems.
- High Country: The top-tier luxury trim, which combines rugged capability with high-end amenities like heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and premium materials.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of different Silverado trim levels: 53sDeFOUW ChevroletYouTube · May 24, 2024
Why do they call a 55 Chevy a Tri-Five?
In automobile parlance, Tri-Five refers to the 1955, 1956 and 1957 Chevrolet automobiles, in particular, the 150, 210, Bel Air, and Nomad.
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.
What is a Tri 5 Chevy worth?
Chevy Tri-Five Average Sold Prices
| Model | Average | Highest |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | $59,261 | $1.0m |
| 210 | $51,079 | $291,500 |
| Bel Air | $70,150 | $352,000 |
| Nomad | $97,172 | $341,000 |
