What engine did the 55 Chevy Bel Air have?
The 1955 Bel Air was offered with two engine options: Chevrolet's familiar inline-six and the brand-new small-block V8, marking a turning point in the model’s performance capabilities.
Engine options in the 1955 Bel Air
The two engines and their general characteristics are outlined below:
- 235.5 cubic inch inline-six — The standard powerplant in most Bel Air models; known for smooth, reliable performance suitable for everyday driving in the mid-1950s.
- 265 cubic inch small-block V8 — The optional engine that introduced Chevrolet’s celebrated small-block design to the Bel Air lineup; early configurations offered stronger power, with output typically in the vicinity of 160–180 horsepower depending on carburetion and option packages.
These options illustrate how the Bel Air bridged traditional six-cylinder power with Chevrolet’s new V8 capability, offering buyers a clear upgrade path in performance.
Historical significance of the small-block V8
Introduction of the 265-cubic-inch small-block V8 in the 1955 Bel Air is widely viewed as a watershed moment for Chevrolet. The new V8 delivered smoother performance, improved acceleration, and laid the groundwork for Chevrolet’s long-running V8 family, influencing the brand’s approach to performance and value for decades to come.
Transmission options
Across these engines, buyers could pair either powertrain with a traditional three-speed manual transmission or Chevrolet’s automatic options available at the time, including the Hydramatic and Powerglide transmissions, depending on the trim and package selected.
Summary
In summary, the 1955 Bel Air offered two engine choices: the dependable 235.5-cu-in inline-six and Chevrolet’s pioneering 265-cu-in small-block V8. The V8 option represented a major leap in performance for the model and helped establish Chevrolet’s reputation for combining affordability with stronger, more modern powertrains.
What engine came in a 55 Chevy Bel Air?
The 1955 Chevy Bel-Air's original engine options were a 216.5 cu in Thriftmaster I6, 235.5 cu in Blue Frame I6, and 265 cu in Small-Block V8. The 265 cu in V8 has a short-stroke and high compression ratio along with an overhead-valve system.
Did the 55 Chevy have a V-8?
The 1955 Chevrolet was the first successful Chevrolet with an optional V8 engine.
What year is the best Chevy 327 engine?
The best Chevy 327 engine year is widely considered to be 1965–1968, specifically the L79 version, which offered a great balance of performance and drivability. For a higher-performance, race-oriented engine, the 1964–1965 L76 and 1964–1965 L84 (fuel-injected) versions were the most powerful factory small-blocks of their time.
You can watch this video to learn about the L79's performance and its impact on muscle car history: 59sEngine LegendsYouTube · Jun 6, 2025
Best overall performance and drivability
- Years: 1965–1968
- Engine: L79
- Why it's the best: The L79 produced a potent 350 hp with a high-performance hydraulic camshaft, making it both powerful and streetable. It was a rocket from 2,400 rpm to 5,800 rpm and was available in a variety of GM vehicles, not just Corvettes.
This video explains the history and performance of the L79 engine, including its features and why it was a popular choice: 58sEngine LegendsYouTube · Jun 3, 2025
Best for pure factory horsepower
- Years: 1964–1965
- Engine: L76 (365 hp) and L84 (375 hp, fuel-injected)
- Why it's the best: These were the most powerful production small-blocks ever built until the 2001 LS6 came out. They featured a high 11:1 compression ratio and a solid-lifter "30-30" cam for maximum top-end power. However, they were less comfortable for daily driving than the L79.
Other notable versions
- 1962–1963: The 327 was first introduced, with versions available in 250, 300, and 340 horsepower ratings.
- 1967–1969: Later versions saw lower compression ratios and power ratings fade as Chevy focused on the new 350 cubic-inch engine. The 1969 model had a two-barrel carburetor and produced 235 horsepower.
How much is a 55 Bel Air worth?
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.
