What engines were available in a 1955 Chevy?
Two engine families were offered in 1955: the 235 cubic inch inline-six and the brand-new 265 cubic inch small-block V8.
That year, Chevrolet’s lineup spanned Bel Air, 210, and 150 models, with the inline-six serving as the economical staple and the V8 introducing a new level of performance. Buyers could also encounter different carburetor configurations and transmission options depending on model and option packages.
Engine options in the 1955 Chevy
The following list highlights the primary engine choices available across the 1955 Chevrolet lineup.
- 235 cubic inch inline-six (often marketed as the Blue Flame Six) with overhead valve design, providing reliable performance suitable for daily driving and value-oriented models.
- 265 cubic inch small-block V8 (Chevrolet’s new Turbo-Fire V8) introduced in 1955, available in different carburetion configurations to balance economy and higher output for more capable models.
These options powered the range from base sedans and Bel Air trims to higher-specification cars, with manual transmissions or Chevrolet’s Powerglide automatic transmission commonly paired with them.
Inline-six: 235 cubic inches
Overview
The 235 cubic inch inline-six was Chevrolet’s established, economical engine family in the mid-1950s. Known for durability and smooth operation, it powered many base-level Chevrolets and trucks in 1955, delivering horsepower in the modest, practical range typical of family cars of the era. It used an overhead valve design and was widely compatible with standard transmissions of the period.
Small-block V8: 265 cubic inches
Overview
The 265 cubic inch small-block V8 marked a milestone for Chevrolet by bringing modern V8 power to a broad audience in 1955. This engine was offered in multiple carburation setups to suit different performance and efficiency needs, pairing with manual transmissions or the then-new Powerglide automatic. The V8’s introduction provided a noticeable performance increase over the inline-six and helped set the stage for Chevrolet’s future performance lineups.
Summary
In summary, the 1955 Chevrolet lineup offered two main engine choices: the dependable 235 cu in inline-six for economical driving and the new 265 cu in small-block V8 for enhanced performance. Across models, buyers could select from different carburetors and transmission options to tailor power, efficiency, and driving feel to their needs.
