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What is the difference between 55 56 57 Chevy?

The 55, 56, and 57 Chevrolet models, often referred to as the "Tri-Five Chevys," are iconic American cars that have captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts for generations. While these three models share a similar overall design, there are distinct differences that set them apart.


The 1955 Chevrolet


The 1955 Chevrolet, also known as the "Bel Air," was a significant departure from the previous model year. It featured a sleek, modern design with a wraparound windshield, a longer and lower body, and a more powerful engine. The 1955 Chevy was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan, and a convertible. The 1955 model is often considered the most iconic of the Tri-Five Chevys, with its distinctive "shoebox" design and a wide range of customization options.


The 1956 Chevrolet


The 1956 Chevrolet built upon the success of the 1955 model, with a few notable changes. The most significant difference was the introduction of the "Tri-Chevy" grille, which featured three horizontal bars and a prominent Chevrolet emblem. The 1956 Chevy also had a slightly more angular design, with a more pronounced front end and a more pronounced rear fender. The 1956 model was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan, and a convertible, and was known for its powerful engine options and smooth ride.


The 1957 Chevrolet


The 1957 Chevrolet, often referred to as the "Bel Air," was the final model in the Tri-Five Chevy lineup. It featured a more rounded, aerodynamic design, with a distinctive "cat-eye" taillight design and a more prominent front grille. The 1957 Chevy was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan, and a convertible, and was known for its powerful engine options and sleek, stylish design.


Key Differences



  • Design: The 1955 Chevy had a more "shoebox" design, while the 1956 and 1957 models had a more angular and aerodynamic design, respectively.

  • Grille: The 1956 Chevy featured the distinctive "Tri-Chevy" grille, while the 1955 and 1957 models had different grille designs.

  • Taillight Design: The 1957 Chevy had the iconic "cat-eye" taillight design, while the 1955 and 1956 models had different taillight designs.

  • Engine Options: All three models offered a range of powerful engine options, with the 1957 Chevy being known for its particularly powerful V8 engines.


Overall, the 55, 56, and 57 Chevrolet models are all highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, each with its own unique design and features that have made them iconic American cars.

What is a 1955 Chevy truck called?


The Chevrolet Task Force (or in some cases, Task-Force) is a light-duty (3100-short bed & 3200-long bed) and medium-duty (3600) truck series by Chevrolet introduced in 1955, its first major redesign since 1947.



What is the difference between 1956 and 1957 Chevy?


The simple aspect of the grille that identifies the '56 are the huge, square-ish signal lamps encompassed within the grille, where the '57 has round signal lamps and huge round bumperettes. Both '55 and '56 have a smooth hood, but the '57 has a pair of 'Rockets' that make that hood specific to that year.



How can you tell a 55 from a 56 Chevy?


There were no 'design differences' between '55, '56 and '57 Cheverolet cars, only styling differences. Underneath the 'skin', they were the same car. Bumper attachment points are slightly different and rear spring hangers are slightly different on the frame between the three years.



What is the nickname for a 57 Chevy?


Some American car names might seem more familiar to you such as the Corvette, Mustang or Thunderbird, but on their looks nothing sums up the US in the 1950s than a tri-five Chevrolet; so called because their production was spread over the years of 1955 to 1957.



What is the difference between the 56 and 57 Chevy?


The simple aspect of the grille that identifies the '56 are the huge, square-ish signal lamps encompassed within the grille, where the '57 has round signal lamps and huge round bumperettes. Both '55 and '56 have a smooth hood, but the '57 has a pair of 'Rockets' that make that hood specific to that year.



How much does a 1957 Chevy cost today?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $43,483 for a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air at auction over the last three years was $275,000.



What is the difference between 55-56 and 57 Chevy?


The '57 was more differentiated because of the larger rear fins. The only thing that really changed on the '56 was the front grill, which was widened to go away from the "sporty" look of the '55 front end.



What was the difference between the 1955 and 1956 Chevy truck?


The 1956 models were unchanged, although the side nameplate moved up above the fender crease and a new emblem adorned the hood. Base prices rose from $1494 in 1955 to $1619, and the V-8 (called Trademaster) produced 155 horsepower while the six jumped to 140.



What is the rarest 56 Chevy?


The most popular 1956 Chevy models were a reversal of 1955; GM built slightly more mid-range 210 four-door Sedans than top-of-the-line Bel Air four-door Sedans. Yet again, the rarest model was the two-door Nomad wagon.



What was so special about the 57 Chevy?


In fact, not only was the Ramjet Fuel Injection system a first for General Motors, but the Bel Air became the first production V-8 passenger car with the technology. This period was the start of an era when consumers would become enamored with technology.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

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.