What is the wheelbase of a 1955 Chevy Bel Air 2 door?
The wheelbase of a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door is 115 inches (2,921 millimeters). This distance between the front and rear axles is a core spec that shapes the car’s stance, ride quality, and overall handling. In this article, we explain what that number means for the Bel Air and why it matters to collectors and restorers alike.
Context and significance
During the mid-1950s, Chevrolet’s Tri-Five lineup — the 1955, 1956, and 1957 Bel Air, 210, and 150 — shared a related chassis philosophy. The 115-inch wheelbase was a defining dimension for many of these full‑size Chevrolets, contributing to the familiar proportions that enthusiasts associate with the Bel Air’s classic silhouette and road presence. For two-door models in particular, the wheelbase helped balance passenger space with trunk capacity and influenced ride characteristics across the era’s suspension and tire technology.
Wheelbase specification
Key dimension for the 1955 Bel Air 2-Door, as documented in period catalogs and restoration references, is presented here for quick reference.
Interpreting the figure
- Wheelbase: 115 inches (2,921 millimeters)
The 115-inch wheelbase was standard across typical 1955 Bel Air two‑door configurations, helping to define the car’s classic long‑roof, low-slung profile and its characteristic ride for its era.
Historical context
The 1955 Bel Air was part of Chevrolet’s celebrated Tri-Five generation, a period known for styling that combined generous interior space with a comparatively streamlined exterior. The 115-inch wheelbase contributed to the model’s stability on the highway and its ability to accommodate the era’s larger tires and suspension geometry, while maintaining the iconic proportions that collectors seek in restoration projects.
Notes for restorers and enthusiasts
For those restoring or verifying a 1955 Bel Air 2-Door, the wheelbase figure is a baseline reference. While the 115-inch figure is the standard for most examples, it is always prudent to consult the vehicle’s build sheet or factory records, as rare production variations or dealer‑specific options could influence exact chassis specifications.
Summary
The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door uses a wheelbase of 115 inches (2,921 mm). This standard dimension underpins the car’s classic proportions, ride quality, and stability—factors that define the Tri-Five era and continue to attract restorers and collectors today.
What is the wheelbase of a 1955 Chevy Bel Air?
The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air has a 115-inch wheelbase, which it shared with the outgoing 1954 models despite having a completely redesigned chassis and body, according to Savoy Automobile Museum and this YouTube video.
- Wheelbase: 115 inches.
- Shared with 1954 models: The 1955 Bel Air maintained the same wheelbase as the 1954 model.
- Chassis and body: Despite sharing the wheelbase, the 1955 model featured an all-new chassis and body.
What is a 1955 Chevy worth today?
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.
How long is a 55 Chevy Bel Air?
A 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is approximately 195.5 to 195.6 inches (or about 16.3 feet) long. While the length can vary slightly by specific model (e.g., hardtop vs. convertible), the overall length is very consistent across the 1955 line.
- Hardtop: The hardtop model is 195.6 inches long.
- Convertible: The 2-door convertible is 195 inches long.
What is the most desirable Bel-Air year?
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.
