What size is a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air?
In brief, the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is a full-size car built on a 115-inch wheelbase with an overall length typically around the mid-195 inches, varying slightly by body style. Its footprint reflects the era’s approach to space, comfort, and presence on the road.
This article details the Bel Air’s key measurements—wheelbase, length, width, height—and how different body styles within the 1955 lineup affected overall size, providing a clearer picture for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts.
Dimensions and footprint
The Bel Air’s size centers on a long wheelbase and a substantial overall length, which contributed to its spacious interior and distinctive platform stance. While the wheelbase remained consistent, the overall length could shift by a few inches depending on the body style and roof configuration.
- Wheelbase: 115.0 inches (292 cm)
- Overall length: roughly 195.0–199.0 inches (4.95–5.05 m)
- Width: about 69.5–70.0 inches (1.77–1.78 m)
- Height: approximately 54.5–57.0 inches (1.38–1.45 m)
- Curb weight: roughly 3,200–3,500 pounds (1,450–1,588 kg)
These figures illustrate a classic full-size profile: a long, broad car with a relatively low roofline by modern standards, designed for a comfortable ride and generous interior space for its era.
Body styles and size variations
Chevrolet offered several Bel Air body styles in 1955, and while the wheelbase stayed the same, the perceived length and stance could vary slightly due to roofline geometry, doors, and body mass. Understanding these nuances helps when dating a car or assessing restoration needs.
- 2-door Bel Air sedan: generally near the mid-to-upper end of the length range
- 4-door Bel Air sedan: similar length, with a slightly different rear profile
- 2-door Bel Air hardtop: often marginally longer due to structural and style considerations
- Bel Air convertible: typically within the same overall length band, with minor differences from roof mechanism and reinforcements
Despite small variations by body style, the Bel Air’s core footprint remained characteristic of mid-1950s American full-size cars: long, wide, and designed for a spacious interior and a commanding road presence.
Historical context and practical notes
During the 1955 model year, Chevrolet emphasized generous interior room and a stately exterior silhouette. The 115-inch wheelbase helped accommodate comfortable seating, trunk space, and a smooth ride on the era’s road surfaces. For collectors, exact dimensions can vary by production date, trim level, and whether aftermarket modifications were made over the decades.
Summary
The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air embodies the classic full-size American car: a 115-inch wheelbase with an overall length generally in the 195–199 inch range, a width near 70 inches, and a height around the mid-50s inches. Body style choices influenced minor length and contour differences, but the Bel Air maintained a consistent, recognizable footprint that defined its era. For restorers and fans, these measurements provide a baseline for authentic replications and accurate assessments of original examples.
What engine came in a 1955 Chevy Bel Air?
A 1955 Chevy Bel Air came with two engine options: a standard 235 cubic inch inline-six or an optional 265 cubic inch overhead-valve V8. The six-cylinder was rated at 123 or 136 horsepower depending on the configuration, while the V8 could produce 162 horsepower or up to 180 horsepower with the "Power Pack" option.
- Standard engine: The base model included a 235 cubic inch "Blue Flame" inline-six engine.
- Optional engine: A new 265 cubic inch V8 was introduced as an option, and was a huge success.
- V8 variations:
- Base V8: The 162 horsepower V8 was equipped with a two-barrel carburetor.
- Power Pack: A "Power Pack" option increased the horsepower to 180 with a four-barrel carburetor and other upgrades.
- Super Power Pack: Later in the model year, a "Super Power Pack" offered an additional 15 horsepower.
How much is a 55 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.
What is the difference between a 1955 Chevy 210 and a Bel Air?
The main differences between a 1955 Chevy 210 and a Bel Air are the trim levels and interior appointments, with the Bel Air being the higher-end model. While both were available in similar body styles like sedans and hardtops and offered the same engine options, the Bel Air featured more stainless steel trim on the exterior, upgraded interior upholstery, different dash trim, and a more upscale steering wheel.
| Feature | 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1955 Chevrolet 210 |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Trim | More extensive stainless steel trim running the full length of the side from front fender to rear quarter panel. | Less trim, with chrome accents on the front door only. |
| Interior | More premium interior with upgraded upholstery, different headliner and carpet materials, and special dash trim. | Standard interior with vinyl trim, but also offered available upgraded upholstery. |
| Wheel Covers | Standard equipment. | Not standard, though they could be added as an option. |
| Steering Wheel | Often featured a more upscale steering wheel. | Standard steering wheel. |
| Dash/Speaker Grill | Included a unique dash trim and speaker grill badge. | Standard dash and speaker grill. |
| Body Styles | Available in sedan, hardtop, and convertible body styles. | Available in sedan, hardtop, and convertible body styles. |
| Engine Options | Available with both six-cylinder and V8 engines, including the new 265 cubic inch V8. | Available with both six-cylinder and V8 engines, including the new 265 cubic inch V8. |
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How big is a 1955 Chevy Bel Air?
The 1955 Chevy Bel Air has a length of about 195.6 inches, a width of 73 inches, and a height of 59 inches, with a 115-inch wheelbase. Its weight is around 3,200 to 3,315 pounds depending on the specific model.
- Length: 195.6 inches
- Width: 73 inches
- Height: 59 inches
- Wheelbase: 115 inches
- Weight: Approximately 3,200–3,315 pounds
