What were the Chevy models for 1956?
Chevrolet’s 1956 passenger-car lineup consisted of three main model lines—Bel Air, 210 (Two-Ten), and 150—with the Bel Air family also offering the Nomad wagon as a sport-oriented option.
In 1956, Chevrolet’s strategy kept the familiar tri-five structure, expanding options within each line while preserving the distinctions between a premium Bel Air presentation and the more accessible Two-Ten and One-Fifty entries. The Nomad wagon joined the Bel Air lineup as a distinctive two-door wagon, reflecting the era’s interest in stylish family transport.
Chevrolet’s 1956 model lineup
These are the primary model designations that defined Chevrolet’s 1956 passenger cars and how buyers chose among them.
- Bel Air — the top-line series, offered in a full range of body styles including two-door and four-door sedans, hardtops, and convertibles. The Bel Air badge also encompassed the stylish Nomad wagon variant.
- 210 (Two-Ten) — the mid-range line, providing similar body styles with fewer premium features and a lower price point.
- 150 — the base-level line, aimed at budget-conscious buyers with practical options and fewer luxury touches.
- Nomad — a two-door wagon marketed under the Bel Air family, known for its sport-w wagon styling and added cargo versatility.
In practice, these lines spanned a broad array of bodies, from conventional sedans to coupes, hardtops, convertibles, and the distinctive Nomad wagon, giving buyers a wide range of choices within the three main model lines.
Body styles and notable features
Across the Bel Air, 210, and 150 lines, Chevrolet offered multiple body styles to suit different tastes, while the Nomad carried Bel Air styling into a wagon body. The common body options in 1956 included:
- 2-door sedan
- 4-door sedan
- 2-door hardtop coupe
- 4-door hardtop
- Convertible
- Nomad wagon (Bel Air)
The Nomad wagon stood out as a notable niche within the lineup, combining wagon practicality with the sportier styling cues associated with Bel Air.
Notes on the Nomad
The Nomad, introduced in the mid-1950s, remained a distinctive two-door wagon that carried Bel Air styling cues and offered a more upscale appearance for a wagon body configuration, appealing to buyers seeking a family-friendly vehicle with a fashionable edge.
Summary
For 1956, Chevrolet kept a three-tier approach—Bel Air, 210, and 150—while expanding the Bel Air family with the Nomad wagon. Buyers could select from a wide range of body styles within these lines, blending style, performance, and value in a year marked by iconic ’50s design and a durable, broad lineup.
