1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop
Add to SetSummary
Chevrolet turned its image around in 1955. Its new V-8 engine was light modern, powerful and reliable. Combined with a clean, classic new body style it changed customers' impression of Chevrolet from stodgy and conservative to sporty and youthful almost overnight. This car, in fashionable coral and smoke grey colors, epitomizes Chevy's new slogan, "The Hot One."
Chevrolet turned its image around in 1955. Its new V-8 engine was light modern, powerful and reliable. Combined with a clean, classic new body style it changed customers' impression of Chevrolet from stodgy and conservative to sporty and youthful almost overnight. This car, in fashionable coral and smoke grey colors, epitomizes Chevy's new slogan, "The Hot One."
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1955
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
86.113.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Metal
Glass (Material)
Chromium
Vinyl
Cloth
Rubber (Material)
Color
Salmon (Color)
Gray (Color)
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Diameter: 3.75 in (Bore)
Length: 3 in (Stroke)
Height: 60.5 in
Width: 74 in
Wheelbase: 115 in
Length: 195.6 in
Weight: 3165 lbs
Inscriptions
Rear side panels: Bel Air On front dash, passenger side: Bel Air
Specifications
Make & Model: 1955 Chevrolet hardtop
Maker: General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Michigan
Engine: V-8, overhead valves, 265 cubic inches
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Height: 60.5 inches
Wheelbase: 115 inches
Width: 74 inches
Overall length: 195.5 inches
Weight: 3165 pounds
Horsepower: 162 at 4400 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 19.5
Price: $2,166
Average 1955 wage: $4,128 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 6 months
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