1955-1957 Chevy Car Recognition

Car Recognition Guidelines

1955 Chevrolet

• The 1955 Chevrolet is distinguished by a relatively simple rectangular grill.
• Wraparound windshield was first introduced.
• 1955 was the first year that a V-8 265 cubic inch engine was offered since 1917. The V-8 engines did not come with an oil filter.
• The dash brushed aluminum trim is designed with bowties
• The gas tank door is located in the rear drivers side quarter panel just behind the rear wheel opening.
• The roof of all Nomads was distinctive – it was ribbed with nine grooves.

1956 Chevrolet

• The Chevrolet passenger cars received a minor faceliift.
• Full-width front Grill.
• Longer and flatter hood.
• The rear wheel openings, which were elongated and flared and designed to accentuate a longer lower look.
• The rear taillights were redesigned and the left taillight assembly hid the fuel filler cap.
• All V-8s came with a full-flow oil filter.
• The generator was mounted differently to reduce vibrations.
• Turn signal indicators were made standard equipment.
• The dash brushed aluminum trim is designed in rectangular squares.
• The dual four barrel intake setup came with an aluminum intake manifold.
• Seatbelts and shoulder harnesses were optional as dealer-installed accessories for the first time.
• Another safety related option was the padded dash.

1957 Chevrolet

• Shared the basic roof design, doors, and rear deck with 55-56 models.
• Front end featured a new integral bumper-grill combination.
• The hood was lowered and flatter and received two wind splits.
• The cowl air induction was eliminated and replacement air intakes were located in the upper half of the headlight bezels.
• The front fenders have three indentations just behind the headlight bezels.
• Fenders incorporated fins and the taillight and back-up light location included in the bumper.
• The fuel filler door is located behind a panel on the left rear fender moulding.
• Side trim moulding created a triangular area on the rear quarter panel.
• Interior is restyled with a single large round speedometer flanked by a smaller round temperature guage on its left and a gasoline guage on the right.
• Speakers on cars equipped with a radio were relocated to the top of the dash.
• A new window-type distributor that was used for the first time made it possible to adjust the breaker points while the engine was running.
• The big deal was the availability of a Rochester mechanical fuel injection system on the 283ci V-8. Total of 1,530 passenger Chevrolets were equipped with fuel injection in 1957.