Chevrolet's new 265-cubic-inch overhead valve V8 was designed to be smaller and lighter than previous V8s in the automobile industry, and would come to be known as the "Chevy small block".

This issue was corrected for the next year when a full flow oil filter system was added to the engine.

Additionally, to keep performance and mileage levels high, it required spark plug and ignition points to be replaced on a regular basis.

Although, Ford introduced what would be the first "shoe box" body design in 1949, GM and Chrysler were slow to catch on, only slowly replacing some of their bubble-like hood and side panels with flatter ones each year, without achieving a full shoebox look by 1954.

Along with the flatter straighter panels, the 1955 also had modern cues like wrap-around glass on the windshield, and triangular tail lights that jutted outward.

The 1955, 1956 and 1957 Chevrolets are sought after by collectors, enthusiasts and hot rodders[citation needed], and the three model years are often referred to by the nickname the "Tri-Fives."

This body style had no post between the two side windows, resulting in a shorter roof and longer rear deck than the two door sedan.

A convertible was also offered in the Bel Air series, featuring the same shorter roof and longer rear deck as the Sport Coupe.

The 1955 also saw the introduction of the Bel Air Nomad, a sporty two-door station wagon which featured frameless door glass and elongated side windows.

Although regarded as one of the most beautiful station wagon designs of the era, the Nomad sold poorly, partly due to its price tag (one of the most expensive models in the Bel Air lineup) as well as its lack of four doors.