The 1955 Chevrolet truly was all new: new V8 engine, drivetrain, chassis, body, electrical system, everything, from the front bumper to the rear. This original GM film charts all the important engineering changes for ’55.
In 1955, Chevrolet introduced the revolutionary small-block Chevy V8, changing both the auto industry and the performance world forever. But lest we forget, General Motors also introduced a totally new automobile for ’55 to house the V8, with modern independent front suspension, an open driveline replacing the creaky old torque tube, tubeless tires, 12-volt electrical system, and a host of other advanced features. Truly, it was a brand new day at Chevrolet, and enthusiasts would soon take note.
At 12 minutes, this original GM promotional film runs a little long for internet viewing, or so the web experts say. But there’s a whole lot of interesting and informative material here, so it’s well worth your time. While presented in simple layman’s language, the film presents a wealth of solid technical info about all the new features of the ’55—including some key insights into the body and chassis engineering. The title New From the Ground Up sums up the material perfectly. Enjoy the video.
Yes… Yes…. Yes… Listen to how many times the announcer says “yes” and you’ll say yes.. Yes it’s a great introduction film too.
Some of the claims and ‘proof’ are quite dodgey. Braking, the 54 has the pedal jumped on,, the 55 eased!
Undoubtedly the 55 is a far better car, probably why that series is oh so popular besides the introduction of the small block. Though many of the ‘new’ claims might be new for Chevrolet but many of the ‘improvements’ were in use by other manufacturers and GM were catching up. But in what was a very good package. In hindsight so much is wrong and far from modern practice,, eg ram power steering, a high maintenance and somewhat vulnerable system. Though when working properly with the right steering box ratios actually is still not bad. Did those 55s though have 14 or 16-1 steering boxes? The only one I have driven was very slow and very vague. In fact it had a steering wheel spinner!
I was surprised at the film with no mention of the engine and trans updates. V8 and Powerslide was then a vast improvement.
Question, did the 6cyl come with auto as an option?
Yes
I have never seen a 55 Chevy with factory air. Must have been too expensive for most people who bought cars in ‘the low priced field”.
That leaky power steering and ball front wheel bearings caused a lot of grief over the years.
This is very strange; they start off with how much better this car is than the one they sold you last year… Get those marketing fools on the phone, y’hear? And it’s 12 minutes about a ’55 Chevy without mentioning the engine! Is this so much of a “draft” version that they weren’t sure of the V8 would come out in ’56 instead?