1955, 1956, & 1957 Chevy Colors and Paint Codes - Solid Colors & Two-Tones

In a recent blog post, we provided a comprehensive guide to interior trim codes for 1955-57 Chevy cars. This week, we're moving our focus from the interior of the vehicle to the exterior. Tri Five Chevy cars were offered in a wide range of eye-catching paint colors and two-tone color combinations, and these options changed with each model year. Read on for a guide to identifying 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevy colors and paint codes.

Many of the reference photos in this article are courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

How to Find Tri Five Chevy Paint Codes

Just like the interior trim code, each Tri Five Chevy's original paint code can be found on the trim tag, which is attached to the right side of the vehicle's cowl panel under the hood. In the diagram above, the paint code is represented by letter E. Each paint code is a three-digit number, but in 1956 and 1957, these numbers are sometimes followed by a letter (as pictured above). The letter A stood for a solid color, and B, C, D, or E stood for a two-tone paint scheme.

In '57 Chevy 210 example above, 812 indicates Surf Green / Highland Green, and the letter C indicates that these colors were applied to its body panels as a two-tone.

1955 Chevy Colors

Above: A Cashmere Blue base color and India Ivory accent color form a beautiful combination on this '55 Chevy that we photographed outside the Classic Industries Retail Showroom.

Here's a list of the paint colors originally applied to 1955 Tri Five Chevy cars. Note that all color previews are approximate representations, and may be skewed by lighting and/or your screen's color settings.

Solid Colors:

Above: This 1955 Bel Air wears a combination of Coral base color and Shadow Gray accent color.

Two-Tone Colors:

1956 Chevy Colors

Above: Dusk Plum blends red and purple hues for an elegant look. Here's a '56 Bel Air with Dusk Plum base paint color and India Ivory accent color.

The following paint colors were originally applied to 1956 Tri Five Chevy cars. Note that all color previews are approximate representations, and may be skewed by lighting and/or your screen's color settings.

Solid Colors:

Above: Crocus Yellow has a faint tinge of green, which is especially visible in certain lighting conditions. On this '56 Bel Air, it's paired with an Onyx Black accent color.

Two-Tone Colors:

1957 Chevy Colors

Above: Matador Red might be the most iconic color for the '57 Bel Air. Whether it's paired with a two-tone accent color or used as a solid color by itself, it's always sure to draw a crowd.

Lastly, here are the original colors and two-tone schemes for 1957 Tri Five Chevy cars. Note that all color previews are approximate representations, and may be skewed by lighting and/or your screen's color settings.

Solid Colors:

Above: Sierra Gold resembles copper, while Adobe Beige is a warm white. This combination really suits the '57 Bel Air seen here.

Two-Tone Colors:

Looking for 1955-57 Chevy Restoration Parts?

Above: Inca Silver looks great on this '57 Bel Air convertible, especially in contrast to it's bright red interior.

Now that you know all the original 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevy colors, you might be looking for a good local body shop to repaint your vehicle, as well as restoration parts and trim to install. Click the button below for a free full-color Tri Five Chevy restoration parts catalog.