Classic Cars & Restoration Parts | Classic Industries

1955-57 Chevy Bel Air, 210, and 150 Production Numbers - How Many Were Built?

Written by Classic Industries News | Dec 16, 2020 11:36:36 PM

From 1955 through 1957, Chevrolet produced the series of iconic vehicles that enthusiasts now refer to as Tri Five Chevy models. More than one million of these cars rolled off the assembly line every year to be distributed throughout North America and the rest of the world. However, as with any car, certain body styles and trim levels were common while others were rare. This is relevant to anyone who wishes to buy or restore a classic Chevy 150, 210, or Bel Air today, since it means that some variants will be easier to find than others. Read on as we take a look at the production numbers for each Tri Five Chevy sub-model.

*Note: Although the information provided in the charts below is believed to be correct, the accuracy of these production numbers has not been verified by the factory. These numbers should be treated as estimates.

1955 Chevy 150, 210, and Bel Air Production Numbers

The first year of the Tri Five Chevy production run was a massive success, with a total production of nearly 1.8 million vehicles. According to the book "American Cars of the 1950s" by Robert Genat and David Newhardt, Chevrolets accounted for 44% of the low-price passenger cars purchased that year and 24% of all new cars sold that year. The most popular 1955 Chevy model was the four-door Bel Air, followed closely by the four-door 210. The rarest 1955 Chevy model was the new two-door Nomad wagon; GM only made 8,530 that year.

Here are the estimated 1955 Chevy production numbers:

150 2dr Sedan 66,833
150 2dr Utility Sedan 12,139
150 4dr Sedan 34,906
150 2dr Delivery Sedan 10,639
150 2dr Handyman Wagon 18,496
210 2dr Sedan 250,000
210 2dr Hardtop Sport Coupe 11,685
210 4dr Sedan 340,222
210 4dr Townsman Wagon 84,239
210 2dr Delray Club Coupe 116,406
210 2dr Handyman Wagon 29,419
Bel Air 2dr Sedan 168,826
Bel Air 4dr Sedan 366,293
Bel Air 4dr Beauville Wagon 25,772
Bel Air 2dr Nomad Wagon 8,530
Bel Air 2dr Convertible 42,278
Bel Air 2dr Hardtop Sport Coupe 189,269
Total 1955 Production 1,775,952

 

1956 Chevy 150, 210, and Bel Air Production Numbers

In the second year of Tri Five production, Chevrolet's successes continued. Although total sales would decline a little in '56 and '57 from the first-year high-water mark, GM still sold an immense 1.6 million vehicles this year. The most popular 1956 Chevy models were a reversal of 1955; GM built slightly more mid-range 210 four-door Sedans than top-of-the-line Bel Air four-door Sedans. Yet again, the rarest model was the two-door Nomad wagon.

Here are the estimated 1956 Chevy production numbers:

150 2dr Sedan 82,735
150 2dr Utility Sedan 10,712
150 4dr Sedan 55,333
150 2dr Delivery Sedan 9,445
150 2dr Handyman Wagon 13,739
210 2dr Sedan 206,434
210 2dr Hardtop Sport Coupe 19,079
210 4dr Sedan 298,935
210 4dr Townsman Wagon 114,646
210 4dr Hardtop Sport Sedan 21,131
210 4dr Beauville Wagon 19,394
210 2dr Delray Club Coupe 56,882
210 2dr Handyman Wagon 22,381
Bel Air 2dr Sedan 105,098
Bel Air 4dr Sedan 282,476
Bel Air 4dr Townsman Wagon 14,931
Bel Air 4dr Hardtop Sport Sedan 109,261
Bel Air 2dr Nomad Wagon 8,103
Bel Air 2dr Convertible 41,883
Bel Air 2dr Hardtop Sport Coupe 130,778
Total 1956 Production 1,623,376

 

1957 Chevy 150, 210, and Bel Air Production Numbers

The third and final year of the Tri Five Chevy featured a total of 1.5 million Chevrolet 150, 210, and Bel Air models produced. Like the '55 and '56, the 1957 Chevy is immediately recognizable and popular to this day. The top-selling models in 1957 were the 210 four-door Sedan (273k built) and Bel Air four-door sedan (264k built). As with previous years, the Nomad was the rarest of the bunch, with only 6,264 produced; the spartan 150 Delivery Sedan and Utility Sedan were also relatively rare, with less than 10,000 produced of each model that year.

Here are the estimated 1957 Chevy production numbers:

150 2dr Sedan 71,135
150 2dr Utility Sedan 8,817
150 4dr Sedan 56,418
150 2dr Delivery Sedan 8,907
150 2dr Handyman Wagon 15,087
210 2dr Sedan 162,851
210 2dr Hardtop Sport Coupe 23,092
210 4dr Sedan 273,696
210 4dr Townsman Wagon 128,941
210 4dr Hardtop Sport Sedan 18,206
210 4dr Beauville Wagon 23,862
210 2dr Delray Club Coupe 25,952
210 2dr Handyman Wagon 17,996
Bel Air 2dr Sedan 62,942
Bel Air 4dr Sedan 264,449
Bel Air 4dr Townsman Wagon 27,822
Bel Air 4dr Hardtop Sport Sedan 142,518
Bel Air 2dr Nomad Wagon 6,264
Bel Air 2dr Convertible 48,068
Bel Air 2dr Hardtop Sport Coupe 168,293
Total 1957 Production 1,555,316

 

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Tri Five Chevy?

The term Tri Five Chevy refers to Chevrolet cars built in '55, '56, and '57, especially the One-Fifty, Two-Ten, Bel Air, and Nomad.

How many 1955 Chevy cars were built?

General Motors produced approximately 1.78 million '55 Chevy cars. That accounts for nearly 25% of the 7.1 million total new cars sold in 1955!

How many 1956 Chevy cars were built?

General Motors produced approximately 1.62 million '56 Chevy cars.

How many 1957 Chevy cars were built?

General Motors produced approximately 1.56 million '57 Chevy cars.

When was the Chevy Bel Air most popular?

The Bel Air sold more units in 1955 than any other Tri Five year (an estimated 168,826). However, in proportion to total sales, it was most popular in 1957 — 46% of all '57 Chevy cars were Bel Airs.

Were the '55, '56, and '57 Chevy cars a success for General Motors?

The '55, '56, and '57 Chevy cars were very successful and considered a major turning point in Chevrolet history. Automotive journalists have called the Tri Five "legendary" and "a masterpiece."

Need Tri Five Chevy 150, 210, or Bel Air Parts?

Classic Industries is the number one source for classic Chevy restoration parts. If you're looking for replacement parts, maintenance items, body panels, trim, or even a crate motor, we've got what you need. Click the button below to get a free full-color Tri Five Chevy restoration parts catalog.