CHEVROLET 1955-57
WHILE BUYERS WERE RELUCTANT TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE TRUSTY STOVEBOLT SIX, THE NEW CHEVY V8'S CHARMS SOON WON THEM OVER
Just how and for that matter why can a car that was among the most basic on the market when new be worth more these days than luxury models from the same era?
The Chevrolet that appeared in 1955 was more modern and compact than the brand's previous models and brought massive change to the US vehicle market. It was the first Chevrolet with a V8 engine and took the brand back to market leadership; leaping more than 300,000 units clear of Ford. Two years later came a major restyle with fins, extra chrome and predominantly V8 engines. Today, some of those Chevs sell in the collector market for a lot more money than Cadillacs of the same age.
Six-cylinder engines were US buyers' principal choice in 1955 and the only choice for Australian buyers of new Chevrolets. 1955 saw 45 per cent of Chevrolet buyers specify their cars with the new 265 cubic inch V8 but during 1956, V8-powered cars would claim 57 per cent of sales.
The Chevrolet engine was slightly smaller than Ford's overhead-valve ‘272' but with 8.0:1 compression the GM unit produced the same power. A ‘Power Pack' option was available too, cheaply increasing output from 121 to 135kW. For 1957, engine capacity increased to 4.6 litres (283 cubic inches) and performance became a focal point of Chevrolet marketing.
Most significant in boosting the '57 models' performance image was the availability of ‘dual quad' carburettors (twin four-barrels) or the same fuel-injection system used in the Corvette sports car. With injection, the Bel-Air model was able to boast in very immodest advertisements ‘1 HP Per Cubic Inch' – an achievement usually reserved for competition cars or European exotics.
Desirable body styles like the Bel-Air Sport Hardtop and convertible still pop up frequently at high-profile US auctions and prices for injected cars remain at US$60-80,000, In the local market, some high-quality fixed roof cars will top $100,000 and convertibles get close to $125,000.
Finding an original, Aussie-assembled car is becoming difficult as the majority have been modified and fitted with V8 engines.
A six-cylinder manual that has been maintained in close to original condition is now likely to cost $40-50,000. Sedans with V8 engines, original or replacement, modified brakes, suspension and interior will be $15,000-$50,000 dearer.
Options were numerous and included power steering, air-conditioning for V8-powered cars, a power-operated convertible top and Continental kit that allowed the spare wheel to be mounted on the rear bumper.
Top speed of the US-spec car was 157km/h so only 3km/h quicker than ‘our' three-speed manual. Off the line and overtaking, though, the V8 shouldered the Aussie version aside. The old 0-60mph (0-96km/h) benchmark test took a very rapid 12.3 seconds – almost six seconds better than the local car. Overtaking in the 50-80km/h bracket saw the V8 surge past in 4.4 seconds while second gear in the manual still took 6.6.
Where the less-potent three-speed won was in fuel consumption, where the V8 averaged 17.6L/100km, against 14.7 for the manual.