Chevrolet Bel Air
January 2, 2008
In 1955, Chevrolets gained a V8 engine option. The new 265 cubic-inch V8 featured a modern, overhead valve high-compression, short stroke design that was so good that it remained in production in various forms, for many decades. The base V8 had a two-barrel carburetor and was rated at 162 horsepower, and the "Power Pack" option featured a four-barrel carburetor and other upgrades, yielding 180 brake horsepower. Later in the year, a "Super Power Pack" option added high compression and 15 additional horsepower over the 180. Most enthusiasts today associate the Bel Air and the V8 together, even though neither was dependent on the other. That year, Chevrolet's full-size model received new styling that earned it the "Hot One" Read more
