In 1955, the ‘Power Pack’ option had a four-barrel carburetor and other upgrades producing 180 bhp. The ‘Super Power Pack’ option increased compression and further 15bhp. Gauges for the generator and oil were replaced by warning lights. It was the second Chevrolet to be installed with a V-8 engine, the first was produced in 1917 and was called Series D and this was before Chevrolet joined General Motors. The 1955 Bel Air was popular and Motor Trend magazine gave Bel Air top marks. It was reported by popular mechanics to have a comfortable ride, good visibility, and the Powerglide V8 Bel Air acceleration of 0-60 mph in 12.9 seconds. The first V8 engines used too much oil and the horn ring blocked some of the speedometers, the regular gasoline made the engine knock. The front legroom was 43.1 and the brakes were 11 drums.
The V-8 had a new option of air conditioning and outlets on every side of the dashboard. The cars with this option were equipped with a heavy-duty generator in 1955-’66. Air conditioning was included in cars that were ordered with the standard three-speed manual transmission, overdrive, or Powerglide but from’57 automatic transmission was a pre-requisite optional. For the buyers who had no interest in the Ferrari-like front, a facelift was done to the 1956 Bel Air making it more convenient with a full-width grille. It had a two-tone treatment of the bodyside with the front and rear wheel openings making it a complete Speedline. The taillights were incorporated by single housings, stoplights, and a backup light.