The 1955-1957 Chevrolet Bel Air gets all the attention, but the Tri-Five lineup included 150 and 210 models that matched or even outdid it in performance and style. These underdogs, from lightweight sedans to practical wagons, were built for racers, families, and fleet buyers alike. Here are ten Tri-Five Chevys that deserve more love for their unique contributions.
1955 Chevrolet 150 Two-Door Sedan
The 1955 150 Two-Door Sedan was the bare-bones Tri-Five, built for budget buyers and racers. Its 265 V8 delivered 162 hp standard or 180 hp with a four-barrel, pushing the 3,150-lb body to 0-60 mph in ~8 seconds. A three-speed manual kept it simple, with basic vinyl seats and rubber mats inside. Minimal chrome and a boxy grille gave it a plain look, but its light weight made it a favorite for early stock car racing.
1955 Chevrolet 210 Handyman Wagon
The 1955 210 Handyman, a two-door wagon, produced ~21,000 units. Its 265 V8 (162 hp standard, 180 hp with four-barrel) moved the 3,450-lb chassis to 60 mph in ~9 seconds. A three-speed manual or Powerglide automatic were options. Vinyl seats and a glovebox light added slight comfort, while the shorter roofline looked sportier than four-door wagons. Its blend of cargo space and V8 power made it a sleeper hit for versatile drivers.
1956 Chevrolet 150 Utility Sedan
The 1956 150 Utility Sedan, a two-door model with no rear seat, saw ~8,300 units built for salespeople and fleets. Its 235 inline-six (140 hp) or 265 V8 (170 hp standard, 205 hp four-barrel) hit 60 mph in ~10 seconds at 3,150 lbs. The three-speed manual was standard, with rubber mats and minimal gauges inside. Its light weight and simplicity made it a go-to for custom builds, though it stayed under the radar.
1956 Chevrolet 210 Delray Club Coupe
The 1956 210 Delray Club Coupe added style to the mid-tier 210 with unique vinyl upholstery and extra chrome. Its 265 V8 (170 hp standard, 205 hp four-barrel) reached 60 mph in ~8.5 seconds at 3,300 lbs. Three-speed manual or Powerglide options were available, with cloth-vinyl seats and a horn ring for a touch of class. With ~54,000 units, its sporty two-door look still appeals to collectors, despite Bel Air’s dominance.
1957 Chevrolet 150 Black Widow
The 1957 150 Black Widow, a NASCAR-prepped special by SEDCO, featured a fuel-injected 283 V8 (283 hp) hitting ~130 mph and quarter-miles in ~14.5 seconds at 3,200 lbs. A close-ratio three-speed manual, six-lug truck wheels, heavy-duty brakes, and dual shocks kept it track-ready. Only ~6–12 were built, with sparse vinyl interiors. Its plain looks hid its power, making it a racing legend that few noticed outside the pits.
1957 Chevrolet 210 Beauville Wagon
The 1957 210 Beauville, a nine-passenger wagon, had ~21,700 units. Its 283 V8 (185 hp standard, 220 hp four-barrel) pushed the 3,650-lb body to 60 mph in ~9 seconds. Powerglide or three-speed manual options paired with cloth-vinyl seats and optional power windows. It offered family-friendly seating and decent handling but lacked the Nomad’s flair, keeping it a practical yet powerful choice often overlooked.
1955 Chevrolet Nomad
The 1955 Nomad, a two-door Bel Air wagon, built 7,886 units with a sleek sloped roof. Its 265 V8 (162 hp standard, 180 hp four-barrel) hit 60 mph in ~8 seconds at 3,450 lbs. Powerglide or three-speed manual options complemented a vinyl interior and cargo layout. Frameless glass and chrome trim stood out, but tailgate leaks were a flaw. Its unique style makes it a rare classic, often overshadowed at the time.
1956 Chevrolet 150 Sedan Delivery
The 1956 150 Sedan Delivery, a two-door wagon with no rear windows, had ~7,800 units for fleet use. Its 265 V8 (170 hp standard, 205 hp four-barrel) reached 60 mph in ~9 seconds at 3,300 lbs. A three-speed manual and basic vinyl interior with rubber floors kept it simple. Its boxy shape maximized cargo, appealing to businesses and custom builders, but it rarely got the spotlight.
1957 Chevrolet 210 Townsman Wagon
The 1957 210 Townsman, a four-door wagon, produced ~28,400 units. Its 283 V8 (185 hp standard, 220 hp four-barrel) hit 60 mph in ~9 seconds at 3,550 lbs. Three-speed manual or Powerglide options, vinyl seats, and an optional AM radio offered modest comfort. It shared the Tri-Five’s solid frame for decent handling but lacked the Nomad’s style, making it a practical workhorse that flew under the radar.
1957 Chevrolet 150 Four-Door Sedan
The 1957 150 Four-Door Sedan, with ~70,800 units, was a practical performer. Its 283 V8 (185 hp standard, 220 hp four-barrel, or 283 hp fuel-injected) hit 60 mph in ~8 seconds at 3,250 lbs. A three-speed manual was standard, with a rare four-speed option. Minimal chrome and basic vinyl interiors kept it simple. The fuel-injected option made it a sleeper, but Bel Air’s flashier look stole its shine.
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