Set in the early 1960s, the movie “American Graffiti” featured a hot-rodded ’55 Chevy 210 which was driven by a young Harrison Ford. Directed by legendary Hollywood director George Lucas, the 55 Chevy 210 was immortalized in popular culture. Beyond the film, the ’55 Chevy 210 continues to be celebrated at car shows and seems to be one of the most sought-after classics. So here we take a look at some interesting facts about the 55 Chevy American graffiti.
The Iconic 1955 Chevrolet 210
The 55 Chevy 210, also known as the “tri-five” Chevy, holds a special place in automotive history. Its design, performance, and innovative features made it an instant classic. Released as part of Chevrolet’s second-generation “Task-Force” series, the ’55 Chevy remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today. You can check out the custom 1955 Chevy 210 by Gas Monkey Garage.
Bob Falfa From The American Graffiti
Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Bob Falfa in “American Graffiti” is one of the standout performances of the film. Ford’s charisma, confidence, and menacing presence make Bob Falfa a character to remember. However, it’s not just Harrison Ford’s acting that sets Bob Falfa apart; it’s also the car he drives—the 1955 Chevrolet 210. The car is a sleek, black coupe with a distinctive design that perfectly complements Falfa’s edgy and rebellious personality.
Design
The 55 Chevy American Graffiti car featured an iconic design with distinctive design elements which included a prominent chromed grille, substantial front and rear bumpers, and a stylish two-tone paint scheme. The wraparound windshield and rear window offered excellent visibility, and the panoramic glass added to the car’s appeal. Moreover, the car’s tail fins were a notable feature which contributed to its eye-catching look.The Chevy 210 was also featured on the TV show “Fast N’ Loud.”
Only One Chevy That Survived
Out of the three Chevy that were used in the movie, only one survived. While one was sent back to the junkyard, one was sold to a stock car racer who eventually crashed the car in the accident. The only one that survived was kept by the studio employee who eventually kept it for himself. Eventually, it became available for sale and experienced several different owners over time.
Drag Racing Roots
The ’55 Chevy, with its sleek design and powerful V8 engine options, was a natural choice for drag racers of its time. The ’55 Chevy was a favorite canvas for hot rodders and racers, who often customized and modified it to maximize its speed and power. The availability of V8 engines, particularly the small-block Chevy V8s, allowed racers to achieve exceptional acceleration and performance.
1969 L-88 427 Engine
The American Graffiti 55 Chevy featured the 1969 L-88 427 engine that was a performance marvel. The L-88 engine boasted 430 horsepower and featured a robust 427-cubic-inch displacement. When transplanted into the ’55 Chevy, it would have unleashed a tremendous surge of power. This engine was renowned for its legendary torque and brute force, making it a perfect match for the ’55 Chevy’s classic design.
Original Color
The 55 Chevy from American Graffiti featured in the movie “American Graffiti” originally had a blue color. The two-tone paint scheme included a primary body color of light blue. The secondary color was used for accents like the roof and side details. In the case of the ’55 Chevy 210 from the film, the roof, and other highlights were of white shade.
Three Chevys From The Movie
In the production of “American Graffiti,” three cars were used. Notably, two of these cars had already appeared in another Gary Kurtz film, “Two-Lane Blacktop.” The third vehicle was a salvage yard find, employed as the “burn” car for a specific scene and later returned to the salvage yard.
