10000 '55

(1955 - 1958)

In March 1955 with the presenting of the Second Light Series, the medium and heavy-duti truck line was also improved, with totally new sheet metal gracing all models. For the first time in Chevrolet's truck range light duty and medium duty trucks received different styling. All trucks received newly designed fenders which flowed into the door contours, new cabs with attractive wrap-around windshield, headlights set in heavily-browed sockets, and a new hood with a pronounced frontal overhang. But if the medium and heavy-duty models received an attractive egg-crate grille, the light-duty models got more regular cell grille. The trucks were provided with upgraded 6-cylinder engines, or could be ordered with the new V-8 of 265 cubic inches. It was called the Trademaster for the truck line, and was downgraded to 145 horsepower at 4000 RPM. The upgraded 6-cylinder blocks now included the Thriftmaster rated at 123 horsepower at 3600 RPM, the Loadmaster rated at 119 horsepower at 3600 RPM, the optional Loadmaster rated at 123 horsepower at 3800 RPM, and the Jobmaster optional engine of 140 horsepower at 4000 RPM. In 1956 the engines power was increased again. Two 6-cylinder engines were available, the standard 140 horsepower model or the optional Jobmaster of 148 horsepower at 4000 RPM. The most common V-8 in the truck line was the Taskmaster, which turned out 155 horsepower at 4200 RPM. Also available in some models was the Turbo-Fire V-8 which produced 162 horsepower at 4000 RPM. 2.5-ton and 3-ton models were added to the Chevrolet's range for the first time. Even 3-axle trucks were available with double boogies installed by large dealers, and sometimes by factory. The new range included the next models:
4100 - 1.5-ton model with 130-inch wheelbase.
4400 - 1.5-ton model with 154-inch wheelbase.
4500 - school bus chassis with 154-inch wheelbase.
6100 - 2-ton model with 130-inch wheelbase.
6400 - 2-ton model with 154-inch wheelbase.
6500 - 2-ton model with 172-inch wheelbase.
6700 - school bus chassis with 194-inch wheelbase.
6800 - school bus chassis with 220-inch wheelbase.
8100 - 2.5-ton model with 132.5-inch wheelbase.
8200 - 2.5-ton model with 144.5-inch wheelbase.
8400 - 2.5-ton model with 154.5-inch wheelbase.
8500 - 2.5-ton model with 174.5-inch wheelbase.
8700 - 2.5-ton model with 192.5-inch wheelbase.
8800 - school bus chassis with 240-inch wheelbase.
10400 - 3-ton model with 156.5-inch wheelbase. Available also in tandem configuration.
10500 - 3-ton model with 174.5-inch wheelbase. Available also in tandem configuration.
10700 - 3-ton model with 192.5-inch wheelbase. Available also in tandem configuration.
10800 - school bus chassis with 240-inch wheelbase.