What was the displacement of Chevrolet’s original small-block V8 introduced for 1955?

Chevrolet’s original small-block V8 introduced for 1955 had a displacement of 265 cubic inches.

The 265-cubic-inch V8 was Chevrolet’s first engine in the small-block V8 family. Engineers developed it under chief engineer Ed Cole, and its compact dimensions made it suitable for a wide range of Chevrolet cars.

The engine appeared in the 1955 Chevrolet lineup and helped establish the small-block architecture that would become one of the most influential American V8 designs. Its compact size and upgrade potential made it useful in both passenger cars and performance applications.

Later versions increased displacement, including the 283, 327, and eventually the widely known 350 cubic-inch engine. Those larger engines are common sources of confusion, but the original 1955 small-block was the 265.