With the popularity of the classic 1957
Chevrolet it's easy to overlook earlier and later Bel Air models.
The '57 Chevvy is simply a stunning
vehicle and a significant part of the evolution of the Bel Air model.
It gets the balance of fins and side flash just right. As always
though beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Chevs either side of
the 1957 model are just as impressive in their own right.
This 1956 Bel Air two door coupe is a
prime example of just how impressive Chevrolets were in the mid
1950s. The Bel Air started life in 1950 looking all the part of a
post-war sedan, but with a coupe-style hard-top roof. It was all
curves and rounded and looked more 1940s than 1950s. But, it did
herald the popularity of the hard, non-removable
roof over a pillar-less two door body.
There was nothing new about the
concept, just that until then it had never really gained traction
with buyers. The Bel Air changed all that and in the first year more
than 76,000 were sold. The 1953 model was re-shaped and was more
aggressive in the front with a hint of fins at the back. A sign of
things to come.
At this stage the Bel Air was powered
by a choice of two `Blue Flame' straight six engines. Also, buyers
had a choice of convertible, coupe or four door sedan as well as a
wagon.
But the real shift in appearance, and
power trains, came in 1955 with the second generation cars. Gone was
the soft, rounded appearance in favour of the sharper, more
horizontal look. Long, flat sides with chrome flashes, pointed fins
containing brake and indicator lights and pointed front fins housing
the head lamps. The bonnet was no longer domed at the front but flat
and rolling over horizontally to meet a grille that was almost as
wide as the car.
Chrome platers were doing a roaring
trade with thick, wide bumpers front and rear as well as chrome
embellishments as thick as plums in a pudding. The car screamed `rock
'n' roll'. More than 50 years later nothing has changed in that
respect.
This new look Bel Air also gained a 265
cubic inch V8 featuring overhead valves and high compression and a
short stroke. In various configurations this engine was to last for
decades.
The entry level V8 put out 121 kW or
power while a `Power Pack' variant lifted this to 130 kW. By 1957
engine size had grown to the now familiar 283 cubic inch V8. Perhaps
the biggest visual difference between the 1956 and 1957 models is the
cleaner lines of the '57. It's tail fins are sharper giving it a
more natural profile than the '56. The thin flash pushing forward on
the '56 was eliminated and a simple flash at the rear highlights the
large tail fin.
Yet, let's not underestimate the '56
Bel Air. In it's own right it is a magnificent vehicle that has stood
the test of time as a prime example of the car as an art form from
the mid 1950s.
1956 also saw Chevrolet release a four
door pillar less hardtop Bel Air called the
sport sedan. Today, these cars, particularly the convertibles and
pillar less coupes, remain near the top of
the list for enthusiasts. They are classic American cars from the era
and possibly the most recognisable of all the brands. After the 1957
Chevrolet Bel Air came the third generation Bel Air, which changed
shape dramatically. Also, Chevrolet added a hero model, the Impala.
But, with the change came an end to the
era of Bel Air fins and clean, uncluttered lines. But, that's another
story, more history, for another time.
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