Vehicle

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air epitomized the newly-facelifted Chevy line and led the way for the ’57 Chevy to become one of American’s most memorable cars. What’s hard to believe is that so many shoppers shunned Chevrolets back then, turning instead to restyled Fords.

Chevy trailed Ford in model-year output by 170,000 cars, as Plymouth rose to number three. Not until years later was the ’57 recognized by many as the sharpest Chevy of the decade — best looking of the 1955-57 “classic” era, if not the make’s full life span — as well as an engineering marvel.

Sure, the basic design was getting a little dated, but masterful reworking cleverly concealed the car’s origins, making it look almost brand-new. Riding new 14-inch rubber, Chevrolets stood 2.5 inches longer and 1.5 inches lower. Twin lance-shaped windsplits down the hood substituted for the customary ornament. Modest, if sharp, fins brought up the rear — a mere hint of things to come.

Bel Airs came in seven models, wearing anodized aluminum trim panels on their rear bodysides. In pastel shades, such as turquoise and white, a ’57 convertible or Sport Coupe is enough to send shivers through many an enthusiast today, especially when it’s loaded with factory extras.

Read more about Chevy Belairs at: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/chevrolet-bel-air14.htm