10 Classic Chevrolets We Want To Make A Modern Comeback – SlashGear

Although the Chevrolet Bel Air was produced from 1950 to 1975 for the U.S. market, the 1955-1957 model year cars are considered the line icons. The Bel Air was exceptionally popular with more than 700,000 units built (via Trust Auto), 47,000 of which were convertibles (via General Motors). The stylish tail fins of the 1957 model make it the most recognizable. 

Chevrolet offered the Bel Air in seven body styles: convertible, two-door sport sedan, two-door sport hardtop coupe, four-door sedan, two-door sedan, four-door wagon, and two-door, six-passenger Nomad station wagon. The ’57 Chevy came in the base 150 trim, the mid-level 210 trim, and the premium Bel Air trim, which boasted superior equipment, the most features, and distinguishing accents.

Typical of most full-size cars of that era, the Bel Air featured a front engine and rear-wheel drive. Early 1950s full-sized Chevys were typically equipped with 3.5- and 3.9-liter inline six-cylinder engines. The ’57 Bel Air was initially offered with a 4.3-liter V-8 producing 162 horsepower and later replaced with a 4.6-liter, mated to a 3-speed manual or a 2- or 3-speed automatic transmission (via Auto Trader). Chevrolet also offered the Bel Air with a Super Turbo-Fire V-8 that featured the state-of-the-art Ramjet Fuel Injection system. It was the first GM production V-8 passenger car with a technology that replaced carburetors, resulting in enhanced performance and fuel efficiency.